Building new informal learning spaces: Mini case studies

This chapter considers a number of case studies from an Australian university where a programme of significant building refurbishment and campus revitalisation has resulted in the emergence of a range of informal learning spaces achieving the intended result, but also a variety of incidental outcomes. However, designing informal learning spaces can pose a range of challenges that are quite unlike the design issues associated with formal learning spaces and traditional library study zones where the purpose may be clearly defined. Informal learning spaces can be defined as 'non-discipline specific spaces frequented by both staff and students for self-directed learning activities and can be within and outside library saces'. Informal learning activities can be very closely linked to the formal curriculum although they may also extend beyond the boundaries of the defined curriculum content. The chapter focuses on few informal learning spaces cases from Curtin University, the largest university in Western Australia, catering to a mix of local and international students.