The Essentials of Learning Spaces - Godrej Interiowellness.godrejinterio.com/pdf/research/The_essentials_of_learning... · conferencing, sound and video playback systems, voice enhancement,

The Essentials

of Learning Spaces

Creating Engaging Learning Environments

For Students

Introduction

The essentials of designing learning spaces

Integration of high-end technology

Safe, ergonomic, and functional furniture

Spaces that meet the cognitive demands of students

About Godrej Interio

Regulated Lighting and Temperature Control

Conclusion

References

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The Essentials of Learning Spaces

Introduction

appreciation of the vital role of such spaces in

influencing the learning climate is only growing.

The ergonomic research cell at Godrej Interio surveyed

close to 1800 students in several urban and semi-urban

centres in India. We asked them about their needs and

expectations from the learning spaces, issues they

faced regarding the infrastructure of the classrooms,

and their idea of an ideal learning space. All this with the

objective of helping educators create healthy and

engaging learning spaces.

Various aspects of learning space designs have an

impact on the interaction among students, and

between students and their teachers. Substantial

opportunity exists for maximising learning opportunities

and creating engaging experiences by rethinking the

experience of the learning zones. A variety of

considerations need to be factored into the design of

these enabling learning environments.

Education is a key priority for the socio-economic

development of any nation. From ancient universities like

Nalanda and Taxila to today’s education system,

learning has come a long way. The aim, however

remains to inspire millions of people to get educated

and ensure a prosperous future for themselves and the

nation at large. In that context, the physical and mental

state of students, their comfort, and the overall

condition of the learning environments holds immense

importance towards contributing to the learnings of

students.

In the early 90s, education meant a small classroom

crammed with desks that restricted movement and a

bunch of students studying in discomfort. This scenario

still exists in some corners of the country but largely we

have come a long way from that, thanks to greater

vision, commitment, and investment in education, both

by government as well as private bodies. The

03


endeavor, they need to be supported and empowered

by their educational institutions.

Until recently, technology in the learning space was

almost exclusively for the use of instructors. Students

now are increasingly having greater access to

classroom technology and personal technology in the

classroom. Mobile and personal technology has

transformed the way learning spaces are used and

configured. Technology today allows learning –

including research, collaboration, creating, writing,

production, and presentation – to occur almost

anywhere.

This means that they need to leverage their brain’s

capacity to the fullest to make their mark. In that

Would you have thought of learning with Smartphones,

tablets, and internet connectivity some 20 years back?

Surely not but you can’t think of learning without these

essentials today, thanks to the technology explosion.

Innovation is the key to all development and the

education sector is not an exception to this rule. To

compete on a global level, Gen-Z students are expected

not only to excel in their grades but also be more

creative, more capable in solving problems, think

critically, and communicate properly.

01 - Integration of high-end technology

04

The essentials of learning spaces

Learners are the primary participants in the learning

process. An engaging learning environment will consist

of the students and educators in a favorable and non-

threatening classroom setting (or any other space) to

encourage hassle-free learning. Basis our study across

several educational and discussions with students, we

at Godrej Interio developed guidelines towards

designing engaging learning spaces.

A learning environment refers to the physical location,

cultural setting, and context, where students learn. The

role of learning environments is to ensure both physical

and psychological comfort to the students and the

educators and minimize distractions with the aim of

improving the learning process. Traditionally, it referred

to the physically confined classrooms but today, the

definition has undergone a change to include every

nook and cranny of the campus where learning takes

place.


Spaces to meet the

cognitive demands

of students

01 02

04 03

Lighting and

thermal regulation

Technology

integration

Safe, ergonomic and

functional furniture

As they seek information online at all times, they need

adequate charging facilities for their gadgets. In our

survey, 80% of students felt that they should have proper

access to technology inside their classrooms, and 69%

of them complained about a lack of plug points for

charging gadgets in their classrooms.

Besides providing functional classroom furniture and

storage spaces, educational institutions should also

focus on giving proper facilities to the students to

support their technology lifelines, interact among

themselves and maintain a constant flow of information.

Students today seek integration into the world and value

collaborative methods highly. This means it is essential

to provide them the infrastructure to connect and

communicate amongst with other students, even those

on other campuses and locations. 55% of students we

surveyed complained that their institute did not have

facilities to encourage web conferencing and other

interactive learning opportunities.

Key technologies in modern learning spaces include:

projectors, interactive whiteboards and projectors,

computers (desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile devices),

document cameras , d ig i ta l cameras , v ideo

conferencing, sound and video playback systems, voice

enhancement, Wifi, Internet access, and others.[19]

Seamless technology integration across the learning

spaces not only help students become more engaged,

but they also take more control over their learning.

