Learning Spaces

Workshop

TH26 - Successful and Empathetic Learning Spaces for Students

Speaker(s)

• 

  Sara Gewurz, AIA, LEED AP

  Senior Associate
  Payette
• 

  Vera Baranova, AIA

  Architect
  Payette
• 

  Jess Martin

  Administrative Director
  Amherst College

Pedagogies, study needs and socialization habits are changing with more diverse student bodies. Planners and architects must respond with an empathy-driven design process that captures the concerns and needs of future occupants.

Examining the Science Center at Amherst College, we will share the research and programming that lead to the innovative and successful design of student learning spaces in their new STEM facility. This includes information on newly developed teaching, research and informal learning spaces. The session will address the evolving space needs of STEM students, including the emerging needs of first generation and underrepresented minority groups.

The first year of occupancy at the new Science Center has revealed many intriguing outcomes: how are students using and adapting to novel teaching, study and social spaces; how is this project impacting students beyond STEM majors in the larger campus community; and what are the most essential features of the new building.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore a process for researching, observing, programming, and designing successful learning spaces.
• Evaluate the quantity and quality of student learning spaces that leads to successful empathetic design.
• Describe trends in space planning that look to integrate student learning spaces with student life programs.
• Gauge the effectiveness of student learning spaces to build campus community and meet the needs of a diverse student population.