HLW Spaces for Learning Research Report

Spaces for Learning

We know the nature of learning is changing, so we asked students how their spaces can best evolve with it.

HLW is a global architecture, planning, research, and design firm committed to promoting a spirit of discovery in our spaces.

Since 1885, HLW has designed and delivered thousands of projects for clients across various industries and sectors. This gives us a diverse and continuously evolving perspective. We work with colleges and universities to envision campus environments that positively impact students at their first campus visit and throughout their entire educational experience.

Introduction

We launched this study by asking current students from colleges and universities around the United States:

How are you learning today, and what spaces do you think will best accommodate your ability to learn in the future?

At HLW, we’re both designers and problem solvers, and we take a user-centric approach to architecture. This means that when addressing our clients’ needs, we get ahead of change and learn from it.

We understand the diversity of today’s students and how their unique qualities shape the colleges and universities they attend. We have experience asking questions to discern these qualities and inform the places we design. The more we ask, the more we learn. This has yielded a broad client network whose different voices help us create better design solutions.

Respondent Background Information

Demographics

• Our survey received 611 responses from students at 433 schools across 35 states.

• We aimed to gather data from a wide range of individuals.

TYPE OF iNSTiTUTiON BY LOCATiON

*Institution type is based on those defined in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Initial Insights

NG STANDARDS

It is well-known that the way students are learning is changing—at a pace more rapid than its architecture. When HLW designed Columbia’s Engineering Center in the 1960s, for example, the project intent was technical and not pedagogical. Our goal was to expand labs and add an auditorium.

Thanks to innovations, such as mobile technological solutions, formal learning is increasingly able to occur in informal settings. Both teaching and studying can happen across an array of locations: inside or out of doors; at the cafeteria or in the dorm; with peers or alone. The 21st century campus needs to recognize this and activate its existing infrastructural nodes to become a network in order to support these new learning trends.

We found in our survey that students’ preferences speak to these shifts—and that the architectural solutions necessary to accommodate student demands align with trends HLW has included in our workplace designs for years.

Students’ requests align with trends commonly seen in innovative workplaces: flexible and supportive environments that address the whole user.

LEARN i NG FROM WORKPLACE

We’ve all heard about the surge of workplace amenities driven by tech mega companies like Facebook, Apple, and Google. HLW understands this well, having written Google’s Project Guide.

The Guide details how food spaces, lounges, and other amenity spaces draw together traditionally disparate groups to encourage interdisciplinary partnerships and creative problem solving. While this approach is commonly associated with Silicon Valley company culture, similar collaborative and enriching environments have become the workplace standard. We understand the advantages of these innovative spaces, and the impact they have on worker retention, satisfaction, and productivity.

In our survey, we saw that students were asking for spaces similar to those found in professional environments. From our experience, we know that these spaces are achievable in both new designs or existing settings.

The spaces students preferred are proven to promote user satisfaction, and could be easily integrated into both new and existing campus settings.

Current Satisfaction Ratings

The dataset below represents students’ average ratings of spaces on their respective campuses. Responses were similar across institution types, despite vast differences in their resources, location, and size.

AvERAGE SATiSFACTiON RATiNG OF SPACES

Students gave many spaces a failing grade.

Numbers indicate the percentage of students who scored each space as either “very good” (5) or “good” (4) on a 5-point Likert scale.

Current Study Habits

Next, we asked students to explain their study habits—the percentage of time they spend studying individually, in a group, and with a professor or TA. We found consistent patterns across educational settings and focus areas.

STUDY HABiTS BY iNSTiTUTiON TYPE

Numbers indicate the percentage of students who scored each space as either “very good” (5) or “good” (4) on a 5-point Likert scale.

Study habits indicate a need to accommodate individual study, while also providing a range of space types.

Where Students Study

When choosing study locations, students experience a sense of place identity, and use spaces that they relate to personally. Their responses frequently highlighted specific ideal study spaces, down to the seat. In some cases, personal preference mattered more than functionality.

Concurrently, many students indicated that busy and loud spaces were detrimental to studying. For these students, spaces with favorable acoustic conditions were more important than those with potentially better seating or other ergonomic features. For example, some students expressed that they would prefer to take over an empty classroom to study rather than work in a thoughtfully designed, but noisy, lounge.

Overall, respondents indicated experiencing a disconnect between spaces that appealed to their social and non-academic needs and those designed for academic activities. They express desire for better alignment of these different needs.

STUDY TRENDS

In some cases, personal preference matters more than functionality.

“The

has study

but we usually leave campus.”

“I study in dorm

but only if they are empty.”