Integrating technology and functional utility in the

classroom is a key step towards enhancing learning

environments. An interactive learning environment also

demands enhanced sound systems, drop-down

screens, and improved lighting controls. That could

begin with the installation of seating arrangements like

adjustable chairs with built-in charging facilities.

69% complained about a

lack of plug points for charging

gadgets in classrooms

80% felt that they should have

proper access to technology

inside their classrooms

05

55% complained their

institute did not have facilities

to encourage web conferencing


Typically, students spend around 8 hours in classrooms

and a wrong posture is bound to have serious

implications. Students are at risk of suffering from wrong

sitting posture in the classroom, if the furniture they sit on

is not ergonomic.

Most of the classrooms in our study were found to have

60-80 students - with more than 35% of the students

feeling the classrooms are cramped up – many not

having sufficient individual space. Our study also

revealed that 77% of the students felt their classroom

seats were uncomfortable. Several complained of

inappropriate space between the desk and the chair,

lack of cushion seats, etc. More than 55% of the students

across colleges sit on conventional wooden desks and

benches that are not only uncomfortable for long hours

but also inappropriate for their height or body structure.

While the educational institutes focus a lot on improving

the pedagogy, technology, limited attention is being

paid by them towards classroom ergonomics which is

one of the most important elements of a learning

environment. Rightly designed ergonomic furniture is a

key requirement of a learning space – One that suits the

kids well wrt body dimensions, allow movement and

encourages a good posture.

02 - Safe, ergonomic, and functional furniture

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77% said

classroom seats

are not comfortable

55% feeling

uncomfortable for

long hours sitting on

wooden benches

35% of students feeling

the classrooms

are cramped up


Offering seating options that encourage students to

alternate postures must also be considered. Other

learning zones can involve usage of high table with

stools, bean bags, poufs – all of these will give student a

break from the static postures students usually adopt in

a class and encourage movement.

Another study conducted by Godrej Interio revealed

that 52% of Students complained of some pain issues in

the body. This pain can be attributed to excessive

gadget usage by students, faulty postures they adopt

while studying and using gadgets as well as

inappropriate furniture design. The need to have

comfortable classroom furniture was cited by 43% of the

students when asked about the three things they would

like to change in their class. Considering the concerns

students face and their expectations, it is evident that

educational institutions must consider offering the right

ergonomic classroom furniture.

As part of the basic ergonomic requirements for

classroom furniture, height adjustable furniture and

chairs promote beneficial posture. Some ergonomic

characteristics that a chair can include are adjustability

of height, backrest and armrests. A chair with such

characteristic can be used by many students with

different body sizes. Cushion seats provide the much-

needed support to the lumbar thereby giving comfort

during the long hours of study.

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43% supported the need

for comfortable classroom furniture

52% complained of some

pain issues in the body


At Godrej Interio, we classify these spaces as Learn

Spaces and Unwind Spaces

LEARN SPACES:

Learning happens everywhere in the campus and is no

longer restr icted to the classroom. Learning

requirements of students vary too; while some prefer to

learn individually, a lot of them prefer to study in groups.

Basis the cognitive requirement of the students, the

Learn spaces can be classified as Task spaces, Quiet

spaces and Interact Spaces.

A. TASK SPACES

Task spaces can be a mix of fixed or flexible settings

based on the requirements of the learning style. Desks

on castors allow students to reconfigure the space

themselves quickly for various types of learning and

interaction. Supporting these desks with mobile power

stations and writable walls will help make the learning

environment efficient. Most of the classrooms we

observed had fixed furniture. However more than 73% of

the students felt the need to have a classroom

modifiable to suit individual work as well as

collaborative work.

Students have at least two cognitive demands on them

at all times: academic task demands (understanding

and working with content) and social task demands

(interacting with others concerning that content). This

means that students are expected to understand the

content and at the same time demonstrate the

understanding via participation in discussion.

The physical environment has a tremendous influence

on the task and social interaction students have with

others. In this social age, learning takes place not only in

the classrooms and laboratories but throughout the

campus, in the corridors, cafeteria, and lounge spaces.

Students, as well as educational institutions now, agree

that learning doesn’t take place in classrooms only. The

design, layout and overall feel of the entire campus now

play a role in creating an engaging learning

environment for the students. It is hence imperative to

give enough importance to spaces other than the

classroom. It is important to have a mix of formal, semi-

formal and casual spaces in the college that not only

enable the students to learn individually but collaborate

and Unwind as well. A good balance of such spaces will

not only ensure a good academic environment but also

an energizing social life at campus.

