In this era of scaled-down budgets, maximized efficiencies, new learning methods and social media’s domination of face time, college and university campuses are gravitating toward a new space type: the learning commons.
A hybrid of a library and a student union, a learning commons is a collaborative, interactive space in which students can gather to study in groups. Rather than perpetuating a separate cloistered-in-a-carrel approach to studying, the learning commons encourages groups of students to gather, usually around monitors or conversationally arranged furniture, for face time and collaboration.
This is especially true for the smaller liberal arts institutions striving to keep the education process as personalized as possible. In addition to contributing to improved learning, these spaces address a broader cultural issue: students are socially connected in physical isolation. A learning commons can entice students out of their dorm rooms and into an environment in which relationships can be formed.
Two converging trends are basically responsible for the establishment of the new type of study space.
First is the desire of the higher education institutions to attract students. The commons should be inviting, comfortable and have digitally connected spaces with convenient availability of food. It should be seen as a fun way to study in aesthetically pleasing surroundings.
Northwest Nazarene University’s Learning Commons will include student support with academic advisors, testing services, tutors and socialization areas with a café and a variety of collaborative work spaces.
With a goal of student retention and graduation, the second trend is toward providing students with academic, emotional, development and vocational support in the Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service. These efforts are sustained through Trevecca’s version of a learning commons (student success center) that houses tutoring and writing assistance, disability services, developmental math, testing services, counseling services and developmental resources, such as the freshman, sophomore and junior/senior year experiences. There is a strong emphasis on vocation, mentorship and self-discipline through these endeavors.
Supporting the retention goal is an ongoing emphasis on team projects and other assignments that use increased collaboration. Collaboration is, of course, an accepted way of learning and working in the education profession.
ESa advocates that a successful learning commons have ten characteristics:
• Flexible area with movable, soft furniture that can interface with technology so that students can create their own spaces
• Open area that is inviting to students
• Available food, preferably café style with coffees, juices, sodas, light snacks or sandwiches
• Late hours
• Available marker boards for brainstorming
• Help desk
• Private, acoustically separate spaces for tutoring and counseling
• Outdoor space with patios or verandas
• Available seminar rooms/study rooms
• Ample, available power for recharging mobile devices
Establishing a learning commons on a campus can be done through new construction, renovation of an area or designating a portion of an existing space. Cumberland University’s Learning Commons was created with a limited budget through renovation of a former residence hall. The Commons consists of large indoor and outdoor study areas, double-height study lounge, snack bar, 10 seminar/study rooms, six offices and a mock interview suite—including an observation room with filming capabilities. The latter space is invaluable as counselors work with students preparing them for the workforce.
Cumberland University’s Learning Commons
On the other hand, Northwest Nazarene University’s Learning Commons is part of the Riley Library. This facility is scheduled for completion the third quarter of 2014. NNU’s program will include student support with academic advisors, testing services, tutors and socialization areas with a café and a variety of collaborative work spaces.
Support for faculty will be available in the form of multimedia studios for developing course content, as well as resources made available through the Center of Innovation for Teaching and Learning. Library services will include a centralized information desk and a lending desk for library and tech support materials. An IT (hardware and software) support desk will also serve the library and learning commons.
During this digital age, learning commons are an avenue for colleges and universities to get back to basics. No student can be an island for a full higher education experience, and the learning commons enhances education by providing space for collaborative means as well as individual discovery to achieve a more complete experience.
About the Author
Wendell D. Brown, AIA, LEED AP, is a Design Architect/Project Manager with Earl Swensson Associates, Inc.
Related Stories
| Oct 4, 2012
HMC Architects in service to the community
HMC employees give back to their communities through toy drives and fundraising efforts like CANstruction, which benefits local food banks.
| Oct 4, 2012
Career development, workplace environment programs key to retention at HMC Architects
Architecture firm take a multifaceted approach to professional development.
| Oct 4, 2012
Foundation tightens HMC Architects bond with local communities
Founded in 2009 with an initial endowment of $1.9 million, HMC’s nonprofit Designing Futures Foundation (DFF) has donated about $230,000 in its three years of existence, including $105,000 in scholarships to California students. The grants help promising high schoolers with an interest in architecture, design, engineering, education, or healthcare pay for expenses like test preparation services, computers, and college entrance exam fees and tuition. The scholarships can be extended for up to five years of college.
| Oct 4, 2012
Gilbane publishes Fall 2012 construction industry economic report
Report outlines fluctuation in construction spending; predicts continued movement toward recovery.
| Oct 3, 2012
Fifth public comment period now open for update to USGBC's LEED Green Building Program
LEED v4 drafts and the public comment tool are now available on the newly re-launched, re-envisioned USGBC.org website.
| Oct 2, 2012
Mirvish and Gehry unveil conceptual design to transform Toronto’s entertainment district
Reimagining of King Street Entertainment District supports Toronto’s cultural corridor.
| Oct 2, 2012
Dow Business Services Center building named 2012 “America’s Best Buildings of the Year” winner
Building constructed with air sealing and insulation products from Dow Building Solutions.
| Oct 2, 2012
Bernards working on project at L.A. White Memorial Medical Center
The new facility is a $15-million, 41,000-sf concrete structure which includes three stories of medical office space atop a three-level parking garage.
| Oct 1, 2012
Tyco completes separation process, now largest pure-play fire protection and security business
Tyco Integrated Security focused on delivering security solutions to commercial businesses.
| Sep 28, 2012
Seattle is home to first LEED-certified modular radiation center
By using modular construction and strategic site design, RAD Medical Systems built the first radiation center to receive LEED certification.