Category Archives: Facilities Planning

Study Space: On the floor

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In a digital world, poor study space is a strategic liability.

In a previous post, I made the case that the ‘idea work’ of reading and writing requires at least 4 square feet of horizontal surface.  Whether by hand, keyboard or touch screen, a horizontal surface is an essential part of the technology.

The most densely packed study spaces are in libraries.  Depending on the hour and day even the side-by-side seats at large library tables are used.  It’s just like classroom or airplane seating.  The middle seat is least desired, but it gets used at peak times.  Such is the demand for functional study space on campus. Continue reading →

Study Space: On the surface

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Reading and writing – and ‘idea work’ in general – require at minimum 4 square feet of horizontal surface.  Whether in a business office, library, classroom or coffee shop some form of the humble table is what makes high-tech highly functional.

Think of those places you “work” most often.  If your experience is like those my students and I have been observing for the last few years, a “writing” surface winds up being important to the effective use of your time, with or without digital technology.  The comfy chair is not out of style.  They still get used, as do miscellaneous window seats and floor cushions.  Such spots are used briefly for limited tasks.  But for the big stuff – engaging with the material – some form of writing is involved.  Whether by hand, keyboard or touch screen, a horizontal surface is an essential part of the technology. Continue reading →