03 - Spaces that meet the cognitive demands of students

08


This can be designed as a combination of formal and

informal, sticky spaces feature amenities such as

modular lounge furniture, mobile device charging

stations embedded in tables and vibrant seating

options that encourage students to stick around longer.

UNWIND SPACES:

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Students also

need some ‘break’ spaces to unwind and relax,

especially when they feel burdened with a lot of

responsibilities. A study from Harvard Medical School

found that three out of four students experienced a

stressful life events in the last year, while more than 20

percent of students experienced six or more stressful

events within the last year. The need for creating unwind

spaces was seconded by our study wherein more than

52% of the students expressed a need for a zone where

they can relax.

Such relaxing spaces or break-out areas should have

cushioned seating arrangements, hammocks, and

couches to rest their backs, and appliances like music

systems, movable media screens, and more to ensure

that they have their best time.

Self-directed study and independent learning becomes

increasingly prevalent amongst Higher grade students.

There is a need to work un-interrupted – a space with

visual and acoustic separation. About 36% of the

students cited the need of having Focus areas in their

college. Providing individual pods accompanied by

writable work surfaces, integrated power and

comfortable upholstered seating can be a perfect

setting for creating a quiet space.

C. INTERACT SPACES:

B. QUIET SPACES:

Social interactions such as debates, discussions, group

project working are an important part of student’s

campus life. Besides the classrooms, learning happens

across multiple spaces in the campus including the

corridors where students move from one class to other,

the library, cafeteria, outdoor lawns, etc. Creating the

right environment where students can collaborate over

a project, make presentations, and enjoy peer-to-peer

learning can positively impact the learner’s ability and

meet individual learning goals. These spaces should

have proper ergonomic seating arrangements for group

studies, flexible discussions, workshops, projects, and

assignments.

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UNWIND SPACES

LEARN SPACES

TASK

SPACES

QUIET SPACES

INTERACT SPACES


A carefully balanced lighting system will consider a

number of factors, including illuminance, uniformity,

glare, flicker and colour, in order to provide optimal

learning conditions

Illumination - The average level of light in an area at

a given time affects the mood of the students as well as

their attentiveness. Low illuminance can be linked to

slower reading, reduced concentration, poor posture

and long term weakened vision. An excessive variation

of illuminance can also be an issue – it reduces visual

performance, causing discomfort and hyperactivity. A

level of uniformity needs to be achieved to avoid

excessive contrast and distraction.

Lighting Factors

additionally integrate it well with artificial lighting.

According to our study, 78% of the interviewed students

are displeased over the absence of automated lighting

controls in their classrooms, something they viewed as

essential for audio/visual learning.

There are tremendous benefits to incorporating natural

light into the learning environment. Several international

studies have linked daylight in the classroom to

improvement in student performance. According to a

study by the Heschong Mahone Group(3), students more

exposed to natural light while learning tend to score at

least 18% higher than those, who aren’t. Natural light has

positive physiological and psychological effects on the

students, as well as the teachers. Maximizing the use of

natural light is the ideal formula: it helps create the best

possible climate and leads to significant energy

savings. Additionally, as natural daylight impacts

students’ biological rhythms, it also improves their well-

being, their productivity as well as their ability to

concentrate.

However, it may not always be possible to create a

complete natural lighting system in the classrooms due

to architectural constraints. Therefore, care must be

taken to make the most of natural lighting and

04 - Regulated Lighting and Temperature Control

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COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE LEVELS

Temperature impacts student’s learning ability and also

affects numerous other mental and physical activities.

Whether it’s too hot or too cold, uncomfortable

temperatures distract students. When the classrooms

are too hot, the students get impatient, inattentive, and

restless. When it’s too cold, they are distracted and sub-

consciously tend to use a substantial amount of their

energy to try and keep warm. Appropriate temperature

regulations are therefore necessary to enhance comfort

levels of the students, improve concentration, and keep

diseases at bay.

27% of the students we surveyed report that their

classrooms were not air-conditioned. This leads to

excessive physical dis-comfort. This should be of

concern for the institutes, as extreme temperatures tend

to have adverse effects on the physical as well as mental

health of students.

During the summer months, the advisable temperature

of the classrooms should range between 24-26 degrees

Celsius, and in winter, it should be 21-23 degrees Celsius.

