21st Hybrids Take Hold: de Ning Learning Commons and Library Commons

10/10/2019 Defining Learning Commons and Library Commons | Smith SystemSmith System Blog
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Education Trend
21st Hybrids Take Hold: De ning Learning

Commons and Library Commons
Is there any educational space that screams “outdated!” louder than a boxy, boring lunchroom, library or foyer
that’s living in its past-century purpose? Probably not.
This explains why architects and designers are scrambling to create new hybrid spaces called learning commons
and library commons. Though similar in many ways, there are differences. If you’re new to these concepts, here’s an
overview on each space – what it is, what it looks like, and its role in 21st century education.
Learning Commons
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What it is?
A learning commons is a place where kids migrate between class and after school. It’s a place where kids want to
be (and be more comfortable than standing around their lockers or sitting in hallways). But it’s not just about
hanging out — or zoning out. These areas are natural environments that foster student collaboration, as well as
personal study time.
Its educational purpose

Howdy!
But how can one space allow groups and individuals to stay on task without distracting or hampering each other? The
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a collaboration zone is dedicated to project
learning and group discussions. A social learning zoneFind is dedicated
out More to student interaction, and an individual study zone
provides space for quieter activities, like individual study and research. A well-designed — and furnished — learning
commons can accommodate all learning (and learning styles) simultaneously. For administrators, learning commons
help maximize a building’s footprint.
What it looks like

To visualize a physical model for a learning commons environment, think about the last time you were in a coffee shop
or computer/technology store – the kind of place where kids feel relaxed, yet receptive and energized. You probably
observed kids playing with devices, enjoying beverages and snacks, discussing, learning, hanging out and being
themselves. It’s this type of environment educators want in order to foster similar types of camaraderie and
collaboration.
Establishing a learning commons can be done through new construction, renovation or reassignment. For an existing
school, the learning commons is usually located in a former common area of the school, like a foyer or computer lab.
Any open expanse or spare space is prime real estate for a modern learning commons – and a way to optimize space
for future use. Without question, exible, mobile furniture con gurations and power stations are essential to making the
space work.
What makes it successful

Obviously, learning commons must be tailored to the student age group, for example, elementary students need
different supervision than teens. Wendell Brown, a design architect and project manager with Earl Swensson
Associates out of Nashville, offers ten characteristics of a successful learning commons. Though his list directed to a
college campus, many aspects apply for younger students:
Flexible
usearea
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spaces
Open area that is inviting to students

Available food, preferably café style with coffees, juices, sodas, light snacks or sandwiches
Late hours
Available marker boards for brainstorming
Help desk
Private, acoustically separate spaces for tutoring and counseling
Outdoor space with patios or verandas Howdy!
Available seminar rooms/study rooms
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Ample, available power for recharging mobile devices 1
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Library Commons
What is it?
Learning commons and library commons are similar, but not interchangeable. The library commons typically lives in
the space formerly occupied by the traditional library. It’s designed to attract students and make them want to
research, collaborate and interact. Then it provides the tools for them to put everything they’ve learned into nal
form. It’s an experience that parallels today’s workplaces.
Its education purpose

Like a learning commons, the library commons has collaborative, social and individual zones, but it has one added
element: an area dedicated to media and graphics production – the modern resources needed to include graphic and
media elements in projects, papers and presentations.
Thomas Sens, a principal with BHDP Architecture in Cincinnati, provides his opinion on the purpose of the library
commons in discussing library design trends:
“The commons has become the heart and soul of the academic library … a blend of computer technology services and
classical library reference and research resources. It serves as a hub for students to gather, exchange ideas, collaborate,
and utilize multiple technologies.” He goes on to say,” Today’s commons break many of the old rules of library behavior.
In the commons area, nobody hushes students who want to talk, food and drink is allowed, collaborative behavior is
encouraged…” 2
That said, libraries are certainly not abandoning individual study carrels or quiet zones. Spaces where students can
research or study independently without distractions remain as important as ever (especially for introverted OK learners).
What it looks like and what makes it successful

Combination is a recurring theme in the library commons. The environments that successful library commons draw from
are diverse and dynamic. The best library commons have the laid-back feel of a coffee shop, expressed with
comfortable lounge seating, café tables and plentiful connectivity for the students’ tablets and laptops. They stimulate
group effort with collaborative areas that are reminiscent of contemporary architectural rms, design rms or
interactive media developers: think large work surfaces, open areas and places where ideas and information can be
easily accessed and shared.
Howdy!
Just like education itself, the design of learning and library commons will certainly continue to evolve. But these hybrid
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Find out More
1 Brown, Wendell D., “Tips for designing higher education’s newest building type: the learning commons.” Building
Design and Construction (online) (Dec. 9, 2013).
2 Sens, Thomas, “12 Major Trends in Library Design.” Building Design and Construction (online) (Dec. 1, 2009).
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10/10/2019 Defining Learning Commons and Library Commons | Smith SystemSmith System Blog

21st Hybrids Take Hold: De ning Learning

Its educational purpose

What it looks like

What makes it successful

Open area that is inviting to students

Its education purpose

What it looks like and what makes it successful

About Us Resource Library

Our Story AIA Presentations

Smith Files Blog

PO Box 860415 Plano TX 75086 1-800-328-1061 (972) 398-4051

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