Learning Space Design considers all the “environmental” factors that may impact the learning experience. What is the room like? Lighting? Doors? Chairs? Tables? Equipment? Technology? Size of the space? Number of individuals who can occupy the space? Physical features of the objects in the learning space? Etc. Of course, Learning Space Design is not only interested in physical spaces but spaces that can be created using electronic means (this leads to the field of Blended Learning). There are many groups exploring Learning Space design (EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative is one; Project Kaleidoscope is another with their Learning Spaces Collaboratory). Others are actually enacting such designs to underscore changes in learning needs for the 21st century such as the efforts at Eastern Kentucky University with their exciting new Noel Studio for Academic Creativity.
If you could design your ideal learning environment, what would it look like? How would it function? What would you learn there? How would such a designed space enhance learning in some areas? Diminish others?
We need much more design thinking training to meet the needs of the 21st century. The practice of Learning Space Design can play a prominent role in the shift in Higher Ed (and elsewhere) from the learning mode of gathering facts to the mode of design thinking and doing.
