Changing Spaces? The challenge to design and deliver inclusive, independent learning environments

Be safe. Be kind. Belong…Together

This is the motto of the University of Bath and appears in David’s email signature, reflecting well the work ethic of the Library. It’s clear that David and colleagues have been involved in a variety of projects to address issues around space provision and design. David’s lightning talk touched on several of the issues, or ‘challenges’, in changing their spaces for the better. It became clear that it’s not only about the physical design of the place but also about the idea behind our places – who they are for, their mission, how comfortable, functional and happy they are. 

A bit of context:

• The Bath University Library was built in 1971, with an extension in 1996 to enable it to cater for 8,000 students. However, there are now nearer c20,000 students!

• The Library is often seen as ‘full’ as remarked on in student surveys and with the most recently updated spaces and seating proving a big draw. However, entrance data and space monitoring indicates there are lots of underutilised spaces.

• The Library is unlikely to be extended further in the near future. However, there is a New School of Management building which rivals the Library for popularity and its spaces reflect a lot of what you might see in modern HE Library designs – natural lighting, large open spaces, statement staircases, etc.

• The Students’ Union has a ‘Top 10’ list of priorities which includes seeking a greater range of inclusive study spaces.

Library projects addressing spaces

Firstly, an inaugural student ideas competition called Library Spark, which generated a lot of suggestions, many of which were space-oriented. This was inspired by a competition at University of York.

The Student Experience Development Fund supported the Biennial competition open to all current students (UG or PG). The Library offered a £1,000 prize for most innovative and feasible idea. for new library services and/or improvements to existing services.

I am sure involvement of students is the best option to improve the library layout. You can’t go wrong with this. Here students are CREATORS of their space and it is so important to know and to remind to them in future! There were 60 entrants to the competition.

The shortlisted ideas:

1. Outdoor Library Study Space [the winning idea for further exploration]
2. Bookable Sound-Proofed Rooms for Online Interviews [a few will be introduced soon]
3. Library Occupancy Tracking App [the University is already looking into an app]
4. Research Sharing Space for Departments [which may follow using Library screens tbc]
5. Cross-Faculty MakerSpace [some departments do this on small scale. There is Future potential]
6. Green Walls of Plants [planting and aesthetics addressed on a smaller scale e.g. Library foyer. Lots of potential]

I particularly liked the suggestions for Outdoor Library Study Space that other libraries or departments could use. This was the winning entry which will be explored further. David is working with Architects and Civil Engineers to look at design as part of assessment next year. Features recommended by the student were:

• Canopy – provides shelter from rain and sun
• Recycled desks and chairs
• Power outlets
• Recycling bins
• Lighting
• Signs directing to Library Lawn
• Water fountain
• Social benches for collaboration
• Electric heaters or blankets
• Standing desks

This is useful information for the ArcLib group as we could use it in our workspaces.

Secondly, the Library ran a survey of over 200 students across its library, on and off campus spaces. This was to update a report on independent learning environments that was several years old. Combining the feedback from that survey and from the rationale for the 60 Library Spark entries, the following are what Library users thought were most important considerations for spaces/services, ranked most important first. This really highlights the importance of wellbeing and belonging again:

1. Mental wellbeing 
2. Productivity / creativity / time management 
3. Physical wellbeing 
4. A sense of belonging 
5. Wayfaring  
6. Visual impact of building 
7. Sustainable building / services 
8. Broader range of spaces for study and communication
9. Sensitivity to student finances 
10. Hosting of events

Thirdly, the Library’s Space committee takes a lead on space design, feedback and reporting. There had been some recent advances in collaboration with other professional services to improve the Library. I particularly admired the introduction of the Sensory Room. Alongside the existing Assistive Technology rooms and support staff, that embraces the neurodiversity in the workplace.

If you plan to make your library more user-friendly for students with disabilities, these are the useful tips for a sensory space (I’ll definitely save them for future): various seating options; colour changing mood cubes; soft flooring; large oversized cushions; floor lamps for soft lighting. I would like to organise similar in our Library but unfortunately we don’t have enough space but we are setting us a similar room in the Faculty. Between these ideas and those in Richenda’s talk on sensory spaces, there’s a lot to go on.

Following David’s conclusions of the talk:

Space management still focused on ‘physical’ inclusion (e.g. light, ventilation, thermal comfort, as well as power supply and IT, types of spaces etc). They have made some advances around ‘cognitive’ inclusion’, as above, but there is still a lack of any approach or discussion on ‘cultural’ inclusion – what that means and how to achieve it – broadly speaking:

• Difficult to identify and address wellbeing, belonging, loneliness etc. through space design… Tricky enough with budget to maintain physical comfort (e.g. temperature) – ‘stickiness’ of campus is a high priority, as seen in Spark applications 
• Need to talk to students in more depth about design/offer etc. Otherwise ‘needs of the many’ continue to ‘outweigh the needs of the few…’ But would their ideal space design just be their bedroom?
• Without a major investment, physical wellbeing and maintenance are likely to continue to be prioritised.

David’s conclusions are the next step of a new project I assume. The space committee will look at UX and further implemented ideas from students via Library Spark, SU and surveys. The main point here is to remember that you and your team are moving in the right direction in terms of improving the space for all. It was a brilliant mix of projects and we learnt from their experience, thank you!

Finally, I asked David a few questions after the conference about the Spark competition in particular: 

What was the most exciting part of the project that gave you a great satisfaction?

David: “I think the most exciting part with the Library Spark project was seeing what interesting ideas students came up with and seeing all our hard work in planning pay off. I spent some time speaking with two students on their makerspace idea, mentoring them and giving tips on their presentation for the finale event. That was good fun. It was great to work with a couple of colleagues on the project and have something really distinctive and different to do with a clear goal and end point… I got to flex my design muscles on the graphic design [for the Spark competition] drafting and then in liaison with our print and design unit to finish these up in a more polished way. That was quite rewarding”…

 Are you happy with the outcome of the project?

David: RE: the Library Spark winning idea for an outdoor study area: “I’m very pleased as it’s given an excuse to work with civil engineers on design project as part of their assessment and later on with placement students in architecture too. This has opened a few doors for new projects and the floor plan redesign work [with architectural placement students].”

Based on David’s words with a small addition – any project opens new doors for new opportunities and creativity…

Report by Tatiana Zhimbiev | University of Cambridge