Informal learning spaces are commons areas and lobbies in residence halls, libraries, and classroom buildings (Oblinger & Oblinger, 2005).

• Seating should be comfortable, upholstered and moveable.
• Consider mounting white boards or chalkboards in gathering area.
• Consider placement of several computer kiosks or carrels.
• Wireless Internet access is strongly preferred in all learning spaces.

Informal learning spaces, such as this in the newly constructed Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building, may be purposefully designed to encourage student collaboration. This space features movable, comfortable seating with swivel tablets and a white board coffee table with swivelling notebook trays.

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