Learning Environments Design
Forum
10-14 November 2008
University of Hong Kong
The
second U21 Learning Environment Design Forum was convened at the
University of Hong Kong in November and addressed the challenge of
creating ‘student-centred learning
spaces’. The event was hosted by Professor John Malpas on behalf of
HKU and
the
forum was led by Associate Professor Peter Jamieson, University of
Melbourne, attracting a range of academic, technical and other
professional and support staff from nine U21 institutions
he
general aim of the design forum was to engage in ‘real-life’ campus
development projects to create improved teaching and learning
facilities in order to improve the participants’ skills and
knowledge for application in equivalent projects at their respective
institutions. This forum focused on HKU’s current centennial campus
redevelopment which will include the creation of a massive informal
student learning commons. The design and development of informal
student learning spaces is a common concern across all U21
universities and HKU’s project provided a wonderful opportunity to
confront the challenge of creating more dynamic learning communities
on-campus.
The
forum provided participants with the chance to work in small,
multi-disciplinary teams on the design exercise whilst being
supported by contributions from a range of expert contributors. This
year’s forum featured contributions from Professor Tom Kvan, Dean of
Architecture, University of Melbourne; Anthony Ferguson, University
Librarian, HKU; HKU academics Michael Prosser and Peter Cunich; HKU
student Nicol Pan; as well as centennial campus project architects
Scott Smith and Danny Tang.
At the conclusion of the forum,
participants presented a range of design options to inform the
development of the new HKU learning commons. A full account of the
forum, including the complete programme, a list of participants and
a large number of photographs capturing the event can be found at
http://www.hku.hk/spuweb/u21forum/forum.htm