What Students Want

After assessing and commenting on their current educational spaces, students reported on spaces they would like to see on their campuses.

Many of the requested spaces revolved around more and efficient options for socializing, collaboration, and wellness.

“Collaborative study spaces where talking is encouraged.”

REPRESENTATivE RESPONSES iNCLUDE:

“Places close by to purchase fresh food.”

“Spaces to de-stress, relax, and focus.”

Designing the Students’ Ideal Space for Learning

The rest of this document takes trends from our survey findings and shares recommendations, based on HLW designs.

Our goal is to help create thoughtful learning environments that support current students’ learning styles, while looking to the future and recognizing campuses are always evolving.

Key Findings Coming Together

Based on survey responses, here are the trends that students want their spaces to reflect and a visualization of what they could look like.

1

Balance of Space Types

A. Enclosed work rooms for individual and group work

B. Booths and semiprivate seating

C. Open individual and social seating

2

Focus on Wellness

D. Quiet rooms with acoustic privacy

E. Natural materials

F. Natural light and views

3

Functional Furniture & Tools

G. Convenient materials and resources

H. Large work surfaces

I. Movable, soft furniture for teaming and group work

Balance of Space Types 1 |

Respondents reacted positively to spaces that have multifaceted usages that allowed them to feel like they were part of a larger network of peers, even when working alone. Furthermore, from an enclosed room for group work adjacent to a lounge, to individual seating for heads down study in the open, students want to study in a variety of ways within a single environment.

A B

Enclosed work rooms for individual and group work

Enclosed work rooms for individual and group work that both provide acoustic privacy and visual access to the rest of the space allow students to concentrate together without feeling isolated.

Booths and semiprivate seating

Booths and semi private seating offer a middle ground for group work in an open environment.

Open individual and social seating

Open individual and social seating makes it easier for students to choose spaces that accommodate both work and socialization.

Balance of Space Types 1

Enclosed space in an open environment.

Students want spaces where they can eat and study at the same time.

Focus on Wellness 2

The quality of a space has a big impact on how positively students feel about it. Elements like plants and natural light that create a more welcoming and healthy environment go a long way.

This theme is one that most aligns with trends HLW has seen in the workplace over the last decade.

DQuiet rooms with acoustic privacy

Quiet rooms with acoustic privacy can be used for individual study and a space to relax and reduce anxiety. Many students expressed a desire for spaces they could access when they are feeling anxious or stressed while at school.

Natural materials

Natural materials not only set the tone of a space, they are healthier for the user.

Natural light and views

More so than appreciating natural light and views, respondents reacted critically to spaces that lack views to the outdoors.

Focus on Wellness 2 |

HLW PRECEDENTS AND RECOMMENDATiONS:

Green walls bring plants indoors at a large scale.

Natural materials.

Natural light and views.

Room for individuals in a group space.

Game zones to allow for mental breaks.

Hubs equipped with wifi and outlets.

Outdoor study spaces with privacy for individuals or groups.

Functional Furniture and Tools

Students care about how the space and its components support their studies. Specialized study spaces, like maker spaces, did not resonate as strongly with respondents in the way that multi-use spaces do.

In addition, functionality superseded aesthetic impressions.

Convenient materials and resources

Convenient materials and resources (whiteboards, tackable surfaces, monitors, outlets) are key elements that students look for when considering whether they would use a space.

Large work surfaces

Large work surfaces for students to put their laptop on and spread out their materials makes a big difference for how students perceive a space.

IMovable soft furniture for teaming and group work

Movable soft furniture for teaming and group works allows for adaptability and increases functionality by providing diverse use options.

White board with markers and erasers.

Large table surfaces so students can spread out.

Reconfigurable furniture allows for flexibility of usage within a space.

A blend of loungy and more formal furniture.

Monitors for group project work.

Research Methods & Complete Findings

Research Methods

HLW conducted a nationwide survey of college and university students in July 2019. A panel service was used to identify and recruit respondents in major geographic regions around the United States. Several filtering questions were used to qualify respondents. Once the initial respondents were screened and completed the survey, HLW researchers conducted additional screening and eliminated invalid responses. Our final clean dataset consisted of 611 complete and valid responses.

Our survey included several images of learning spaces with associated questions about how students would use them. Images were selected to represent archetypal settings found in a range of academic institutions of various types. Each image shared several common characteristics.

They all:

• Were professionally photographed.

• Depict people using the settings captured in the image.

• Represent people from a cross section of gender and ethnic diversity.

• Most, but not all, images are of HLW projects.

i MAGE FEEDBACK

Students clicked on part of an image that they did or did not like and commented on the reason why. They were then asked if and how they would use a shown space.

