Learning Hub
Project Summary
Working closely with the Campus Architect, Deans, Directors, professors, and super scholars, Bailey Edward analyzed the University of Illinois at Chicago’s classroom needs to develop a new classroom facility incorporating the latest trends in active learning. With flexible seating arrangements, microphones, and advanced AV components allowing any participant to share their computer screen, the Learning Hub allows for an interactive educational experience engaging both educators and students whether a 32 person class or 288.
After a facility condition assessment concluded an additional campus building would be needed, Bailey Edward planned the feasibility of an all new Learning Hub. The study has been used to improve classrooms across campus and was fundamental in the development of the new Academic Residential Complex.
client
University of Illinois at Chicago
location
Chicago, Illinois
size
50,000 sf
cost
$29 million
Services
Specialties
client
University of Illinois at Chicago
location
Chicago, Illinois
size
50,000 sf
cost
$29 million
Services
Specialties
As a leader in diverse education, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) recognizes the benefits small-scale active learning environments have on students’ engagement, academic success, and retention. However, with classroom buildings from the 1960’s they couldn’t bring success to large lecture-style classrooms. When the 1960’s era Stevenson Hall’s deferred maintenance reached over $20 million, UIC engaged Bailey Edward to analyze the classroom needs of the East Campus, perform a facility condition assessment of Stevenson Hall, and test out three locations for a new learning center devoted to active and informal learning.
The first step was to determine the demand for the types and sizes of classrooms. Working with facilities staff and campus schedulers, Bailey Edward developed analytics that examined existing classroom size, availability and class demand. Armed with this data, it was determined that existing classroom stock could be used to satisfy most of the small-to-medium classroom size demand, but new active learning lecture halls for 192 and 288-students would not work in Stevenson Hall or other UIC buildings. Therefore, a new Learning Hub with a state-of-the-art collaborative learning center was designed to showcase UIC’s role as an education pioneer.
Collaborative Design
Bailey Edward designed this space with novel components to foster collaborative work and engaged learning. For instructor-led sessions, tiered platforms maximize visibility for the front of the classroom. Movable work stations allow students to easily break out into groups during class, increasing functionality and versatility. Faculty can move freely and quickly to each working group. Wet/dry boards at each station enable students to contribute while the audio/visual scheme allows for their work to be projected onto the main lecture hall screen.