In addition to that, proper ventilation is also necessary

to boost students’ performance.

important role to play, too. A cool white light source

makes students more focused and generally improves

performance (Classroom), whilst a warmer light may be

useful when engaging young children in calmer

activities (Cafeteria).

Classrooms must have the flexibility to adjust the lux

levels depending on the tasks being carried out. For E.g.:

Writing on the board may require 500 lux which may go

down to 300 lux when the students are being shown a

presentation. Spaces dedicated to artistic and creative

activities should have a consistent vertical lighting

system to ensure proper illuminance. That apart, any

space where industrial drawing or artistic work is

performed should have illumination levels equal to or

more than 750 Lux. That apart, leisure zones like the

lobby, play zones and lounge areas should have lighting

fixtures of at least 200 Lux to reduce any kind of visual

discomfort.

Glare - Unintended brightness of a secondary object

that the students are not focussing on, due to reflection

or other issues, is known as glare. Most of the time, the

students tend to squint and compromise on their

comfort to see properly, thus causing strain on their

eyes. This could lead to chronic headaches and physical

discomfort. Properly locating whiteboards and screens

in relation to lighting systems could reduce these

problems to a large extent.

Colour - The colour of the walls in a classroom also

contributes to the overall lighting system and degrees of

reflection. Proper planning becomes imperative in this

regard to ensure that the students don’t face any kind of

discomfort.

Colour temperature in artificial lighting has an

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Zone and Recommended Lux Levels

Corridors

100

Cafeteria &

Leisure Zones

200

Staff Room

300

Classroom,

Library, Auditorium

300-400

Laboratories

500

Art Room

700


Conclusion

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control over their surroundings, like tech-integrated

flexible furniture settings, adds to their sense of well-

being. When given ergonomically designed furniture

and work areas, their ability to stay focused and on-task

is improved. Integrating natural light into the learning

spaces enriches the student experience.

Conducive and comfortable learning environment that

meets the needs of students can help promote

learning, which eventually enhances their

conceptual understanding. Hence, it is suggested that

systematic assessment of the learning environments

is considered as vital because the information

obtained thereby can be used as a basis to

improve the quality and effectiveness of the learning

environment.

Learning environments in India are changing, influenced

by the need to have new skills, ever-improving

technology as well as access to new tools of learning.

The digital age demands more than just textbooks and

teachers to promote learning. In that context, learning

space design is gaining importance, and rightly so,

because of the potential such spaces hold to impact

learning in general.

A variety of factors need to be considered in the creation

of these learning spaces and environments. Some

general structural characteristics influence the

motivation of students to learn by impacting emotional

and physical well-being and a sense of security. Other

characteristics of these learning environments like

lighting and temperature impact cognitive processes

like comprehension and reflection. Giving students some


Godrej Interio (GI) is India’s leading furniture brand in

both the home and institutional segments. GI aims to

transform spaces to create brighter homes and offices

with aesthetic, functional, and technology-driven

products that retain a special focus on health and

ergonomics. GI’s product portfolio covers:

Solutions

I. B2B – Office Modular Furniture, Turnkey Projects,

ii. B2C – Home Furniture & Storage, Mattress, and

Kitchens

Healthcare Furniture, Lab Furniture, AV and Vending

Disclaimer

About Godrej Interio

References

This paper represents the opinions of the authors and is the product of professional research. This report has been prepared for the

exclusive use and benefit of the addressee(s) and solely for the purpose for which it is provided. Unless we provide express prior

written consent, no part of this report should be reproduced or distributed. While every attempt is made to ensure that the

information contained in this document is true to its best. However, Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., its employees, representatives,

affiliates or any of its divisions, etc. shall not be responsible for any reliance made on this paper or for any errors / omissions in

information obtained from the source while preparing this paper.

GI is widely known for its comprehensive sustainability

certifications for furniture products. Currently present in

over 650 cities with 250 exclusive showrooms and 800

dealers, GI is one of the largest divisions of Godrej and

Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the Godrej Group, one of

India's largest engineering and customer product

groups.

https://www.godrejinterio.com/Godrejinterio/index.as

px

More information is at

[email protected] / 7506364276

https://thepolicytimes.com/chinas-literacy-rate-is-23-higher-than-india-pig-research/

https://www.ibef.org/industry/education-presentation

https://hms.harvard.edu/news/college-stress

http://h-m-g.com/projects/daylighting/summaries%20on%20daylighting.htm

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The Essentials of Learning Spaces - Godrej Interiowellness.godrejinterio.com/pdf/research/The_essentials_of_learning... · conferencing, sound and video playback systems, voice enhancement,