From Research to Reality: How ASU Designs Effective Learning Spaces

AIA Continuing Education Provider

PENDING

Date/Time: October 30, 2025 | 10:45 am – 12:15 pm

Room: 151-152

Audience: Architects, Engineers, Educators, Facility Personnel, Contractors / Suppliers / Manufacturers, Consultants

Call to Action:

  • Conduct an informal observational study of a classroom, study space, or faculty work area to assess its effectiveness.
  • Engage faculty and students in a feedback loop to inform future learning space improvements.
  • Apply ASU’s research-backed framework to evaluate what works, what doesn’t, and how to iterate on space design.

Abstract: How can research-driven insights shape learning environments that truly support student and faculty needs? At Arizona State University (ASU), space design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality, engagement, and adaptability. In this session, we’ll share findings from three major research-driven learning space initiatives:

  • Experimental Classroom Study – What ASU learned from piloting active learning spaces and user-driven classroom design.
  • Zoom Innovation Lab – How faculty and student feedback influenced changes to hybrid collaboration spaces.
  • Creativity Commons Atrium – Mixed-methods research on informal learning space usage and student preferences.

Explore real-world design challenges, solutions, and research methodologies that can be applied to their learning environments. The session will conclude with an interactive space reflection exercise, allowing participants to brainstorm data-driven space improvements for their institutions.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand how observational studies, faculty and student feedback, and behavior analysis inform learning space design.
  2. Identify key challenges and solutions for hybrid, active, and informal learning environments.
  3. Explore case studies that demonstrate the real-world impact of research-driven space design.
  4. Apply a simple evaluation framework to assess and iterate on learning spaces at their institutions.

Core Competency

Assessment of the School Facility
Ensuring the community’s vision, educational goals, future programming, standards, and best practices are implemented in the design.

Cameron Wiles
Cameron Wiles
Collaborative Learning Specialist, Arizona State University

Cameron is a Collaborative Learning Specialist at Arizona State University, where he designs innovative learning spaces, conducts user research, and supports faculty in implementing collaborative learning strategies. His work focuses on enhancing teaching and learning through space design, active learning integration, and cross-campus collaboration. Cameron also contributes to strategic initiatives, professional development, and the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational experiences for ASU students and faculty.

LearningSCAPES 2025 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Venue

Phoenix Convention Center
South Building
100 North Third Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Dates

October 29-November 1, 2025

Contact

Email: donna@a4le.org
+1 480.391.0840