Higher Education Spaces and Places for Learning Innovation and Knowledge Exchange

Alastair Blyth

IMHE 2012, Paris

Summary

• Creating spaces for knowledge exchange• Flexible environments• Managing the facilities• Designing cities for knowledge: the role of

universities

Examples of Education Environments

CELE Database of Educational Facilities

http://edfacilitiesinvestment-db.org

Creating spaces for knowledge exchange

University facilities represent 20% of operating costs Source:TEFMA 2009

20%

Space Costs Money

DELIVERY DRIVEN LEARNING LED

IT is liberating people from Space

Open University Campus, Milton Keynes, UK

109,000m2 of accommodation - of which 7,000m2 for Laboratories- 260,000 students

Ulsan National Institute of Science and TechnologyUlsan, South Korea

155,066.58m2 of accommodation – 5,000 students

Library

Administration Bldg.

Student Hall Student

Dormitory

Creating spaces for Knowledge Exchange

What should we focus on?

OR ?

or Both?

Physical Environment

Virtual or On-line

Less?

More?

Variations: Varieties of spce for interaction

Learning mode Technology Space type Work-based learning

ePortfolios Collaborative spaces with high-end technology Work-integrated learning

Field-trips – real and virtual Virtual field-trips Collaborative spaces with high-end technology Simulation and role-plays Online simulations

Problem-based learning Blogs, wikis

Case studies Multimedia case studies Collaborative spaces with high-end technology

Lectures Podcasts ‘flipped learning’ spaces

Assessment Review

Matching learning to technology and space

Source: Prof Shirley Alexander, University of Technology Sydney

Reusing Existing Space

Reusing Existing Space

Reusing Existing Space

Large collaborative learning spaces

Large collaborative learning spaces

Using spaces in between

Nolli’s Map of Rome: 1748

External Spaces Important Too

Spaces in betweenFaculty of Education, University of Cambridge. Architect: BDP

• Openness• Transparency• Overlooking• Passive and active

engagement©

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CELE Compendium 2011 Entry

Spaces in betweenThe Saltire Centre – Glasgow Caledonian University. Architect: BDP

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CELE Compendium 2011

School of Art & Art History University of Iowa: Steven Holl Architects

CELE Compendium 2011 Award

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Creating flexible environments

FlexibilityJust enough

AgilitySpeed of response

Rearranging furniture quickly

VariabilityRange of sizes

Spatial Opportuni

ty

Large group / remote presenter

Small group

Recording studio Large group + collaborative

The IDEA Space

Network Oasis, Joensuu Science Park, Ilka Kakko,

Provide a mix of space types and sizes

Managing the Facilities

17% drop

Rethinking the property portfolio

Flexible

Leased

Shared with partners

On-demand

Short-term

Project start-ups with partners

Core

Owned

Brand / Image

e.g. SANE Report, DEGW 2001

Universities rethinking the use of space

circulation/informal learning

support

learning resource

specialist skill space

generic teaching / free space

+

+

+

-

-

Space Saving

Space Target

Current Space

Space Reallocation

InformalSpecialisedGenericFeatures:

•Timetabled•Use by all•Constrained

Features:• Timetabled• Specific functions• Specialised equip.

Features:• No timetable• Use by anyone• Flexible

Implications:• Manage timetable• Expensive if

mismanaged

Implications:• Manage timetable• Inflexible• Expensive

Implications:• Hard to manage• Self-directed• Exchange space

UNIVERSITIESDYNAMIC

CHANGING

FACILITIESFIXED

SUPPORTIVEMANAGE

Facilities should be supportive

Innovation activities

Manage both space need and use

MANAGEBalance interests

– Finance– Business need– …

FundingManage change

– Flexibility

Interactions– Other systems

Staff capacity– Expertise– Culture

NEEDS

Student expectations: – Lifestyle– Courses…

Teaching, research, knowledge exchange

– methods and relationships…

Engagement with local and global community

– Distance learning…

Administrative functions…

Brand / image

….

FACILITIESWhat is there?• Amount• Type• Location• Use• Cost

Respond to change– Short term– Medium term– Long term

Space type– Owned– Leased– On-demand

Universities and Cities for Knowledge

To Become Globally Competitive Countries Need to Invest in their Innovation

Systems

not only at the national, but also regional level

… HEIs can play a key role in Regional Innovation Systems,

Human Capital development…..

OECD Review of Higher Education Institutions in Regional Development (2005 –

2012)

Informationsearch

Education / Training

Business /community

Research Innovation

Knowledgeexchange

University

Designing Cities for Knowledge

(Information)(Teaching / study)

Cities

(Research)

University

University: Spaces for Knowledge Exchange

(Business / community)(Knowledge Exchange)

(Innovation)

1 445 students

Most recent precinct in the LMA

Integrated in the urban fabric

Open precinct – no physical barriers

Smooth topography

Low accessibility

2001

50000m

IST Campus Taguspark, Lisbon

Orthophotograph Institutions and functions

Road network system Land morphology

Built/voids Outdoor areas

IT University, Copenhagen Architect: Henning Larsen Macquarie Bank, Sydney, Australia. Clive Wilkinson

Thank You!Alastair Blyth

alastair@alastairblyth.comwww.alastairblyth.com

See also:www.oecd.org/edu/facilities