Learning Space Design

A guide with associated case studies and a photo library on new build and refurbishment in the sectors including sustainable approaches and business incubation spaces.

"When designing a new school building with various learning spaces for the 21st century, architects, school leaders and teachers must collaborate to build a space that meets the daily and diverse needs of students and teachers. Bridge3 has created the ideal learning space in their delivery of the School 3.0"

This looks a promising resource, which starts from the premise that library design should start with customers.

Learning spaces Scoop.it page curated by Peter Mellow

"by P.B. Garrett Published on Monday, October 13, 20140 Comments Key Takeaways Experiential learning enhances student engagement and learning and thus is an important pedagogical driver of learning space design. Successful creation of experiential learning environments and faculty adoption and use of innovative learning spaces depend critically on collaborative partnerships. Investing in the creation of experiential learning spaces proves essential to preparing students for today's marketplace."

Jisc RSC case study published: 11th September 2014 Summary "Following a refurbishment of one of its campuses, staff at South Staffordshire College introduced new technology-rich learning spaces, featuring state of the art equipment. As a result, the college is benefitting from more engaged students, new assessment methods and ways of working, as well as making time and cost savings."

Providing the higher education sector with a learning space design framework for cost effective retrofitting of existing learning spaces. A really useful resource from Australia.

One of the most interesting innovations is the introduction of a 'Fab Lab', as well as a new Business and Information Hub to support local businesses. The 'Fab Lab' is believed to be the first of its kind in a UK public library, though a growing feature of libraries in the US and other countries. The Fab Lab, or fabrication laboratory, is a digital workshop equipped with laser-cutters, 3D printers and scanners, 3D milling machines, electronics bench and programming and design tools, where users can "make almost anything".

Image gallery of award winning library interiors from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

"As an essential department at a higher education institution and an informal learning space, little is known about how academic libraries contribute to student learning on campus. The Olin Library sought to learn the role of library space in our users' learning. We surveyed users about their learning behaviors in a specific space prior to a scheduled renovation and then in the same space after. We wanted to determine how the renovation changed users' perceptions of their learning behaviors in that space."

"In an increasingly digital world, libraries are surplus to requirements, right? According to the Voices for the Library campaign, more than 10 per cent of the UK's public libraries are currently at risk of closure by their local authority, and hundreds have been shut down in the past two years alone. For universities, however, both modern and historic libraries are at the heart of campus life. A new book, Reflections: Libraries (published this month by ROADS Publishing), has collected 44 images of the most iconic library buildings, and it includes some inspiring photographs from some of the world's best known higher education institutions."

It is the first year the list has been so dominated by education, something RIBA president Angela Brady puts down to the "recessionary times" deterring risk-takers within commercial construction fields. Of the 43 British and nine EU-based structures longlisted, six will shortlisted for the Stirling prize next month.

The concept of Learning Space is becoming more important at every level of education. Nick Valentine explores...

"designboom's TOP 10 libraries of 2013 includes a diverse range of projects, featuring works from renowned offices alongside young and emerging practices. "

"hubs for activity - collaborative work spaces (( the article, compiled by designboom's editor-in-chief birgit lohmann originally appeared in print (issue 02/volume 01/december 2013) in the arts and business journal "

Learning is changing in the 21st century. Technologies used in learning, such as interactive whiteboards, personal learning environments, wireless networks and mobile devices, plus the internet and high-quality digital learning resources - and the ability to access many of these from home and the workplace - are altering the experiences and aspirations of learners. Increasing investment in estate and learning technologies, combined with the need for more cost-effective space utilisation, is making it increasingly important for senior managers and decision-makers to keep abreast of new thinking about the design of technology-rich learning spaces. Understanding what makes an effective design is important. The best are likely to assist all within the institution to work more productively and to produce learners who are confident, adaptable, independent and inspired to learn. In short the design of our learning spaces should become a physical representation of the institution's vision and strategy for learning - responsive, inclusive, and supportive of attainment by all.

Redesigning the College Library Building, 2014 Edition This 220+ page report looks closely at the capital spending plans and building renovation/construction policies of academic libraries, predominantly in the USA and Canada. The study covers capital spending and space allocation plans with highly detailed data on recent library spending and future plans for the construction or renovation of library cafes, seating space, lighting, atriums, classroom space, information commons and other technology-oriented spaces, group study space, storage space, collection space, rooftop space, offices, meeting spaces and auditoriums, entrances and exits, restrooms, gardens and other outdoor spaces, artwork, windows, space and facilities for special collections, performance space, space intended for library applications for specific academic departments and other forms of library space and special features. In addition, the report looks at other forms of capital spending such as plans for library furniture, workstations,information technology and more. The study also presents extensive data on sources of funding for renovations and new construction as well as data on how renovations have been received by the target audience. Redesigning the College Library Building, 2014 Edition also examines special purpose investments in energy saving technology, enhancements to natural light and soundproofing, among others. Data is broken out for public and private colleges, by size and type of college, and by college tuition level.

Open Education Europa The latest issue of the eLearning Papers is out, on the theme of "Design for Learning Spaces and Innovative Classrooms." The articles offer insight from research findings and practical experiences relating to the re-imagination and re-configuration of learning spaces.