Transforming university campus – students and informal learning environments

What the paper says

Purpose University campus is a place for formal and informal learning, encounters in face to face, hybrid and digital modes. The goal of this paper is to identify, how the new needs of students’ effect to the design of the study places and learning environments in the university library and campus. Design/methodology/approach The campus and learning environment research are summarised in theory reflecting especially to the changing needs of the students in the University of Helsinki. The case study research is based on mixed methods. The data has been gathered by tracking, workshops, observations and questionnaires. In addition, explorative pilots were conducted. Analysis was conducted by using the categories of physical, digital and social environments as well as identified work modes of students: working alone, group working and working side-by-side. Findings The variety of alternative learning places is essential. The diversity of social interactions among students on campus and online has increased. The group consistency sets requirements to the size, technology and location of the group working facilities. Both user and remote user centric approaches are important in design of study areas. The results can be implicated in the redesign and renovation project of the Learning Centre at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Practical implications The research provides design principles for the university libraries and informal learning environments on campus for the design experts, education designers and campus developers. Originality/value The case study is a unique opportunity to develop post-Covid-19 study places in the university.