In the spring of 2006 a small group of faculty and staff was convened by Barbara Edwards Farley to explore current literature, thinking and research in space planning in higher education. These spaces are widely referred to as "learning spaces" but the group chose early on to refer to the work at Augsburg as focusing on "teaching and learning spaces." Such spaces are places where formal learning occurs, such as the classroom, or where informal learning occurs, such as the coffee shop or a student lounge.
With several building and renovation projects approaching and with elevated interest in higher education around teaching and learning spaces the time was right to rapidly assemble such a group. Lead by Barbara Edwards Farley and David Warch the group approached space planning as an aspect of the academic planning of the institution. Because budgetary resources are limited, each decision about space planning becomes very important.
A series of guiding design principles was developed by the group for steering space planning decisions on campus. When teaching and learning spaces are planned, budgeted, and outfitted these principles are recommended for a foundation in the process. These are also foundational for the AQIP action project around teaching and learning spaces.
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In March of 2007 a small team (Barbara Edwards Farley, David Warch, Diane Pike, Jane Ann Nelson and Scott Krajewski) went to the CIC/NITLE/PKAL 2007 Learning Spaces and Technology Workshop [slides]. The group experienced several valuable plenary sessions, participated in breakout sessions and in a consultation session with an architect. During campus tours two spaces at the University of Puget Sound were photographed -- the Collins Memorial Library Information Commons [click for pictures] and the new Harned Hall Science Center [click for pictures]. |
| Cafe outside Harned |
On this page you will find some key resources both developed by the group and discovered by the group. Several of these resources include photography -- because when discussing design, visualization is key.
Working Group Members:
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Sheila Anderson | Academic Advising |
| David Draus | Facilities Management |
| Barbara Edwards Farley | Academic Affairs |
| Ann Garvey | Student Affairs |
| Wayne Kallestad | Registrar's Office |
| Scott Krajewski | Information Technology |
| Matt Linngren | Information Technology |
| Jane Ann Nelson | Library |
| Diane Pike | Sociology |
| David Warch | Information Technology |