No clicks

More clicks

Rating of Spaces by Institution Type

MASTER’S UNivERSiTY

Numbers indicate the percentage of students who scored each space as either “very good” (5) or “good” (4) on a 5-point Likert scale.

DOCTORAL

Numbers indicate the percentage of students who scored each space as either “very good” (5) or “good” (4) on a 5-point Likert scale.

Space Type Synthesis

Our space type synthesis breaks down each image included in the survey. Response style was largely oriented around specific items and space usage more than overall aesthetic and design. Trends included an interest in: tools (white boards, outlets), functional elements (seating, tables), and quality of space (natural light, plants); as well as concerns regarding: noise, cleanliness, and over-crowding.

Respondents loved that this space was open, but also had areas for individual or group study.

Image copyright Steve Hall (Hall+Merrick Photographers)

649 Likes

FURN iTURE

D Love the chairs (look comfy, stylish, and good for long periods of study)

D Table size good to spread out

LOOK & FEEL

D Lots of natural light

D Modern and cool

D Minimalist and organized

D Stylish and colorful

D Looks high tech

D Like the color pops among the whiteness

OPEN BUT BREAKS DOWN

D Private areas good for group work or individual study

D Easy to do heads down work without distraction but can also socialize

D Private, peaceful, calm

D Well spaced, not crowded

D Reconfigurable

107 Dislikes

USAB i LiTY

U Tables too low (can’t write, eat or use laptop on them)

U Needs outlets

U Seating too sparse

U Floors look slippery

U Ceiling looks unfinished

OPENNESS CUT OFF

U Cubicles stifle openness of the space

LOOK & FEEL

U Natural light good, but would be better if you could see out of the windows

U Too white/bright, not enough color even with the pops - plants could help

U Feels empty and lonely

U Too industrial, looks unfinished

Respondents love idea of study rooms for group work. The glass walls were a

controversial element.

476 Likes

LOOK & FEEL

D Modern, cool design

D Plants and natural wood

D Bright lighting

D Design is functional and comfortable

D Not crowded

D Clean

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

D White boards are helpful

D Monitors would be useful, as long as cables are provided

USAB i LiTY

D Love enclosed space for group work (tutoring, small meetings, filming group projects, etc.)

D Auditory privacy is great

D Group space that isn’t shared would be useful

D Good size

106 Dislikes

LOOK & FEEL

U Hallways look like dead space

U Too fancy - looks bland and not fun

USAB i LiTY

U Glass concerns (violates privacy, distracting, no view to natural light/outside, awkward visibility into group study, shouldn’t take over the entire wall)

U What if one person takes over the group room?

U Too enclosed and small

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

U Where are the outlets?

U More white boards - can they be the whole wall?

Respondents were conflicted about how useful the space would be as it felt more social than studious.

666 Likes

LOOK & FEEL

D Modern, creative, unique design

D Aura seems relaxing and pleasant

D The lighting (both designed and natural)

D Plants - even if they aren’t real

D Natural wood feels organic

D Laid-back but also academic

USAB i LiTY

D Looks more social than study - would come to chat

D Good for partner work

D Could have a large group meet

D Stage useful for student performances

D More hangout spot than a study spot

FURN iTURE

D Unique set up, variety of seating options

D Like the steps

D Like the ceiling design

D Looks comfortable, but not too comfortable

D Booth seating and semi-private rooms in the back useful

D Reconfigurable furniture is a plus

121 Dislikes

LOOK & FEEL

U Too open - looks noisy and messy

U Ceiling lights are tacky

U Looks expensive for an academic space

U Looks like it’s designed for relaxing, but doesn’t feel like it would be

USAB i LiTY

U Feels more like a coffee shop than study spot

U Not realistic for students - where are the outlets? Tables too small or low. etc.

U Too crowded for studying

U Stage wouldn’t work for musical performances

U Not wheelchair accessible

Respondents like the idea of a relaxing place to do group study, but were concerned it could get overcrowded.

949 Likes 280 Dislikes

LOOK & FEEL

D Modern, relaxing, calm

D Cool lighting design, makes the space bright

D Clean and well maintained

USAB i LiTY

D Able to relax and think

D Collaborative - good for group work

D Openness can accommodate large groups

D Frosting on back room allows for privacy

D Food and drink allowed

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

D White boards useful - could always have more

D Couches look modern and comfortable

D Plants are nice

LOOK & FEEL

U Colors bland, gray, and cold

U No natural light/windows

U Too serious,

U Not welcoming

USAB i LiTY

U Too open - would get noisy and crowded

U Too many groups in same space and people passing through makes it hard to concentrate

U Students would nap on couches

U Too comfortable for studying

U No space to spread out and work

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

U Tables - too small, not enough, tripping hazard

U Couches - don’t motivate to study, too close together, would get dirty

U No outlets

U No desks for working

U Not enough study tools provided (ex: no marker rack for whiteboard)

U No clock

Seating (booth

and individual) was a focus of this image for respondents.

