INTERIORS
PHOTO © 2010 KATE JOYCE STUDIOS
FOCUS ON FUNCTION
Design practices and trends for today's higher education institutions.
By
LARRY SCHNUCK, AIA
T
Promote Collaboration and Interaction
Educators recognize that people learn in different ways,
at different times, and in different places. This knowledge is
transforming how higher education environments are being
designed, particularly as it relates to supporting students
working together in teams.
In the classroom, educators are increasingly serving not
as "talking heads," but as leaders of an interactive learning experience in which students work together in small
groups. Rather than being stationed at the front of the room,
the instructor is placed at the center, where he or she can
interact with the students. Flexible room configurations and
technology allow teaming, with students typically working
in groups of up to 10 people.
As an example, the Health and Life Sciences Building at
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COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / MAY 2013
PHOTOS © 2012 KAHLER SLATER
HE DAYS IN WHICH A PROFESSOR STANDS AT THE
FRONT OF A HUGE ROOM AND SIMPLY DELIVERS A
lecture while students dutifully listen and take notes are disappearing. Today's students and educators demand far more
interaction and flexibility. Thoughtful facility design can help
colleges and universities meet these expectations.
This article explores design trends and shares some best
practices for creating academic facilities. By keeping these
guidelines in mind, academic institutions can create environments that help them deliver outstanding learning and
work experiences.
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