Learning Space Design

Learning Space Design | Resources, articles, links and more to help you reimagine and transform your library, classroom or learning space.Learning Space Design Resources to Reimagine and Transform Your Space

Too many of our libraries and classrooms still look like they did decades ago.  The way our students learn has been transformed – we need to reimagine and transform our spaces to match.  Redesigning a learning space isn’t always easy, but the effort will pay off.  There’s tons of easy, budget friendly ways to makeover your classroom or library.  On this page, you’ll find the resources you need to get you started.

Scroll down to see presentations on learning space design, links to articles and blog posts about transforming your space and recommended books to read.  This is a topic that I’m really passionate about, and I hope that these learning space design resources will inspire and excite you as you rethink your space.

Reimagining Library Spaces Reimagining Library Spaces

Library and learning space design is such a fascinating subject to me that I decided to write a book about it. In this practical guide, I go into detail about planning a library space transformation, from brainstorming to ideation to surveying your students.  I include tips for dreaming big as well as simple, budget-friendly changes you can implement right away.  Each chapter includes action steps and connections to the ISTE standards.

Check it out on Bookshop.org

Check it out on Amazon

(Page contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase using them, I get a small commission that helps support running this blog.)

 

Presentation:

Presentation Description:
School libraries are no longer the quiet dusty rooms where students sit at heavy wooden tables and read silently. We’re using modern technology and teaching strategies – now we need to update our spaces to match. In this session, attendees will get ideas and inspiration for transforming the physical space of their libraries to make them innovative, student-friendly learning environments. Learn how to apply educational design theory to renovate your library no matter what your budget is. Learn strategies for changing up your space that you can apply as soon as you get back.

Renovated Learning Posts on Learning Space Design

6 Ways to Rethink Your Library Space and Make it Amazing | Over the course of five years, I've worked to renovated and redesign the library at Stewart Middle Magnet. Here, I share what I learn in six lessons that you can apply to your own library or classroom.
How to Build an EPIC LEGO Wall | Follow along with this detailed tutorial to create your very own EPIC LEGO Wall. Great for libraries, makerspaces, classrooms, bedrooms, offices or anywhere awesome. Bonus printable in post too! | RenovatedLearning.com
How to Create a Floorplan of Your Space Using Excel | In this tutorial, learn how to hack Microsoft Excel to create a floorplan of your space. This is an excellent tool for rethinking and redesigning learning spaces, including classrooms and libraries.
3 Ways Whiteboards Can Make Your Space More Awesome | Whiteboards and writable surfaces are far more than just instructional spaces. By creating unconventional whiteboard surfaces with whiteboard paint and whiteboard topped tables, we can transform how our students interact with our spaces. Here's 3 ways whiteboard surfaces can be used to make your space more awesome.

More posts:

Articles I’ve written elsewhere:

 

Learning Space Design Pinterest PageMore curated resources:

 

 

Learning Space Design Books

Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative CollaborationMake Space

This is a fabulous book for any educator looking to change up their learning space to support students collaboration.  Even though this book is not directly about primary and secondary school environments (it focuses more on offices and universities) there’s so many practical lessons to be taken from this book.  Also be sure to check out the book’s resources page. (My review here).

 

The Third TeacherThe Third Teacher

This amazing and beautifully designed book was created by a team of architects and designers who took a look at education and school learning environments and created a list of 79 practical design ideas for schools to implement.  This book is chock full of amazing interviews, statistics, and examples of beautiful learning spaces. (My review here)

 

 

 

Get Active: Reimagining Learning Spaces for Student SuccessGet Active

This book, published by ISTE, contains research on active learning space models and advice on planning, transforming and creating active learning spaces in school.  This book inspired my 6 Active Learning Spaces post.  (My review here

 

 

 

The Language of School Design: Design Patterns for 21st Century SchoolsThe Language of School Design

This book is a fantastic collection of research and resources for renovating and redesigning existing schools as well as constructing new schools.  It includes 29 different design patterns for schools, and many of them have strong applications in the library.   (My review here)

 

 

The L!brary Book: Design Collaborations in the Public SchoolsThe L!brary Book

This book showcases fifty different library design projects and contains plenty of inspiration and ideas for redesigning school libraries.  More information on the organization here.

 

 

 

Library Spaces for 21st-Century Learners: A Planning Guide for Creating New School Library ConceptsLibrary Spaces for 21st Century Learners

Published by the American Association of School Libraries, this book focuses on creating modern library spaces with user-based design strategies.

 

 

 

Designing a School Library Media Center For the FutureDesigning a School Library Media Center for the Future

Unlike many of the other books, I’ve mentioned here, this one focuses on constructing and moving into a new library media center.  It has lots of great resources and information.

 

 

 

The Space: A Guide for Educators

This beautifully designed and inspirational book is almost more like an artist’s workbook.  The authors guide educators through questions and ideas to help them reimagine their learning spaces.

 

 

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