Impact assessment of the spatial layouts of studios on the students' learning experience at Architecture Schools in HE, in the UK

<p dir="ltr"><a href="" target="_blank"><i>Universities worldwide invest in buildings and facilities to provide an indoor environment that enhances the learning experience of students. The aim of this paper is to critically evaluate the existing literature about the teaching spaces of Architecture Schools in the UK and address that there is a gap in the literature about the spatial layouts </i></a><a href="" target="_blank"><i>of the architectural open plan studio spaces </i></a><i>at universities and which factors affect the learning experience of architecture students. This study examined 50 Architecture Schools in the UK, accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). It reviewed and classified the university buildings and architectural studios into layout typologies based on the building and spatial configuration of the studio spaces. This study analysed the spatial configurations of the open plan studio spaces and focused on how certain sub-factors (furniture, natural light, views, materials and surface finishes) affect the learning experience of students. The information about the buildings and their architectural studio spaces derived from academic papers, credible online sources, pictures and visits to some Architecture Schools in the UK. The conclusions were justified and underpinned by relevant literature which includes academic papers that have examined open plan teaching and office spaces and professional architectural judgment. Two different building types and three architectural studio typologies were identified. All research findings were analysed, and the impact of the spatial layouts and indoor environmental conditions of open plan studio spaces in Architecture Schools in the UK was assessed regarding the students' learning experience.</i></p>