Learning Spaces. Diana G. Oblinger, Editor

Transcription

1 Learning Spaces Diana G. Oblinger, Editor

2 Learning Spaces Diana G. Oblinger, Editor ISBN EDUCAUSE. Available electronically at

3 Learning Spaces Part 1: Principles and Practices Chapter 1. Space as a Change Agent Diana G. Oblinger Chapter 2. Challenging Traditional Assumptions and Rethinking Learning Spaces Nancy Van Note Chism Chapter 3. Seriously Cool Places: The Future of Learning-Centered Built Environments William Dittoe Chapter 4. Community: The Hidden Context for Learning Deborah J. Bickford and David J. Wright Chapter 5. Student Practices and Their Impact on Learning Spaces Cyprien Lomas and Diana G. Oblinger Chapter 6. The Psychology of Learning Environments Ken A. Graetz Chapter 7. Linking the Information Commons to Learning Joan K. Lippincott Chapter 8. Navigating Toward the Next-Generation Computer Lab Alan R. Cattier Chapter 9. Trends in Learning Space Design Malcolm Brown and Philip Long ISBN EDUCAUSE. Available electronically at

4 Chapter 10. Human-Centered Design Guidelines Lori Gee Chapter 11. Designing Blended Learning Space to the Student Experience Andrew J. Milne Chapter 12. Sustaining and Supporting Learning Spaces Christopher Johnson Chapter 13. Assessing Learning Spaces Sawyer Hunley and Molly Schaller Part 2: Case Studies Chapter 14. Learning How to See Diana G. Oblinger Chapter 15. City of London: Sir John Cass Business School Clive Holtham Chapter 16. Denison University: MIX Lab Scott Siddall Chapter 17. Duke University: Perkins Library Marilyn M. Lombardi and Thomas B. Wall

5 Chapter 18: Eckerd College: Peter H. Armacost Library J. Michael Barber What Is It? What Happens Here? How Is Technology Used? What Makes the Space Successful? What Principles Were Behind the Design? What Is Unique or Noteworthy? Endnote About the Author Chapter 19. Estrella Mountain Community College: The Learning Studios Project Homero Lopez and Lori Gee Chapter 20. Hamilton College: Science Center Nikki Reynolds and Douglas A. Weldon Chapter 21. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: The ES Corridor Project Nancy Van Note Chism Chapter 22. Iowa State University: LeBaron Hall Auditorium Jim Twetten Chapter 23. London School of Economics: BOX Andrew Harrison Chapter 24. Messiah College: Boyer Hall Dennis Lynch Chapter 25. Michigan Technological University: Center for Integrated Learning and Information Technology Paul Urbanek 2006 EDUCAUSE. Available electronically at

6 Chapter 26. MIT: The Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex Phillip D. Long Chapter 27. MIT: Steam Café Scott Francisco Chapter 28. North Carolina State University: Flyspace Hal Meeks Chapter 29. North Carolina State University: SCALE-UP Robert Beichner Chapter 30. Northwestern University: The Information Commons Bob Davis and Denise Shorey Chapter 31. The Ohio State University: The Digital Union Victoria Getis, Catherine Gynn, and Susan E. Metros Chapter 32. Olin College of Engineering: Academic and Olin Centers Joanne Kossuth Chapter 33. The Pennsylvania State University: Smeal College of Business Peter Nourjian Chapter 34. St. Lawrence University: Center for Teaching and Learning Sondra Smith and Kim Mooney Chapter 35. Stanford University: GroupSpaces Richard Holeton

7 Chapter 36. Stanford University: Wallenberg Hall Dan Gilbert Chapter 37. The University of Arizona: Manuel Pacheco Integrated Learning Center Christopher Johnson Chapter 38. University of British Columbia: The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre Simon Neame and Cyprien Lomas Chapter 39. University of Central Florida: Collaboration and Multimedia Classrooms Ruth Marshall Chapter 40. University of Chicago: The USITE/Crerar Computing Cluster and Cybercafé Shirley Dugdale and Chad Kainz Chapter 41. The University of Georgia: The Student Learning Center William Gray Potter and Florence E. King Chapter 42. Virginia Tech: The Math Emporium Barbara L. Robinson and Anne H. Moore Chapter 43. Virginia Tech: Torgersen Hall J. Thomas Head and Anne H. Moore 2006 EDUCAUSE. Available electronically at

