Fixed, Fluid and Flexible:

Rethinking Teaching &

Learning Spaces

Jeanne Leader, Sara Frizelle, Lolly Smith

Stanford d.School approach

Problem definition not problem solving

“Build to Think”

Innovators not Innovation

Space reinforces the idea that there are

no fixed answers or questions

Teamwork - innovation is a group activity

Classrooms

Multiple teaching styles

Individual space

Group work &

collaboration

Limited time to

reconfigure

Large writing surfaces

Standard technology

Ability to leave work &

return to later

Plug and play

Study areas

Multiple learning styles

Individual needs

Group work

Plug, play, display

Manipulate

Work spaces

Privacy

Collaboration

Community

Conference areas

Formal

Informal

Communication

Transparency

Fixed

Flexible

Fluid

What are your values and beliefs? How are these

ideas supported as you plan and renovate spaces?

How do you create opportunities

to engage with each other?

How do you manage group and

individual needs?

Photos courtesy of KI Furniture and Steelcase

Recommendations

Work to eliminate the ideas that there is a

“right” classroom setup

Moveable whiteboards for student spaces

Design an alternative meeting (huddle) room

Design a classroom using fluid principles