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) |
Success Factors
What Makes The Space Successful?
The freedom that it allows for innovation and experimentation.
What Is Innovative About The Design And The Use Of The Space?
Pedagogic models that immerse students in a learning environment have been shown to stimulate deep learning and the embedding of audio-visual media into the structure of the room provides such opportunities. For example, audio zoning is a feature of the Robinson Rooms which can be used to simulate movement through a larger physical space. Outputs from activities can be recorded on tablet PCs, drawn directly or exhibited on magnetic work walls, filmed or photographed, providing a seamless interface between f2f and electronic methods of generation and storage.
The room layout can also be configured and reconfigured to suit a variety of purposes and goals, maximising the potential for problem-solving, embodied and scenario-based learning for students.
All aspects of the space invite use. Magnetic work walls and magnetic paint on structural features create instant opportunities to share and exhibit thought processes. Power sockets at regular intervals in the floor create a honeycomb of connectivity - users should be able to plug in anything anywhere they need to in order to gain access to the network, video and audio outputs, or power.
Above ground cabling (this is a refurbishment) is contained within rounded protective shields, and there are no sharp corners to interior furnishings. Furniture has been designed for maximum flexibility: all items of hardware are on castors, tables can be collapsed to stand against the wall, lightweight palette chairs offer work surfaces for laptops and tablet PCs, magnetic work walls can be used as group screens and also work surfaces. Tables fit easily together to create larger or smaller units.
The resulting blend of f2f techniques and electronic devices creates a stimulating and challenging interface between the human and technological dimensions, and the physical environment.
