As part of a major refurbishment of the third floor of the Martin Building at La Trobe University, SKG Project Team member Matthew Riddle developed a proposal based on SKG principles of learning space design and using observations from the study tour and ideas generated from the project. This proposal was approved in 2009 and works completed during 2010. A second room, DWB-222, is now being fitted out with similar features for use in 2011.

The Collaborative Teaching & Learning Room in the Faculty of Law and Management at La Trobe University

The new collaborative teaching and learning space has the following key features:

• Support for up to 25 students working collaboratively in teams at tables;
• Two break out spaces for informal learning or observations;
• 9 flip top tables that can be quickly and easily reconfigured for separate group work, or in a U-shape for meetings;
• A trolley with 8 cross-platform laptops for use in classes;
• Two mobile collaborative workstations (MoCoWs) to facilitate collaborative teamwork;
• ClassSpot interactive classroom software;
• An adjoining board room with moveable wall to accommodate classes of up to 40 in the combined space, also fitted out with flexible furniture;
• 5 Huddleboard whiteboards with ledge and trays for storage and display.

Comfort refers to both a physical and mental sense of well being.   The concept encompasses  ergonomic furniture, acoustics, lighting, and colour. Students describe comfort as conveying a form of institutional respect.

Comfort in local and international settings.

MP4 Version

Robert Smith talks about the benefits of flexible and comfortable furniture in the classroom.

This video was shot on the SKG Study Tour in January 2009.