Learning happens everywhere. At least that’s what the research says. The research also shows that spaces that are intentionally designed to support learning are more effective than spaces that aren’t.
When designing an active learning ecosystem—meaning that all of the spaces are intentionally designed to support learning, not just the classrooms—informal learning spaces can be just as integral as formal classrooms and group breakout rooms. Informal learning spaces like learning commons, libraries, and student centers—just to name a few—are a common feature on college and university campuses, and institutions are beginning to invest in them more and more as higher education evolves.
Image of Alcorn State, furniture provided by Interior Elements, photo courtesy of High5 Productions
Intentionally designing effective informal learning spaces takes more thought than simply laying out lounge furniture across the floorplate. Sightlines should be considered, as should group size, the type of work or socializing occurring, acoustic attenuation, and designing for inclusivity.
Line of Sight
In an active learning classroom, ensuring clear line of sight throughout the classroom is important. In informal learning spaces, clear line of sight isn’t always the goal. Many people avoid hanging out in the middle of spaces that are wide open; it’s evolutionary to want to be slightly hidden when lounging with friends or alone. Providing either architectural features like large columns or demising walls, or thoughtfully designing spaces that provide a little privacy can allow large, informal learning spaces to be more fully utilized throughout the day.
Image of Alabama Farm Credit, furniture provided by Interior Elements, photo courtesy of High5 Productions
One to do this is to integrate freestanding meeting rooms throughout an open space, and anchor seating grouping around the freestanding rooms. Modular construction is an ideal way to incorporate freestanding room, while allowing for future flexibility—the room can easily be reconfigured, moved, or removed.
Another way to separate space is to provide furniture options with high backs, allowing students to feel tucked away, while still being centrally located. Many high back furniture options exist, ranging from single-user to options that support large groups.
Image of Edge, furniture provided by Interior Elements, photo courtesy of High5 Productions
Group Size
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to designing informal learning spaces, so providing options for a variety of group sizes is crucial. Groups could easily range from 2-3 students chatting to about a team project to a much larger study group to an individual seeking out a space to study where they’re not isolated in a corner of the library stacks.
Image of UAB, furniture provided by Interior Elements, photo courtesy of High5 Productions
Intentionally designing an assortment of options not only supports a variety of needs but can also prevent students from reconfiguring spaces. For example, it’s a known fact that students love sitting/studying/meeting in booths—and that a single student will occupy a 4-person booth without blinking. Understanding what students want—in this case, booths—and specifying an array of booth sizes, including a single-person booth, is one way to support needs while reducing reconfiguration.
Mixing a variety of group sizes into one space—especially if sightlines are interrupted by architectural features or high back furniture—can allow for a sense of community while also ensuring an effective density across the floorplate.
Image of UAB, furniture provided by Interior Elements, photo courtesy of High5 Productions
Type of Activity
Informal learning spaces must, by nature, support a variety of types of activity, ranging from heads down individual work, to socializing over food (which can be a type of learning!), to large groups working on a common goal. Sprinkling in an assortment of furniture ensures the space can flex to support all types of work. Options include (but are not limited to!): dining height tables and chairs, bar-height tables, lounge furniture, booths, standing-height conference-style tables, and reconfigurable modular furniture.
Image of Auburn University, courtesy of Dr. Anna Ruth Gatlin
Acoustics
Even the best designed spaces are ineffective if acoustics are not accounted for in the design. Using soft surfaces like upholstery and carpet or area rugs and specifying acoustic ceilings where possible can make a tremendous different in acoustic attenuation but may not be enough in some circumstances.
Image of Auburn University, courtesy of Dr. Anna Ruth Gatlin
Consider including wall-mounted options where possible, and where utilizing walls isn’t possible, consider demising space with products that have acoustical properties, like felt or modular construction. Tucking areas designed for noisy group work into a space that can support such activities, like an area with an acoustical ceiling or in a freestanding meeting room, is another way of ensuring the best outcomes.
Designing for Inclusivity
In design, inclusivity is often about providing options so that people have agency over their choice of space, and designing a space with a variety of seating arrangements and furniture typologies ensures just that.
Image of Alcorn State, furniture provided by Interior Elements, photo courtesy of High5 Productions
Consider adjacencies when designing with inclusivity in mind as well. If all of the booths are located far away from main access points, walking distance can become a perceived barrier for mobility-challenged people, unintentionally reducing their access to a highly desirable type of seating. If someone has a back injury they may benefit from standing during a group meeting.
Bonus! School Spirit as Brand Identity
One additional way to enhance informal learning spaces is to incorporate school colors or the team mascot. By using the college or university’s school colors, even in a muted way, the institutions’ brand identity is subtly reinforced, helping students subconsciously connect with their reason for being there: academic achievement, and ultimately graduating.
Image of UAB, furniture provided by Interior Elements, photo courtesy of High5 Productions
This can be done shrewdly, by desaturating team colors or using art inspired by local landmarks as design elements, or by boldly embracing a university mascot, logo, or other institutional branding. Screen-printing images (of historical collegiate photos or of campus landmarks, for example) or logos onto acoustical panels can check two boxes: enhancing acoustic attenuation and reinforcing university identity. The skilled designers at Interior Elements can work with university licensing offices to ensure that all images used obtained properly and will print well on the acoustic panel medium.
Informal learning spaces are becoming more of a focal point for prospective student tours and a highly sought-after feature for students and other university stakeholders. Designing these spaces intentionally can radically change the effectiveness of the space, ensuring that every square foot is maximized for usage and student success.
Image of Auburn University, courtesy of Dr. Anna Ruth Gatlin
For more information on designing informal learning spaces and design strategies to support all modes of learning or to be connected to Interior Elements, click here.
About the Author
Anna Ruth Gatlin, PhD, is an award-winning interior designer and design researcher. Currently an Assistant Professor of Interior Design at Auburn University, she transitioned to full-time academia after a career practicing institutional, commercial, healthcare, and educational design.
