Collaborative Space

Concept

The aim of this space is twofold: it is a colloborative lecture hall with a focus on sense of belonging.

Collaborative Lecture Hall

A collaborative lecture room supports two important functions of education in one space, as it allows both teaching and group collaboration. Combining different learning activities in one room is not only user-friendly - students no longer need to move from one room to another - but also necessary. There is a growing shortage of educational spaces at universities. The multifunctionality of this Future Learning Space helps to solve this problem. 

Focus on Sense of Belonging

In addition to supporting both lecture and group work, the space will be designed to offer students and teachers a strong sense of belonging and home. The design will be outlined using existing research on this topic and input from our teachers and students, such as recently provided at the Education Festival on March 8th.

Intended Result

After completing this project, we aim to deliver an educational room that contributes to the effective use of space in our university, yet more importantly; one in which students and teachers feel welcome and engaged.

The collaborative space should aid quick switches between plenary and small group work. Students should feel an immediate connection with both the educational content and each other. Through this interactive and homely learning environment we aspire to lower barriers and increase confidence in collaboration.

Where does the project stand now?

The project is in the design phase. Designs have been made based on input from staff and teachers. This space will be realised in the Anna Maria von Schurman building. For the final choices in equipment and furniture, input will be collected from students and teachers.

Anna Maria van Schurman building

The Anna Maria van Schurman building is a fitting place for a collaborative teaching space focused on sense of belonging. Van Schurman, often called the ‘first female student’, attended lectures from an enclosed lodge because women were not allowed to study at the time. In 1636, she criticised this exclusion in a poem of praise at the founding of the university. We are happy to continue the gigantic strides that have been made in diversity and inclusiveness since then. That’s what makes it so symbolic that this teaching space that fosters connectedness and a sense of home comes in this building. Where Van Schurman was once literally placed behind a curtain, we are now creating a space where all students feel welcome and at home, with no barriers to full participation in education.