Learning environments in India are changing, influenced by the need to have new skills, ever-improving technology as well as access to new tools of learning. To learn more, download our full paper by Godrej Interio.

1. The Essentials
of Learning Spaces
Creating Engaging Learning Environments
For Students

2. Introduction
The essentials of designing learning spaces
Integration of high-end technology
Safe, ergonomic, and functional furniture
Spaces that meet the cognitive demands of students
About Godrej Interio
Regulated Lighting and Temperature Control
Conclusion
References
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The Essentials of Learning Spaces

3. Introduction
appreciation of the vital role of such spaces in
influencing the learning climate is only growing.
The ergonomic research cell at Godrej Interio surveyed
close to 1800 students in several urban and semi-urban
centres in India. We asked them about their needs and
expectations from the learning spaces, issues they
faced regarding the infrastructure of the classrooms,
and their idea of an ideal learning space.All this with the
objective of helping educators create healthy and
engaging learning spaces.
Various aspects of learning space designs have an
impact on the interaction among students, and
between students and their teachers. Substantial
opportunity exists for maximising learning opportunities
and creating engaging experiences by rethinking the
experience of the learning zones. A variety of
considerations need to be factored into the design of
these enabling learning environments.
Education is a key priority for the socio-economic
development ofany nation. From ancient universities like
Nalanda and Taxila to today’s education system,
learning has come a long way. The aim, however
remains to inspire millions of people to get educated
and ensure a prosperous future for themselves and the
nation at large. In that context, the physical and mental
state of students, their comfort, and the overall
condition of the learning environments holds immense
importance towards contributing to the learnings of
students.
In the early 90s, education meant a small classroom
crammed with desks that restricted movement and a
bunch of students studying in discomfort. This scenario
still exists in some corners of the country but largely we
have come a long way from that, thanks to greater
vision, commitment, and investment in education, both
by government as well as private bodies. The
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The Essentials of Learning Spaces

4. endeavor, they need to be supported and empowered
by their educational institutions.
Until recently, technology in the learning space was
almost exclusively for the use of instructors. Students
now are increasingly having greater access to
classroom technology and personal technology in the
classroom. Mobile and personal technology has
transformed the way learning spaces are used and
configured. Technology today allows learning –
including research, collaboration, creating, writing,
production, and presentation – to occur almost
anywhere.
This means that they need to leverage their brain’s
capacity to the fullest to make their mark. In that
Would you have thought of learning with Smartphones,
tablets, and internet connectivity some 20 years back?
Surely not but you can’t think of learning without these
essentials today, thanks to the technology explosion.
Innovation is the key to all development and the
education sector is not an exception to this rule. To
compete on a global level, Gen-Z students are expected
not only to excel in their grades but also be more
creative, more capable in solving problems, think
critically, and communicate properly.
01 - Integration of high-end technology
04
The essentials of learning spaces
Learners are the primary participants in the learning
process. An engaging learning environment will consist
of the students and educators in a favorable and non-
threatening classroom setting (or any other space) to
encourage hassle-free learning. Basis our study across
several educational and discussions with students, we
at Godrej Interio developed guidelines towards
designing engaging learning spaces.
A learning environment refers to the physical location,
cultural setting, and context, where students learn. The
role of learning environments is to ensure both physical
and psychological comfort to the students and the
educators and minimize distractions with the aim of
improving the learning process. Traditionally, it referred
to the physically confined classrooms but today, the
definition has undergone a change to include every
nook and cranny of the campus where learning takes
place.
The Essentials of Learning Spaces
Spaces to meet the
cognitive demands
of students
01 02
04 03
Lighting and
thermal regulation
Technology
integration
Safe, ergonomic and
functional furniture

5. As they seek information online at all times, they need
adequate charging facilities for their gadgets. In our
survey, 80% of students felt that they should have proper
access to technology inside their classrooms, and 69%
of them complained about a lack of plug points for
charging gadgets in their classrooms.
Besides providing functional classroom furniture and
storage spaces, educational institutions should also
focus on giving proper facilities to the students to
support their technology lifelines, interact among
themselves and maintain a constant flow ofinformation.
Students today seek integration into theworld andvalue
collaborative methods highly. This means it is essential
to provide them the infrastructure to connect and
communicate amongst with other students, even those
on other campuses and locations. 55% of students we
surveyed complained that their institute did not have
facilities to encourage web conferencing and other
interactive learning opportunities.
Key technologies in modern learning spaces include:
projectors, interactive whiteboards and projectors,
computers (desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile devices),
document cameras, digital cameras, video
conferencing, sound and video playback systems, voice
enhancement,Wifi, Internet access, and others.[19]
Seamless technology integration across the learning
spaces not only help students become more engaged,
but they also take more control over their learning.
Integrating technology and functional utility in the
classroom is a key step towards enhancing learning
environments. An interactive learning environment also
demands enhanced sound systems, drop-down
screens, and improved lighting controls. That could
begin with the installation of seating arrangements like
adjustable chairswith built-in charging facilities.
69% complained about a
lack of plug points for charging
gadgets in classrooms
80% felt that they should have
proper access to technology
inside their classrooms
05
55% complained their
institute did not have facilities
to encourage web conferencing
The Essentials of Learning Spaces

