With the continuing evolution of the office and classroom experience, as well as the adoption of AI and augmented-reality systems, the future of work and learning is changing as quickly as ever. To that end, the design and construction industries continue to adapt and update how workplaces and education spaces are imagined and constructed.
One of the more popular trends in building today, especially in education, is flexible spaces. Universities, colleges and K-12 schools are faced with challenges in capital planning, available land and space utilization. Leadership is charged with optimizing the student experience, which includes buildings that will accommodate changing needs without the need for major renovations or new buildings. Flexible spaces are vital to K-12 schools as they cultivate environments that embrace diversity in both learning styles and teaching methods. Additionally, higher-education institutions want to provide an atmosphere that attracts students to campus, engages the student body and maximizes the use of its current resources. Flexible buildings allow districts to more easily adapt their spaces to meet the needs of their students and staff.
Some of the notable trends in construction for flexible spaces in education include:
MULTIPURPOSE SPACES
An empty space at a university or school is a lost opportunity. Designing spaces with more than one purpose allows for schools to fit different functions within the space and maximize utilization. Today, there is a push for buildings that can be reconfigured to serve functions that can support lectures, seminars, workshops or group study sessions. These spaces can also be adapted to serve as venues for events which can help schools become central hubs within their communities. These spaces are designed for multifunctionality with the added advantage of simple reconfiguration to meet specific or future needs. These spaces often include movable furniture, modular partitions, and adaptable lighting and sound systems.
FLEXIBLE FURNITURE AND FIXTURES
In the past, the functionality of buildings was often constrained by built-in furniture and fixtures. However, building designs are increasingly featuring furniture and fixtures that offer flexibility—they are easily movable, stackable and adaptable to various configurations. This includes dynamic seating options like movable chairs, height-adjustable tables and modular seating arrangements. Such versatility empowers schools to tailor their spaces according to the specific needs of the classes they conduct or events they host.
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Including more collaborative work and learning environments in buildings is trending—and that trends is proving sustainable. Flexible spaces easily allow schools to provide collaborative learning environments that foster communication, teamwork and interdisciplinary exchange among students and faculty. Flexible spaces with open layouts, white and smart boards, and integrated technology enhance the learning environment and support group work. They are often equipped with projectors or televisions for instructional purposes or presentations. These zones are designed to not be closed-in rooms, but otherwise architecturally defined spaces with comfortable furnishings for students to gather and work.
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
Incorporating a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure is essential for today’s learning environment. In a flexible-learning space, ensuring universal access to this infrastructure enables the smooth incorporation of tools and resources vital for current and future educational needs. By integrating technology in every area of the building, we enhance its adaptability, enriching it with features such as interactive displays, wireless connectivity, video conferencing systems and smart classroom controls. Easily integrated technology also enhances students’ digital literacy and provides tools for interactive and engaging lessons. Students can work together using shared digital resources, while faculty can employ diverse teaching methods, thereby preparing students for a future where digital skills will be integral by allowing them to engage with technology in diverse ways from an early stage.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability has come into sharp focus for building projects across various sectors. In education, the emphasis on sustainability has become a primary consideration. Educational spaces are increasingly integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, with HVAC systems being a central area of focus due to their significant impact on energy consumption. Flexible spaces reduce the need for dedicated rooms that may go unused for large parts of the day. This efficient use of space can reduce the overall footprint of a building, which has positive implications for land-use and associated environmental impacts. In addition, design and construction teams are working with clients to identify ways to make these new facilities simpler and easier to maintain with less staff.
WELLNESS
Designing and building schools with wellness in mind plays a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health. Utilizing natural light as much as possible can enhance mood and reduce eye strain. Integrating outdoor spaces into school design provides opportunities for students to interact with nature, which has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. These spaces can be used for outdoor learning activities, promoting active lifestyles, or simply providing tranquil areas where students can relax. Flexible spaces also allow students to choose their preferred way of working, fostering a sense of autonomy and reducing anxiety or stress. Incorporating biophilic elements such as water features or green spaces not only improve indoor air quality but can create a calming environment that supports mental wellbeing.
HYBRID- AND REMOTE-LEARNING SUPPORT
The higher-education learning model changed quickly with the pandemic, and in many ways, it has changed forever. With more remote and hybrid students than in years past, colleges and universities are incorporating flexible spaces equipped with advanced audiovisual technology and remote collaboration tools for a more seamless integration of in-person and virtual learning environments.
ADAPTIVE RENOVATION
A significant advantage of flexible spaces is the cost savings they offer. By designing new buildings with reconfigurability in mind, institutions can avoid future expenses for renovations or constructing entirely new buildings. Furthermore, transforming existing structures into flexible spaces not only saves costs on renovations but also allows institutions to preserve architectural heritage while facilitating quicker implementation of innovative design concepts. Adaptability and the ability to easily reconfigure flexible spaces means they can adapt over time to meet changing needs without significant renovation or construction work. This reduces waste from construction materials and decreases energy used.
INCLUSIVITY
Flexible spaces can accommodate a variety of teaching methods and styles while accommodating a variety of needs and preferences. They are designed to be adaptable, catering to different learning styles, physical abilities and social interactions. They also allow for group work, independent study, project-based learning and traditional lecture formats. This adaptability can make everyone feel welcome and comfortable as they can modify the space to suit their requirements.
STUDENT-FOCUSED DESIGN
While higher education institutions are designing flexible spaces that can be reconfigured for tomorrow, they are using the students of today for in-house ideas. Feedback surveys, focus groups and design workshops helps schools gather student input to enhance flexible spaces for student use and function.
The flexible building trend in higher education and K-12 reflects a paradigm shift in construction. Schools are designing for the future and moving toward more responsive, flexible and user-centered learning environments that can accommodate diverse teaching and learning for an evolving student body.
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