8 Chapter 18 Peter H. Armacost Library Eckerd College J. Michael Barber What Is It? Located on the waterfront of St. Petersburg, Florida, Eckerd College ( is a private, coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences with an enrollment of 1,800 students. Eckerd College is the only national private liberal arts college in Florida and is one of only 40 liberal arts colleges profiled in Loren Pope s Colleges That Change Lives. The new Peter H. Armacost Library (see Figure 1) at Eckerd College, designed by Ayers/Saint/Gross ( presents a vision for the library of the 21st century through the integration of books and information technology as well as by providing unique and inviting spaces that encourage collaborative learning. Figure 1. Peter H. Armacost Library 2006 J. Michael Barber 18.1 Learning Spaces

9 What Happens Here? The Armacost Library facilitates research, collaborative learning, individual learning, informal gatherings, videoconferencing, multimedia instruction, and computing through a variety of services and technologies. For research, library users can access 250,000 volumes on site as well as electronic catalogues, databases, subject guides, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and an e-book collection ( (See Figure 2.) Figure 2. Reference Area Seventeen group study rooms furnished either with tablet-arm lounge seating or tables and chairs create a variety of learning and collaborative environments. (See Figure 3.) To support individual learning, 72 custom-designed study carrels are wired with power and data connections; 8 have multimedia stations for electronic access to audio and video collections. Several open lounges, including an outdoor lanai (screened patio), provide casual settings for individuals or groups to study. A 28-seat meeting room permits users to connect with remote sites throughout the world, while a 30-person multimedia instruction lab provides multimedia training to augment instruction, research, and writing. The campus computing center is strategically placed in the facility to let librarians, programmers, and network specialists collaborate in creating state-of-the-art information storage and retrieval systems. Peter H. Armacost Library, Eckerd College 18.2

10 Figure 3. Group Study Area How Is Technology Used? Users can access information in any setting, even from the lawn areas outside the building, thanks to the wireless access provided. Wired access points, available throughout the building, provide reliable high-speed network connections. Videoconferencing services support collaboration with people on campus and around the world, and reference materials are easily available digitally using online research tools. The technology center houses the campus servers and network maintenance facilities. IT staff are colocated, enabling collaboration between IT specialists and librarians. What Makes the Space Successful? Books and information technology are everywhere and they are integrated. The library is wired and wireless, as is the space around it. Integration of the physical and the digital ensures easy access to resources, no matter what the format. (See Figure 4.) The library responds to and respects the way students like to study, with ubiquitous Internet access, soft furniture, lounges, abundant windows, various sizes of study spaces, and bright, warm, visually inviting colors. The Armacost Library serves as a nexus of student residential life, academic and student life facilities, student programs, and staff offices. The library s unique location and outdoor spaces take advantage of the surrounding Florida landscape and natural environment Learning Spaces

11 Figure 4. Books and Technology Are Integrated What Principles Were Behind the Design? The Armacost Library design focused on integration with the master plan and encouraged stakeholder input. Goals for the final design included an open plan, variety, accessibility, and sustainability. A collaborative design effort between master planners and building designers resulted in identifying a building site that best suited the project. The design team then sought feedback from the building users to design custom solutions that met the unique needs of Eckerd College. Sight lines and views were carefully considered, not only to provide natural light and interesting views from all areas of the building but also to allow a flexible approach to library staffing. Various study environments allow everything from lively collaboration to contemplative study, while the broad concept of accessibility encompasses easy access to the building by the campus community as well as access to information in all its forms. Natural lighting, solar shading, high-performance glazing, energy efficient lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures throughout the facility reduce the demand on energy and natural resources. Peter H. Armacost Library, Eckerd College 18.4

12 The library promotes collaborative learning through the provision of small and large study rooms, large tables, and lounge space. Students can choose the space that best meets their needs. (See Figure 5.) Figure 5. A Variety of Spaces What Is Unique or Noteworthy? The Armacost Library is noteworthy for integrating the design with the university s master plan and for taking advantage of the Florida environment. The building was shaped through a unique collaboration between the master planning and design teams. Its orientation, form, materials, and landscape design were developed to seamlessly integrate with the existing context, including the surrounding Florida environment, and future campus projects. Abundant natural light, water views, and a temperate climate were leveraged in this unique design. (See Figure 6.) As Eckerd College President Donald R. Eastman, III, said during the library s dedication ceremony, 1 We believe we have built a library that enhances and enriches what Eckerd College has always done which is provide the finest possible personal environment for learning Learning Spaces

13 Figure 6. Taking Advantage of the Environment Endnote 1. Donald R. Eastman, III, president, Eckerd College, Peter H. Armacost Library dedication ceremony, February 18, 2005, < About the Author J. Michael Barber is a senior associate with Ayers/Saint/Gross, Architects + Planners

14 ISBN EDUCAUSE. Available electronically at th Street, NW, Suite Walnut Street, Suite 206 Washington, DC Boulder, CO (fax) (fax)