Creative strategies for the learning spaces of the future

The paper discusses the role of learning spaces as an integral part of the larger educational ecosystem. Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the trends of digital transformation in education by liberating educational content in time and space and radically reformulating the process of teaching and learning. However, the current spatial archetype of the learning environment still features traditional plans with segregated classrooms and auditoriums. This model is obsolete and does not meet the new requirements of the 21 century education which is student-centred, knowledge and skill-oriented, technology-enabled, collaboration-based and personalized. The role of the teacher is also profoundly changed from transmitting knowledge towards facilitating the educational process which predetermines the wide variety of activities performed in the classroom.
The main objective of the paper is to explore how interior design can be aligned to the new learning theories and technological advances, and to propose strategies for the re-design of the traditional learning spaces. Based on the data obtained in a survey conducted with students to gain insight on their specific learning styles and needs, and a survey conducted with university lecturers to understand their teaching approaches and spatial necessities, six types of spaces were proposed. The study followed the principles of grounded theory to construct a hypothesis on the spatial qualities of each space and relate it to the pedagogical and technological requirements. By identifying opportunities for future-oriented spatial design innovation we expect to support the self-directed learning, promote the active participation of the students in the educational process and provide a more meaningful learning experience.