Settings for Learning: Taxonomy of Spaces

Architecture and Design Scotland

Qualities of Space Educational Benefits and Activities

Space for individual or paired study should be quiet to allow for reflective learning.

Access to technology would be useful.

Good for developing independence, and student-led working. These spaces should be observable, with passive supervision from teachers.

They may also be useful for remote distance learning courses and flipped classrooms.

Individual or Paired Study

Qualities of Space Educational Benefits and Activities

These spaces would be designed to support small to medium sized groups (4-8 people).

Booths are one option to create group study space, and are usually clustered together in connective spaces or near cafes.

Displays and whiteboards useful.

Technology would be an advantage.

Can be used for collaborative work or socialising, or one-on-one assistance.

Useful to spread work out.

Teachers can observe and guide but not lead.

A good space for teachers to meet up.

Group Study

Presentation Space Qualities of Space Educational Benefits and Activities

A large open work area, to accommodate a big group.

This space would benefit from a projector, and a flat wall surface/screen.

Good for facilitated discussions, questioning and answering. It would allow teachers to present ideas, and then break up into smaller group study.

Gives students practice for class presentations.

Interactive Space Qualities of Space Educational Benefits and Activities

A mix of fixed computing tables, comfortable seating and flexible furniture are ideal. These areas offer users a choice of individual or group spaces, with or without fixed technology.

Whiteboard space would work well, and technology would be required.

This would be a space conducive to problem solving. These spaces would allow for groups to interact in new ways, and foster creativity and inspiration.

Possibilities for gaming, media, prototyping.

Qualities of Space Educational Benefits and Activities

Corridors and halls which sit next to classrooms or offices are often overlooked spaces that could be used more effectively. Circulation space could be used for learning spaces, including individual or group study.

They are likely to be high-traffic areas, so management of these spaces would have to be considered.

Creating learning spaces in circulation spaces, would allow groups or individuals to break out from the classroom and maintain teacher supervision.

It would make learning more visible throughout the school, not just in the classroom.

Circulation Space

Social Space Qualities of Space Educational Benefits and Activities

Pupils need places where they can meet with friends, and socialise – both inside and outside. These spaces would benefit from being inspiring and motivating, and give pupils pride in being at school.

Pupils should have the opportunity to help shape what their spaces look and feel like.

Social spaces allow for informal peer learning, socialising and sharing experiences.

If pupils have a space they value, it can encourage responsibility and stewardship contributing to creating responsible citizens.

Settings for Learning© 2015

For more information visit: ads.org.uk/smarterplaces/Design by After the NewsIllustrations by Silje Eirin Aure

With thanks to Space Strategies, Stone Opera and Realm ISD

Our publication “Settings for Learning: Identifying New Approaches” discusses different settings for learning as a driver for the transformation of the school estate in Scotland and accompanies this document. It can be found on the Architecture and Design Scotland website by following this link: www.ads.org.uk/settings-for-learning-new-approaches/