Space to learn: Balancing efficiency

1
Space to learn Balancing efficiency
effectiveness Dr Alexi MarmotDirector AMA
Spaced Out NCUP ConferenceImperial College
London 20 September 2006
2
Content

• 1 Efficiency and how to attain it in building
  projects
• 2 Effectiveness of learning spaces
• 3 Keys to design of learning spaces

3
Context

• Fierce competition nationally and internationally
• Deliver more better with less
• E-learning and pervasive information connectivity
• Learners as informed consumers
• Staff attraction and retention
• Accessibility
• Sustainability

4
Space per student FTE varies widely
Area sq m NIA per student FTE
Institution average Case study building HE sector
average from EMS data

Source from HEFCE 2006 Promoting space
efficiency in building design p18
5
Space efficiency net internal and net useable
area as GIA
NIA net internal area as GIA NUA net useable
area as GIA
of GIA (gross internal area)
Source from HEFCE 2006 Promoting space
efficiency in building design p17
6
Area per research workstation varies widely
Area sq m NUA
Desk surface Workstation footprint Room average

Source from HEFCE 2006 Promoting space
efficiency in building design p18
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Utilisation of teaching spaces

• Frequency and occupancy, combined, expressed as
• Target is 30 (ELWA 2002)
• Actual average across sector is 25 (EMS)
• Case study buildings were within 25 - 30 range
• Assumptions about the academic year and teaching
  hours builds in vast inefficiencies

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Guidance Space efficiency in building design

• 1. Maximize built space on the footprint
• 2. Match new uses to existing buildings
• 3. Provide a high ratio of useable to gross area
• 4. Capture balance areas for active use
• 5. Provide versatile space, services, furniture
  fittings
• 6. Specify design for different activities at
  different times
• 7. Optimise space standards for effective work
• 8. Create versatile office/research zones
  meeting quiet space
• 9. Optimise furniture sizes for effective work
• 10. Provide wireless data for maximising use of
  common space.

Source from HEFCE 2006 Promoting space
efficiency in building design p3
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Guidance Space efficiency - good practice

• 1. Appoint a space champion
• 2. Systematically collect update space
  information
• 3. Agree targets, monitor their attainment
• 4. Collect standardised space utilisation data
• 5. Collect and apply detailed cost information
• 6. Incorporate space efficiency into an estate
  strategy
• 7. Incorporate space efficiency in project
  brief, feasibility, design review
• 8. Clear structure for decisions, consultation,
  communication
• 9. Promote versatility and the right furniture
• 10. Include space efficiency in post occupancy
  reviews.

Source from HEFCE 2006 Promoting space
efficiency in building design p3
10
Learning is being revolutionised
to LEARNING
from INSTRUCTION

• teacher-centred
• face to face
• synchronous
• solo learning
• group course, autumn start
• once only
• single medium
• self contained
• local context

• learner-centred
• digital
• asynchronous, web-based
• group learning
• individual courses, start anytime
• lifetime education
• multi-media
• partnerships
• global context

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Pedagogical theories relevant to space

• Learning through reflection
• Learning by doing
• Learning through conversation

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e-learning and m-learning

• ubiquitous connectivity on and off campus
• wireless university
• streamlined administration files, course notes
• real time room booking management monitoring
• video-streamed lectures
• classroom communication systems
• self assessment materials
• collaborative teaching across institutions
• mobile phones and PDAs as learning devices,
  podcasts
• E portfolios
• 24/7 access to facilities

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Seven space types

• 1 Group teaching/learning
• 2 Simulated/special learning environments
• 3 Immersive environments
• 4 Peer-to-peer and social learning
• 5 Learning cluster
• 6 Individual spaces
• 7 External spaces
• (Innovative photographic examples of each space
  type were presented)
• (Data on how and where students spend time, their
  technology and learning mode preferences were
  also presented)

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Essential design qualities

• Scale, accessibility, views - the boring basics
• Infrastructure - power, data
• Furniture
• Flexibility
• Sustainability
• Density, utilisation, space and dimensions for
  the learning style
• Air, heat, light and facilities management

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12 keys to successful learning spaces

• 1 Articulate a learning plan
• 2 Integrate with strategic development
  estates plans
• 3 Involve all stakeholders - academic, IT,
  estates, learners
• 4 Select an informed design and implementation
  team
• 5 Learn from others - site visits, case
  studies, discussion forums
• 6 Experiment with new ideas
• continued

Source AMA for SFC, 2005, Spaces for learning
A review of learning spaces in further and higher
education
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12 keys to successful learning spaces

• 7 Integrate suitable IT and audio-visual tools
• 8 Introduce flexibility for different learning
  modes over time
• 9 Reskill users to make best use of new spaces
  
• 10 Manage the space well - bookings, layout,
  maintenance
• 11 Insist on learner teacher feedback on
  effectiveness
• 12 Publicise the findings

Source AMA for SFC, 2005, Spaces for learning
A review of learning spaces in further and higher
education
17
Further information
JISC, 2006, Designing Spaces for Effective
Learning, A guide to 21st century learning space
design AMA for SFC, 2005, Spaces for
learning A review of learning spaces in further
and higher education ISBN no. 9780955252808/
0955252806 CABE, 2003 Creating excellent
buildings A guide for clients CABE, 2004,
Creating successful masterplans A guide for
clients CABE, 2005, Design for distinction the
value of good building design in higher
education HEFCE, 2006,Promoting space efficiency
in building design (UK higher education space
management project) T Kelly, F Parsons, 2005 How
learning technologies are influencing the design
of physical learning spaces Guidelines for
effective practice, University of Birmingham
www.jisc.ac.uk www.sfc.ac.uk www.cabe.org.uk
www.smg.ac.uk
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