Learning Space Design

Technology is changing the face of learning and teaching. Development in wireless networks, affordable computing and mobile devices, combined with the emergence of student centred approaches is directly influencing the very structure and functionality of colleges and universities. The RSC is committed to supporting institution adapt to this changing environment by:

• providing advice on issues involved with new or refurbished learning spaces;
• helping project design and development teams understand the special information, communications and learning technology needs of learning providers; and
• providing exemplars of good practice.

On this page you will be able to find information on:

• RSC Forums
• JISC Resources
• External publications and resources

RSC Forums

The two Scottish Regional Support Centres have established the Learning Space Design Forum. This forum is for members of college or university staff who are facing, or who have already completed, a new build/space re-design and aims to provide members with an opportunity to share expertise and explore the strategic use of spaces to support learning. More details about this and other forums are available from our RSC Forums section.

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JISC Resources

For a summary of recent JISC funded projects exploring the design, implementation and management of learning spaces JISC have prepared the Technology-Rich Physical Space Design Briefing Paper. This paper provides an overview of JISC activities on learning space design from 2006 to present. Included in the paper are summaries of:

• Designing Spaces for Effective Learning (2006) - this publication introduces some design considerations for 21 st century learning and illustrates these with a number of case studies.
• The Design and Management of Open-Plan Technology-Rich Learning and Teaching Spaces in Further and Higher Education in the UK (2007) - a report identifying the operational difficulties of open-plan teaching and learning spaces. This report includes guidelines for senior managers on the containment of noise, maintenance and user behaviour.
• Planning and Designing Technology-Rich Learning Spaces (2007) - an infoKit designed to provide staff with ideas, practical tools and templates to assist them at various stages of new builds or refurbishment projects.

Another useful resource not mentioned in the briefing paper is the JISC funded eSpaces Project (2005) which explored how ‘Innovative Technologies are Influencing the Design of Physical Learning Spaces in the Post-16 Sector’.

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External publications and resources

Below are a selection of other resources and publications related to learning space design:

• SFC: Spaces for Learning - this report, commissioned by the Scottish Funding Council, is a review of current learning spaces in further and higher education. The report also highlights research and best practice which informs the design of effective learning spaces.
• EDUCAUSE: Learning Space Design - EDUCAUSE is a non-profit association of colleges, universities and educational organisations in the U.S.A. established to promote the use of information technology in higher education. One of their major initiatives is the effective design of learning spaces. This site includes links to examples, podcasts, presentations and related writing all associated with effective learning space design. Also available is the EDUCAUSE e-book Learning Spaces edited by Diana G. Oblinger
• Futurelab: Learning Spaces Theme - Futurelab is a non-profit organisation devoted to developing resources and practices that support new approaches to learning primarily in schools. One of their current themes is ‘Learning Spaces’ for which a number of outputs have already been created

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