College Planning & Management

MAY 2013

College Planning & Management is the information resource for professionals serving the college and university market. Covering facilities, security, technology and business.

Issue link: https://collegeplanning.epubxp.com/i/131338

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 74 of 99

Elgin Community College in Elgin, IL, features classrooms with small breakout spaces, rather than large, static lecture halls. This is a dramatic departure from the traditional tiered lecture hall, and the trend applies to other interior and exterior spaces on campus, too. Thanks to the growing use of mobile technology, students expect their learning experience to extend beyond the confines of the classroom. Educational facilities, therefore, often now include non-traditional spaces, such as cafés, for group work and casual interaction. Provide Spaces for Individual Work While it is important to include environments for teaming and social interaction, there is also a need for spaces designed for distractionfree individual study or work. For example, while faculty members spend much of their time interacting with students, their work also includes many "headsdown" tasks that require a quiet place that promotes reflection and focus. Having a dedicated space that is well designed, including the appropriate furniture and finishes, allows instructors to devote the required attention to these tasks while also demonstrating that the institution appreciates its employees. Design for Flexibility and Freedom Higher education facilities must be designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles and meet the needs of all students. For example, some students learn better by working independently, but they still need an environment that encourages participation. A thoughtfully designed space can accommodate both needs. The right furniture and well-placed alcoves can enable students to be part of the group while also providing space for focused study and allowing students to maintain their independence. Window study bays provide personal zones that remain connected to the group study area. Similarly, students want the freedom to work the way they want to and where they want to, whether that means interacting casually, participating in more formal groups, or working individually. They expect around-the-clock access to casual, communal spaces, such as coffeehouses and cafés. The interiors of higher education facilities must support the educational process 24/7. "The University of Oklahoma: we could not have made a better choice - Harlequin Woodspring™ basketweave sprung floor" Mary Margaret Holt Director, School of Dance and Oklahoma Festival Ballet Regents' Professor, Nichols' Chair Norman, OK For free samples, information or assistance call toll free today 800-642-6440 American Harlequin Corporation 1531 Glen Avenue, Moorestown, NJ 08057 Toll Free 800-642-6440- Fax 856-231-4403 dance@harlequinfloors.com www.harlequinfloors.com The world dances on Harlequin f loors © LUXEMBOURG LONDON LOS ANGELES PHILADELPHIA FORT WORTH SYDNEY MAY 2013 / COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT 75

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of College Planning & Management - MAY 2013