Image copyright Bob Gun

531 Likes 210 Dislikes

LOOK & FEEL

D Lighting design - warm and comfortable

D Color brightens up the room

D Exposed columns are cool

USAB i LiTY

D Like that it’s multifaceted - can group study, individual study, and eat all in the same area

D Access to technology & computers

D Like that spaces are configured into social and individual work zones

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

D Like variety and comfort level

D Booth seating is very well received

D Individual seating interesting - gives personal space in a public context, size of desks is good because you won’t feel guilty about taking up a whole table - overall like the creativity of the design

D Large tables are good for group work

LOOK & FEEL

U Looks crowded and loud

U Feels like a cafeteria or fast food chain

U Columns look ugly

U Don’t like color palette

U Carpet looks cheap and tacky

U Lighting too low

USAB i LiTY

U Individual seating is too small, doesn’t look comfortable or structurally sound. Also looks strange, lonely, and impractical

U Feels like private space would still be loud

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

U Booth design looks like a diner

Opinions were split about the space’s elements, but respondents liked seeing a formal learning space re-imagined.

698 Likes 355 Dislikes

LOOK & FEEL

D Looks nice and well done

USAB i LiTY

D Would be a unique space to work with a group, TA, or professor

D Format is awkward in this image, but generally could see how the space is flexible and can be configured well

D Interesting to be able to relax while in a formal learning setting

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

D Whiteboard - big, movable

D Seating - good variety, cushions look comfortable, benching is interesting, big tables/desks are good

D Chairs on wheels are useful

LOOK & FEEL

U Drab color scheme

U No natural light

U Too busy - impedes focus (floor pattern, lighting, angles, etc.)

U Too fancy for an academic setting

USAB i LiTY

U Impractical for lectures, especially if a student arrives late

U Doesn’t feel like there are a realistic number of students to make up a class

U Difficult to see the board from the bleachers

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

U Bleacher seating - uncomfortable, no desk, not practical, feet on cushions would get dirty

U TV on the ceiling is strange

Respondents loved the variety of seating and natural light, but were concerned the space felt crowded in the middle.

577 Likes 285 Dislikes

LOOK & FEEL

D Big windows and natural light

D Modern and cool

USAB i LiTY

D Looks like a cafeteria, but can study (nice to be able to charge tech in a space where you’re eating too)

D Good individual seating options in addition to group

D Like working alone in a shared space

D Flexible configurations

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

D Tables - like tall ones (good spread out), booths are always a positive, big enough for computers (bonus when you can spread out books too)

D Ramping is useful for all

D Like seats with backs

LOOK & FEEL

U Too crowded and looks loud

USAB i LiTY

U No personal space in the middle set up

U Don’t believe personal study could happen there

U Security concerns (easily stolen property)

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

U Tables - some too small, need to be able to spread out materials, others too close together

U High chairs are impractical, white chairs don’t look comfortable

U Need to have outlets

Respondents

like this space for hands on group work, but not all students have that need.

Image copyright Harvey Mudd College

537 Likes 189 Dislikes

LOOK & FEEL

D Creative, productive, focused

D Well lit - need to see details

D High tech and advanced

D Color accents bring brightness

USAB i LiTY

D Multipurpose space for flexible group work - series of connected rooms

D Good for hands on projects, but not to study

D Can go between more private rooms and open work space

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

D High tables for standing work

D Recycling

D Clean floors, no carpet

D Enough white boards

D Flexible/mobile set up

LOOK & FEEL

U No natural light

U Messy

U Too much glass

USAB i LiTY

U Small and cramped

U Group work only

FURN iTURE / TOOLS

U Stools - uncomfortable, not good for long-term work

U Tables - should be bigger/wider

U Cords from ceiling and floor are hazards

This study and report were conducted and developed by the following HLW team members:

Peter Bacevice, PhD

Director of Research

Bennet Dunkley, AiA, RiBA

Principal and Higher Education Sector Lead

Kate Caruso, Assoc. iiDA

Senior Interior Designer

Nathalie Weiss

Design Strategist

Kat Smith

Design Strategist

Natalie Mammarella

Graphic Designer