learning commons: the evolution of the traditional library

CAIS 2016 Trustee/School Head ConferenceLearning�Commons:��The�Evolution�of�the�Traditional�Library

Today’s Agenda• Learning Commons - What are the thoughts and philosophies behind these types of

learning spaces?• Lower and Secondary School – The Willow’s perspective• Preparation for College Level – UC Berkeley’s perspective

• Design Drivers in a Learning Commons-• Engaged Learning• Infastructure, Furnishings and Equipment • Diversity of Learning• Adaptability of Learning

• Design Issues and Examples; Learning Happens Anywhere • Pedagogy• Types of Spaces• Peripherals (Technology other word?• Challenges

• Insights

• Questions and Answers


Thoughts and Philosophies: The Willows

Insights:

•

Collaboration Builds a School Culture & Community

Intellectually and Architecturally Open

School

Church

Willows 1 DK thru 2nd

The�ideal�school�is�designed�to�reflect�an�educational�process�that�is�nonlinear�and�encourages�personal�expression.�Eric�Lloyd�Wright,�Architect

Insights:Maximize Space – Optimize Learning

If�we�teach�today’s�students�as�we�taught�yesterday’s,�we�rob�them�of�tomorrow.��John�Dewey

Thoughts and Philosophies: UC Berkeley

Design Drivers for Learning Commons:

Focus on User Engagement& Collaboration

Enable a Diversity of Learning Experiences

Determine Equipment Needs(Plan for Change)

Create Adaptability/Flexibility

12

Brightworks

Castellaja

Buzzfeed

Facebook

Design: Visit Other Spaces

Design: Types of SpacesKey Elements• Define Program Needs• Natural Light and Air

• Indoor/Outdoor Space• Flexibility• Inspiring Space• Flow of Space• Acoustics

Design: The Willows Campus

Learning Commons(Heart of Campus)

Willows 1

Willows 3

Willows 4

Willows 2Willows 6

Higuera

Entry

Play Yard

Willows 5Active Play

Design: The Willows Learning Commons

Library/Media

Office

Break-out Rooms

Outdoor Terrace

Design: PeripheralsThe Process• Furnishings

• Flexible and Adaptable• Folding Tables• Rolling Book Shelves

• Infrastructure to support flexible space and technology needs• Do you have enough outlets?

• Technology• Laptop or Tablet Programs• Printing Stations, including 3d• Creating a ubiquitous wi-fi

network• Digital book subscription

services• Use of smartboards or other

type of technology• Equipment

• Copiers• Laptop Carts

Design: ChallengesThe Process• Get the community excited• Raising the money• Educating your community on how we

learn today• The importance of common space • Acoustic issues• Creating a cultural shift• Institution inflexibility• Who manages these spaces and how?

• Balance uses in space• Librarian• Teachers • General School• Community• Makers

Insights:

• Even incremental changes can have a big impact• Keep adapting, with input from many stakeholders -- especially students• Challenge yourself to embrace "both/and" thinking• Creating a learning commons can be a cultural shift (don't forget your librarian)• There is never enough common space• The space and ideas will evolve over time

• Accept that this going to happen and embrace it• Design for flexibility as technology and philosophies change

What do we know now?

Questions and Answers