6. Typically, students spend around 8 hours in classrooms
and a wrong posture is bound to have serious
implications. Students are at risk of suffering from wrong
sitting posture in the classroom, if the furniture they sit on
is not ergonomic.
Most of the classrooms in our study were found to have
60-80 students - with more than 35% of the students
feeling the classrooms are cramped up – many not
having sufficient individual space. Our study also
revealed that 77% of the students felt their classroom
seats were uncomfortable. Several complained of
inappropriate space between the desk and the chair,
lack of cushion seats, etc. More than 55% of the students
across colleges sit on conventional wooden desks and
benches that are not only uncomfortable for long hours
but also inappropriate for their height or body structure.
While the educational institutes focus a lot on improving
the pedagogy, technology, limited attention is being
paid by them towards classroom ergonomics which is
one of the most important elements of a learning
environment. Rightly designed ergonomic furniture is a
key requirement of a learning space – One that suits the
kids well wrt body dimensions, allow movement and
encourages a good posture.
02 - Safe, ergonomic, and functional furniture
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77% said
classroom seats
are not comfortable
55% feeling
uncomfortable for
long hours sitting on
wooden benches
35% of students feeling
the classrooms
are cramped up
The Essentials of Learning Spaces

7. Offering seating options that encourage students to
alternate postures must also be considered. Other
learning zones can involve usage of high table with
stools, bean bags, poufs – all of these will give student a
break from the static postures students usually adopt in
a class and encourage movement.
Another study conducted by Godrej Interio revealed
that 52% of Students complained of some pain issues in
the body. This pain can be attributed to excessive
gadget usage by students, faulty postures they adopt
while studying and using gadgets as well as
inappropriate furniture design. The need to have
comfortable classroom furniture was cited by 43% of the
students when asked about the three things they would
like to change in their class. Considering the concerns
students face and their expectations, it is evident that
educational institutions must consider offering the right
ergonomic classroom furniture.
As part of the basic ergonomic requirements for
classroom furniture, height adjustable furniture and
chairs promote beneficial posture. Some ergonomic
characteristics that a chair can include are adjustability
of height, backrest and armrests. A chair with such
characteristic can be used by many students with
different body sizes. Cushion seats provide the much-
needed support to the lumbar thereby giving comfort
during the long hours ofstudy.
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43% supported the need
for comfortable classroom furniture
52% complained of some
pain issues in the body
The Essentials of Learning Spaces

8. At Godrej Interio, we classify these spaces as Learn
Spaces and Unwind Spaces
LEARN SPACES:
Learning happens everywhere in the campus and is no
longer restricted to the classroom. Learning
requirements of students vary too; while some prefer to
learn individually, a lot of them prefer to study in groups.
Basis the cognitive requirement of the students, the
Learn spaces can be classified as Task spaces, Quiet
spaces and Interact Spaces.
A.TASK SPACES
Task spaces can be a mix of fixed or flexible settings
based on the requirements of the learning style. Desks
on castors allow students to reconfigure the space
themselves quickly for various types of learning and
interaction. Supporting these desks with mobile power
stations and writable walls will help make the learning
environment efficient. Most of the classrooms we
observed had fixed furniture. However more than 73% of
the students felt the need to have a classroom
modifiable to suit individual work as well as
collaborativework.
Students have at least two cognitive demands on them
at all times: academic task demands (understanding
and working with content) and social task demands
(interacting with others concerning that content). This
means that students are expected to understand the
content and at the same time demonstrate the
understandingvia participation in discussion.
The physical environment has a tremendous influence
on the task and social interaction students have with
others. In this social age, learning takes place not only in
the classrooms and laboratories but throughout the
campus, in the corridors, cafeteria, and lounge spaces.
Students, as well as educational institutions now, agree
that learning doesn’t take place in classrooms only. The
design, layout and overall feel of the entire campus now
play a role in creating an engaging learning
environment for the students. It is hence imperative to
give enough importance to spaces other than the
classroom. It is important to have a mix of formal, semi-
formal and casual spaces in the college that not only
enable the students to learn individually but collaborate
and Unwind as well. A good balance of such spaces will
not only ensure a good academic environment but also
an energizing social life at campus.
03 - Spaces that meet the cognitive demands of students
08
The Essentials of Learning Spaces

