ABSTRACT
Informal learning spaces are a central concern in almost all categories of new and refurbished university buildings for their contribution to the 'student experience'. Architects and interior designers for Higher Education (HE) estates debate these places, revel in creating many and varied versions, aspire to finding the archetypal solution that will 'take off' and become the standard for the future. A study at Sheffield Hallam University defined informal learning spaces 'as non-discipline specific spaces frequented by both staff and students for self-directed learning activities. These spaces can be within and outside library spaces'. If 'collaboration' spaces are included as learning spaces then just about any spaces are relevant, other than perhaps individual academic offices. The need to separate various areas to allow different noise levels suitable to solo study as well as different degrees of collaborative learning has been mentioned.
