Education, Facility
Pilot for flexible classroom launched in the Gorlaeus Building
As teaching methods evolve, teaching spaces need to be flexible enough to support different ways of learning. In the Gorlaeus Building, room BW.0.05 has been redesigned as a flexible classroom as part of Leiden University’s university-wide Cookbook for Teaching Rooms project. Since 26 October, the room has featured a new layout with lightweight, movable furniture that makes it easier to adapt the space to different teaching methods.
Flexible layout and use
Since 26 October, BW.0.05 has been available with its new layout. Instead of a fixed arrangement of tables, the room now features lightweight, flexible furniture made from recycled materials, including tables and chairs, some of which are fitted with castors. Additional flexible whiteboards have also been installed. The room can accommodate 32 students.
The flexible layout makes it easy to adapt the room to different teaching methods, such as group work, discussions, debates and instruction. Instructions on the wall explain how to rearrange the room quickly and easily.
Final adjustments
The layout of BW.0.05 will be completed over the coming period. From 9 November, a new fixed lectern will be installed. A mobile, height-adjustable lectern will also be made available.
Share your experiences
Do you use BW.0.05? We would love to hear your feedback on the new layout. What works well, and what could be improved? Share your experiences and suggestions via servicedesk@science.leidenuniv.nl. Your feedback will help us continue to improve our teaching spaces and ensure they better support different teaching methods.
Cookbook project
The pilot is part of the Cookbook project, through which Leiden University is developing a practical guide featuring ideas and solutions for improving learning environments. The guide will support new-build projects and renovations, but will also provide inspiration for making better use of existing teaching spaces. The project looks not only at digital tools, but also at furniture, sustainability, accessibility, acoustics and lighting. The guiding principle is that a teaching space should suit the teaching method required by staff and students at any given time.