9. This can be designed as a combination of formal and
informal, sticky spaces feature amenities such as
modular lounge furniture, mobile device charging
stations embedded in tables and vibrant seating
options that encourage students to stick around longer.
UNWIND SPACES:
Allwork and no play makesJack a dull boy. Students also
need some ‘break’ spaces to unwind and relax,
especially when they feel burdened with a lot of
responsibilities. A study from Harvard Medical School
found that three out of four students experienced a
stressful life events in the last year, while more than 20
percent of students experienced six or more stressful
events within the last year.The need for creating unwind
spaces was seconded by our study wherein more than
52% of the students expressed a need for a zone where
they can relax.
Such relaxing spaces or break-out areas should have
cushioned seating arrangements, hammocks, and
couches to rest their backs, and appliances like music
systems, movable media screens, and more to ensure
that they have their best time.
Self-directed study and independent learning becomes
increasingly prevalent amongst Higher grade students.
There is a need to work un-interrupted – a space with
visual and acoustic separation. About 36% of the
students cited the need of having Focus areas in their
college. Providing individual pods accompanied by
writable work surfaces, integrated power and
comfortable upholstered seating can be a perfect
setting for creating a quiet space.
C. INTERACTSPACES:
B. QUIETSPACES:
Social interactions such as debates, discussions, group
project working are an important part of student’s
campus life. Besides the classrooms, learning happens
across multiple spaces in the campus including the
corridors where students move from one class to other,
the library, cafeteria, outdoor lawns, etc. Creating the
right environment where students can collaborate over
a project, make presentations, and enjoy peer-to-peer
learning can positively impact the learner’s ability and
meet individual learning goals. These spaces should
have proper ergonomic seating arrangements for group
studies, flexible discussions, workshops, projects, and
assignments.
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UNWIND SPACES
LEARN SPACES
TASK
SPACES
QUIET
SPACES
INTERACT
SPACES
The Essentials of Learning Spaces

10. A carefully balanced lighting system will consider a
number of factors, including illuminance, uniformity,
glare, flicker and colour, in order to provide optimal
learning conditions
Illumination - The average level of light in an area at
a given time affects the mood of the students as well as
their attentiveness. Low illuminance can be linked to
slower reading, reduced concentration, poor posture
and long term weakened vision. An excessive variation
of illuminance can also be an issue – it reduces visual
performance, causing discomfort and hyperactivity. A
level of uniformity needs to be achieved to avoid
excessive contrast and distraction.
Lighting Factors
additionally integrate it well with artificial lighting.
According to our study, 78% of the interviewed students
are displeased over the absence of automated lighting
controls in their classrooms, something they viewed as
essential for audio/visual learning.
There are tremendous benefits to incorporating natural
light into the learning environment. Several international
studies have linked daylight in the classroom to
improvement in student performance. According to a
study by the Heschong Mahone Group(3), students more
exposed to natural light while learning tend to score at
least 18% higher than those,who aren’t. Natural light has
positive physiological and psychological effects on the
students, as well as the teachers. Maximizing the use of
natural light is the ideal formula: it helps create the best
possible climate and leads to significant energy
savings. Additionally, as natural daylight impacts
students’ biological rhythms, it also improves their well-
being, their productivity as well as their ability to
concentrate.
However, it may not always be possible to create a
complete natural lighting system in the classrooms due
to architectural constraints. Therefore, care must be
taken to make the most of natural lighting and
04 - Regulated Lighting and Temperature Control
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The Essentials of Learning Spaces

