Spaces for quiet study and contemplation

One constant for creative activity and university study over time has been the need for spaces for quiet study and contemplation.

University libraries traditionally have provided quiet spaces for study.  While 13^th century monks may have used a chapel for thinking and stood at a sloping desk to create their manuscripts, 21^st century students need a flat surface for their laptops and access to wifi and power.  Libraries can relatively easily adapt to the needs of modern students by providing access to the technology students need to operate their own learning tools as well as using the universities.

The Meyer Library at Stanford University provides a range of places for quiet study as well as group work.  Students can easily move between the group tables and the comfortable spaces designed for quiet study.

Quiet study at the Meyer Library Stanford University

A range of seating is available at the Meyer Library Stanford University

Comfortable chairs in a designated lap top use area: Stanford University

Laptop chair: Meyer Library, Stanford University

Meyer Library Stanford University

Spaces that promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge construction

Some disciplines tend towards individual study and students need to be encouraged to engage with their peers in order to share ideas and learn from each other.

In this aesthetically pleasing Nanotechnology Lab at Harvard University, the view out the window encourages students to rest their eyes from the demanding lab work.  Large leather couches have been provided to encourage students to take a break from their individual work and sit down with their peers over a coffee and discuss their work.  The couches are arranged in a large square so that the entire group can sit together and view presentations and discuss ideas.

Nanotechnology Lab: Harvard University

Students in the STATA centre MIT. Notice the power outlets neatly tucked in under the seating - this allows the students to plug in their own laptops and the open wifi access means they are not restricted to the MIT site only. The STATA centre provides a range of seating options, so students can work together or work on their own.

The STATA Centre at MIT not only provides booth and cafe style seating, but also has a gym, childcare facility and food. Students move easily from one activity to another while staying within the 'learning zone'.

A Comfortable environment

A comfortable environment inspires a sense of physical and mental well being.   An uncomfortable student is unlikely to be immersed in the learning experience, rather they will be distracted by the weather, where to put their heavy bags, where to get something to eat or drink, and time wasted standing in queues or finding their way around the campus.

More on comfort in the university setting.

Welcoming and safe environment

Appropriate technology that works – Rooms easy to reconfigure

The chalk to plasma continuum is in evidence in this refitted classroom at Harvard University. Many Professors at the University still prefer to use a blackboard for teaching so this classroom has incorporated traditional teaching methods with high tech advances. Notice the wires supporting the technology have been discretely embedded into the wall below the blackboard.

This odd shaped room in the Meyer Library Stanford University affords multiple uses as it has sturdy but flexible push/pull tables that can be moved against the wall, chairs on wheels, whiteboards, partitions and powerpoints hidden under the carpet.

These informal learning booths have been placed in a corridor outside a classroom, allowing the class to seamlessly break into group work.