London School of Economics and Political Science, The Robinson Rooms
| Further Details: | The Robinson Rooms |
| Type of Project: | Refurbishment |
| Start/End Date: | 2004 (opened Jan 2005) |
Background & Context
LSE wanted versatile spaces which could be used individually or as one. Where in consecutive hours, the rooms might host standard teaching, break-out seminars, interactive learning and evening receptions. It would also serve as a test bed where lessons could be learnt and then applied to future refurbishing projects.
The principles were behind the design were a recognition that there is a shift in the impact of technology on teaching and learning, away from lectures to blended approach, and in teachers using multiple delivery methods, coupled with innovation in learning programmes with more emphasis on group work, research projects, distance learning and innovations in teaching labs.
A technology-rich, flexible learning space was required to enable further innovation and experimentation to take place. A design challenge was that the space had to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders and vantage points (students, teachers, facilities, accountants, new technologies, the future LSE).
Formerly a canteen, the Robinson Rooms form three interlocking spaces designed to support creative problem-solving learning and to provide access to a wide range of multimedia and learning technologies.
This space provides a highly creative and flexible environment for both timetabled classes, internal meetings, staff development events, and for accelerated problem-solving workshops booked by external clients. However, priority is given to timetabled classes, or to innovative learning events organised internally. Only 20% of usage is for external bookings. The largest space holds up to 50 participants and all three rooms can be reconfigured, linked or separated to suit the purpose(s) of the session.
This facility also gets used to support external and internal teams in complex organisational and creative activities, for example, planning longer-term strategies, managing change, creative problem solving, alignment of business and organisational models, design and prototyping of new models, services and products.
