Study: Life in Campus Hubs
More and more learning is taking place outside of the traditional classroom walls. New research from Herman Miller explores a new phenomenon -- hub zones. These deliberately crafted indoor collaborative spaces are emerging as key learning centers on 21st century campuses across the country. The study, titled "Hub Life: Insights that Shape Campus Spaces," reveals the design factors that influence learning and highlights insights that will shape future education space design. Herman Miller will share these findings at the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) conference being held this week in Baltimore.
"While we may be familiar with more traditional, formal learning spaces on campus, research shows that just as much learning takes place after students walk out of the classroom," says Jeff Vredevoogd, director of Herman Miller Education. "The Hub Life survey was structured to glean a better understanding of the planning and design that goes into constructing these spaces known as 'hub zones.' "
More than 70 percent of respondents identified collaboration as the primary benefit of hub zone learning. Additional findings from the survey of U.S. higher education facility planners, architects and designers:
* Location is Key - On average, up to 30 percent of space in student buildings, residence halls and libraries is allocated for hub zone use.
* Design to Adapt - Flexibility is the number one requirement for hub zone furnishings, including ease of maneuverability and white board access.
* Technology is Top Priority - Nearly half of respondents noted technological capability (WiFi and electric power) as being important to hub design and layout.
* Size Matters - The majority of respondents said zones should be designed for less than 10 people.
For a copy of the full survey, contact herman_miller_education@hermanmiller.com
Vredevoogd's thoughts on hub zones are included in the cover story of the May 2011 issue of University Business on designing collaborative study spaces.
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