The Spark, Washington State University’s (WSU) new 83,295-sf high-performance digital classroom building, provides the campus with a network of flexible, technology-enabled learning environments. The ZGF Architects-designed facility includes a variety of classroom types including formal, informal, large group, small group, individual, active, problem-based, and maker spaces.
The classroom spaces are flexible and allow for easy transition from a lecture format to group discussion. Students can reserve a variety of group study rooms by using iPads mounted outside of the rooms. “Learning lounges” are located on each level and provide space for meeting and help manage the large numbers of students congregating outside of classrooms before and after class. A naturally lit central stair links the interior spaces together and acts as a wayfinding tool.
Photo: Benjamin Benschneider.
The highlight of the new building, and also the largest classroom in The Spark, is a circle-in-the-round 360-degree active learning hall. This classroom forgoes the typical tiered seating lecture hall concept and instead provides students with 360 degrees of projected content that encircles the faculty.
Photo: Benjamin Benschneider.
Large glass windows are found throughout the building to bring natural light and transparency to learning and support spaces. A roof deck furthers the connection to the surrounding natural environment. The Spark is currently on track to receive LEED Silver certification.
Photo: Benjamin Benschneider.
Photo: Benjamin Benschneider.
Photo: Benjamin Benschneider.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Jun 28, 2021
MiraCosta Community College to receive new Chemistry and Biotechnology Building
HED designed the building.
Resiliency | Jun 24, 2021
Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]
New on HorizonTV, oceanographer John Englander discusses his latest book, which warns that, regardless of resilience efforts, sea levels will rise by meters in the coming decades. Adaptation, he says, is the key to future building design and construction.
University Buildings | Jun 21, 2021
Rediscovered Mies van der Rohe design under construction at Indiana University
The design was originally created in 1952.
University Buildings | Jun 18, 2021
The Scott A. McGregor Computer Science Center completes on Harvey Mudd College’s campus
Steinberg Hart designed the project.
University Buildings | Jun 14, 2021
Radford University’s new $80.5 million Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity
Hord Coplan Macht designed the project in collaboration with William Rawn Associates.
University Buildings | Jun 8, 2021
Living/Learning Residence Hall breaks ground at Augustana University
KWK Architects designed the project.
Education Facilities | Jun 4, 2021
Three ProConnect events coming this fall: Sustainability (Nov 2-3), Education (Nov 16-17), Multifamily (Dec 12-14)
SGC Horizon ProConnect 2021 schedule for Education, Multifamily, Office, and Single Family events.
University Buildings | Jun 1, 2021
Georgia Southern’s new $60 million Engineering and Research Building completes
The facility will serve as the new epicenter for engineering excellence and innovation in southeast Georgia.
University Buildings | May 26, 2021
Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex completes
Behnisch Architekten designed the project.
Digital Twin | May 24, 2021
Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained
Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.