LLENA, PAULINE G. AR.

AMELIA PARCHAMENTO

AN ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH ON SPACE PROGRAMMING:

I. SPACES
A blended learning facility aims to develop an immersive yet realistic sense of student experience to elevate and
nurture both their skills and knowledge effectively. This design strategy integrates digital educational materials with
traditional-based classroom methods. Generally, students attend face-to-face classroom practice combined with
technology-mediated activities in relevance to content and delivery (Educause, n.d.). They become evidently more active
and hands-on when participating through blended learning as they are constructing content and interacting rather than
traditional consumption of academic knowledge (Educause, n.d.). Therefore, the following spaces as stated below are
necessary to produce a conducive and engaging learning environment:

1. CLASSROOM

Figure 1. View Sonic. (n.d.). Student Engagement in the Modern Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.viewsonic.com/library/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/STUDENT-
ENGAGEMENT-IN-THE-MODERN-CLASSROOM-4.jpg

A classroom is a learning space where classes meet to partake in educational matters. In a blended learning
facility, a classroom should have digital tools for the benefit of the students and the lecturer. Smart TVs are a trend in
modern classrooms as it promotes interaction, especially touch screen models. They provide easier navigation and
connection to web-browsing, searching, and other numerous innovative features which in turn makes information more
accessible. Additionally, a computer or laptop in every classroom will aid the needs of the lecturer on whatever
he/she has to do. It also important to promote the interaction of students amongst themselves, hence, modular tables
or armchairs could be a helpful addition in this agenda.

2. LEARNING COMMONS LIBRARY

Figure 2. Weiser, G. (2018). Teacher Initiated Library Learning Commons. Retrieved from https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/a-teacher-initiated-library-learning-commons-
and-the-transformative-outcomes-it-can-produce/

A learning commons library is a space which integrates information technology, collaboration, meetings, playing
games, socialization, remote or online education, as well as studying (Educause, n.d.). This space enables users to
learn on a whole new level as it does not only have traditional library aspects but it also has provisions on new
technological methods that help students learn. It usually has areas for information technology where computers are
located, collaborative or remote seating, relaxation, printing for instructional materials, and many more. This design
approach provides an extensive use in blended learning.

3. LOUNGE
Figure 3. Gowhastings. (n.d.). University of Toronto Medical Sciences Student Lounge. Retrieved from http://gowhastings.com/projects/university-of-toronto-medical-sciences-
student-lounge

A lounge is a space where everyone can relax, socialize, and relieve academic stress. It usually contains areas and
tools for entertainment such as televisions, consoles, speakers, etc. It must be designed in a way that induces positive
and calming psychological sensation to the users.

4. CAFETERIA

Figure 4. Iwps. (2019). Modern Cafeteria in Manhattan, New York. Retrieved from https://iwpsglobal.com/2019/04/13/why-cafeterias-are-becoming-the-heart-of-the-modern-
workplace/

A well-designed cafeteria offers a necessary break from the often stressful academic environment (Iwps, 2019). In
a blended learning facility, it is a must that cafeterias are also engaging as the classrooms. This is because it is a
place of socialization and interaction which cultivates the relationship among students. They can have discussions and
casual conversations while taking lunch or short breaks. A cafeteria must have adequate seating areas that are also
effectively spaced for the comfort of the users. Tables can vary from regularly-sized ones to longer ones that can
accommodate a significant amount of people.

5. RESTROOM
It is essential for a learning facility to have a decent number of restrooms, especially when handling a significant
amount of students. A restroom is required for the hygiene of everyone in the facility. Therefore, it must be designed
systematically yet aesthetically pleasing to promote physical self-care.

6. FACULTY ROOM

Figure 5. Knoll. (n.d.). Modern Faculty Room. Retrieved from https://www.knoll.com/design-plan/market-focus/higher-education1

A faculty room must be equipped with the appropriate work area with technological devices a lecturer would need.
This space is allocated for the professionals who are handling the students of the learning facility. Therefore, this
space must have adequately-spaced desks, computers, and even printing machines for instructional materials.

7. OPEN AUDITORIUM
 Figure 6. Ttnotes. (n.d.). Open-Air Auditorium, Philippines. Retrieved from http://ttnotes.com/open-air-auditorium.html

An open auditorium is usually a covered ampitheater which serves as a venue for various events (Alcazaren,
2001). It should typically accommodate a large number of people and equipped with technological tools for better
experience and inclusion of the users.

REFERENCES
Alcazaren, P. (2001). Outdoor Drama Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/modern-
living/2001/12/15/143723/outdoor-drama
Educase. (n.d.). Blended Learning Space. Retrieved from https://www.educause.edu/research-and-
publications/books/learning-spaces/chapter-11-designing-blended-learning-space-student-experience
Gowhastings. (n.d.). University of Toronto Medical Sciences Student Lounge. Retrieved from
http://gowhastings.com/projects/university-of-toronto-medical-sciences-student-lounge
Iwps. (2019). Modern Cafeteria in Manhattan, New York. Retrieved from https://iwpsglobal.com/2019/04/13/why-
cafeterias-are-becoming-the-heart-of-the-modern-workplace/
Knoll. (n.d.). Modern Faculty Room. Retrieved from https://www.knoll.com/design-plan/market-focus/higher-education1
View Sonic. (n.d.). Student Engagement in the Modern Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.viewsonic.com/library/wp-
content/uploads/2020/04/STUDENT- ENGAGEMENT- IN-THE- MODERN- CLASSROOM- 4.jpg
Weiser, G. (2018). Teacher Initiated Library Learning Commons. Retrieved from
https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/a-teacher-initiated-library-learning-commons-and-the-transformative-
outcomes-it-can-produce/