What Is A Successful Learning Space?
This is discussed in Design of the Learning Space: Learning & Design Principles by Chris Johnson and Cyprien Lomas, EDUCAUSE review July/August 2005.55
Is a successful learning space:
- One that is being used in the way in which the designers envisioned?
- One in which the space is productively used in ways not originally envisioned?
- A space that is always busy?
- A cost-effective space?
- One that promotes deeper learning?
- One that provides the type of arrangement/amenities needed to support a learning activity?
The Learning and Skills Council suggests the following criteria should be reflected in all new projects:
- Innovation and Excellence - is it an innovative and high quality new style of learning environment for the 21st century?
- Adaptability - can the design accommodate changing learning styles through flexible provision?
- Manageability - will it be easy to manage and make effective and efficient use of staff?
- Accessibility - is it an inclusive and accessible place for learning that supports engagement while providing a safe and secure environment, accessibility to learning systems, technology and resources?
- Atmosphere - does the design create a 'feel good factor' for learners and staff?
- Sustainability - how effectively does the design consider climate change, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, transport, physical quality of the learning environment re: daylight, air, and acoustics?
