Learning Spaces and Learning Spaces Resources

Project: Van Hise Hall Study Space

Location: 455 Van Hise Hall, UW-Madison campus

Brief Description: Remodel an outdated, busy study space to provide better access to power, more comfortable work areas and more effective lighting.

Contacts:
Susan Weier
scweier@wisc.edu
(608) 262-3004

John Staley
jstaley@doit.wisc.edu
(608) 263-3911

Time Frame: Project planning took approximately one year. Construction and installation took place during summer 2007 and between January and February 2008.

Full Description of Project

Historically the study space at 455 Van Hise Hall has been highly used by students because of its convenience and lack of distractions. In spring 2006, The Daily Cardinal featured the room as a top "secret study spot."

The room itself is roughly 42’x30’ with a 20 foot ceiling, and floor to ceiling windows on three walls. The furnishings, wall coverings, and floor coverings were original to the late 1960s. Although a wireless access point had been added early in the campus conversion plan, the lack of power outlets discouraged students from using electronic devices while studying.

Letters & Sciences Learning Support Services originally sought a grant from DoIT to update the furniture and power only. Additional grant money paid for improvements to the wall, ceiling and floor.

Improvements included:

New carpet
Removal of wall fabric and repainting of the wall
Café-height laptop bar around the three windowed sides of the room
20 high backed café-style stools
Three 60" round tables
15 padded task chairs
10 lounge chairs, some with tablet arms
6 coffee tables
Power outlets on the wall, in the center of the tables and every 4' along the laptop bar
Dropped lighting
Ceiling treatments

Results

Students and staff in Van Hise Hall were surprised by and very pleased with the improvements. The study space changed from a poorly lit, institutional room to a colorful, comfortable space, improving the students’ comfort and productivity.