11. COMFORTABLETEMPERATURE LEVELS
Temperature impacts student’s learning ability and also
affects numerous other mental and physical activities.
Whether it’s too hot or too cold, uncomfortable
temperatures distract students. When the classrooms
are too hot, the students get impatient, inattentive, and
restless.When it’s too cold, they are distracted and sub-
consciously tend to use a substantial amount of their
energy to try and keep warm. Appropriate temperature
regulations are therefore necessary to enhance comfort
levels of the students, improve concentration, and keep
diseases at bay.
27% of the students we surveyed report that their
classrooms were not air-conditioned. This leads to
excessive physical dis-comfort. This should be of
concern for the institutes, as extreme temperatures tend
to have adverse effects on the physical aswell as mental
health ofstudents.
During the summer months, the advisable temperature
of the classrooms should range between 24-26 degrees
Celsius, and in winter, it should be 21-23 degrees Celsius.
In addition to that, proper ventilation is also necessary
to boost students’ performance.
important role to play, too. A cool white light source
makes students more focused and generally improves
performance (Classroom), whilst a warmer light may be
useful when engaging young children in calmer
activities (Cafeteria).
Classrooms must have the flexibility to adjust the lux
levels depending on the tasks being carried out. For E.g.:
Writing on the board may require 500 lux which may go
down to 300 lux when the students are being shown a
presentation. Spaces dedicated to artistic and creative
activities should have a consistent vertical lighting
system to ensure proper illuminance. That apart, any
space where industrial drawing or artistic work is
performed should have illumination levels equal to or
more than 750 Lux. That apart, leisure zones like the
lobby, play zones and lounge areas should have lighting
fixtures of at least 200 Lux to reduce any kind of visual
discomfort.
Glare - Unintended brightness of a secondary object
that the students are not focussing on, due to reflection
or other issues, is known as glare. Most of the time, the
students tend to squint and compromise on their
comfort to see properly, thus causing strain on their
eyes.This could lead to chronic headaches and physical
discomfort. Properly locating whiteboards and screens
in relation to lighting systems could reduce these
problems to a large extent.
Colour - The colour of the walls in a classroom also
contributes to the overall lighting system and degrees of
reflection. Proper planning becomes imperative in this
regard to ensure that the students don’t face any kind of
discomfort.
Colour temperature in artificial lighting has an
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Zone and Recommended Lux Levels
Corridors
100
Cafeteria &
Leisure Zones
200
Staff Room
300
Classroom,
Library, Auditorium
300-400
Laboratories
500
Art Room
700
The Essentials of Learning Spaces

12. Conclusion
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control over their surroundings, like tech-integrated
flexible furniture settings, adds to their sense of well-
being. When given ergonomically designed furniture
and work areas, their ability to stay focused and on-task
is improved. Integrating natural light into the learning
spaces enriches the student experience.
Conducive and comfortable learning environment that
meets the needs of students can help promote
learning, which eventually enhances their
conceptual understanding. Hence, it is suggested that
systematic assessment of the learning environments
is considered as vital because the information
obtained thereby can be used as a basis to
improve the quality and effectiveness of the learning
environment.
Learning environments in India are changing, influenced
by the need to have new skills, ever-improving
technology as well as access to new tools of learning.
The digital age demands more than just textbooks and
teachers to promote learning. In that context, learning
space design is gaining importance, and rightly so,
because of the potential such spaces hold to impact
learning in general.
Avariety of factors need to be considered in the creation
of these learning spaces and environments. Some
general structural characteristics influence the
motivation of students to learn by impacting emotional
and physical well-being and a sense of security. Other
characteristics of these learning environments like
lighting and temperature impact cognitive processes
like comprehension and reflection. Giving students some
The Essentials of Learning Spaces

13. Godrej Interio (GI) is India’s leading furniture brand in
both the home and institutional segments. GI aims to
transform spaces to create brighter homes and offices
with aesthetic, functional, and technology-driven
products that retain a special focus on health and
ergonomics. GI’s product portfolio covers:
Solutions
I. B2B – Office Modular Furniture,Turnkey Projects,
ii. B2C – Home Furniture & Storage, Mattress, and
Kitchens
Healthcare Furniture, Lab Furniture,AVandVending
Disclaimer
About Godrej Interio
References
This paper represents the opinions of the authors and is the product of professional research.This report has been prepared for the
exclusive use and benefit of the addressee(s) and solely for the purpose for which it is provided. Unless we provide express prior
written consent, no part of this report should be reproduced or distributed. While every attempt is made to ensure that the
information contained in this document is true to its best. However, Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., its employees, representatives,
affiliates or any of its divisions, etc. shall not be responsible for any reliance made on this paper or for any errors / omissions in
information obtained from the sourcewhile preparing this paper.
GI is widely known for its comprehensive sustainability
certifications for furniture products. Currently present in
over 650 cities with 250 exclusive showrooms and 800
dealers, GI is one of the largest divisions of Godrej and
Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the Godrej Group, one of
India's largest engineering and customer product
groups.
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https:/
/thepolicytimes.com/chinas-literacy-rate-is-23-higher-than-india-pig-research/
https:/
/www.ibef.org/industry/education-presentation
https:/
/hms.harvard.edu/news/college-stress
http:/
/h-m-g.com/projects/daylighting/summaries%20on%20daylighting.htm
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The Essentials of Learning Spaces