The Wild, The Pub, The Attic and The Workplace: A Tool for Negotiating a Shared Vision on Creative Learning Spaces
Year: 2014
Editor: Erik Bohemia, Arthur Eger, Wouter Eggink, Ahmed Kovacevic, Brian Parkinson, Wessel Wits
Author: Setola, Bruno; Leurs, Bas
Series: E&PDE
Institution: 1Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences; 2Creating 010, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Section: Learning Spaces
Page(s): 178-183
ISBN: 978-1-904670-56-8
Abstract
A learning space can be configured by either defining use through design or through use. When a creative learning space is defined through use, its configuration and use conditions need to be negotiated. In this paper we present a tool that helps define the use of a creative learning space through use in terms of coordinating the negotiation process. This tool is composed of four metaphors: The Wild, The Pub, The Attic and The Workplace. Each represents a stage of a learning journey. These metaphors help establish a common ground among a multi disciplinary group of students. Twenty-five art and design students used this tool during an eight-week elective course that investigated the configuration of creative learning spaces. From their experiences, students identified a number of principles and it helped them reflect on what constitutes an engaging learning space. Notably, the dynamics that come along with the use of the space through use are also reflected in the negotiation process. When the use of the space is changing, the rules of the game need to change as well. Moreover the dynamics of use stimulate participants to "define rules through use".
Keywords: Learning spaces, metaphors, shared vision, negotiation tool, user participation