Spatial Innovation and Interaction of Faculty Buildings. Flexible, Fluid, Futures: Contemporary Faculty Buildings

University faculty buildings and other educational institutions are so much more than simply teaching and learning spaces. Long gone are the unimaginatively organised classrooms of tedious rows of tables. New, exciting faculties have become life institutes, idea banks, research leaders, businesses, corporations and even mini cities in some cases. The time students spend on campuses is meticulously planned for best use of space and learning experiences. Facilities for students and faculty staff are carefully coordinated, timetabled and spaces allocated for a wide range of teaching methodologies, support, tools, technology and equipment. Adequate and flexible space, lighting, environmental conditions and student wellbeing must also be considered – depending on the region and site-specific weather conditions. Innovation and top facilities will help in securing the best students and teachers, guarantee successful learning experiences and setting standards. There is competition for student places, both nationally and internationally and a fierce quest for the best continue to shape the way we design our learning spaces. But how does the latest learning technologies and building design affect the way these contemporary "learning machines" function as institutions and places for learning and student and faculty life?
A diverse range of people access universities today and the education system has dramatically changed over the past decades. The student experience is top of the agenda with well-designed accommodation, social and recreational environments also expected as part of the package and the benchmark is set high.