5 Keys to Successful Student Commons

In contemporary educational facility design, the Student Commons marks a significant departure from traditional school architecture and is a defining element differentiating 20th century ‘factory model’ schools, from 21st century facilities designed with resiliency in mind to address social and program alignment. In the past, schools were structured around classrooms where students spent most of their time in a regimented manner, often sitting at desks arranged in rows. Areas outside of these classrooms, such as the Cafeteria or Library, were typically designed for specific singular functions like dining or studying.

However, the modern Student Commons epitomizes how large, adaptable spaces can improve program flexibility, provide students an alternative to the classroom, and function as public, formal, or informal use opportunities. It serves as a dynamic central hub that encourages interaction, collaboration, and community-building among students, faculty, and staff. Unlike the 20th century model, comprised of double loaded corridors with relentlessly repetitive rooms, the Student Commons integrates multiple functions into a single, large versatile area designed to offer a wide range of user experiences. Here are five key aspects to creating successful Student Commons:

1.        Central Location: Placing the Student Commons at the heart of the school enhances accessibility for everyone. This centrality makes it easier for students and staff to converge, promoting spontaneous interactions and fostering a sense of community. It becomes a natural hub of daily activity encouraging students to collaborate and engage in various social and academic pursuits throughout the day. Placed near the main entrance to the school, the Student Commons can be easily accessed by members of the public for events scheduled outside of normal operating hours, enhancing the school's role as a community asset.

2.        Diverse Activities: The Student Commons exemplifies multifunctionality as a cornerstone characteristic. It accommodates diverse activities such as dining, collaborative learning, group and individual project-based work, and gatherings of varying sizes. For larger events in the Auditorium or Gymnasium, the Student Commons extends the venue as a pre/post function area, readily accommodating food service needs. A standout architectural element, the Learning Stair, enhances versatility by functioning as informal dining during lunch, a viewing area for presentations, or a venue for robotics competitions. This multifunctionality allows the Student Commons to easily adapt to program enhancements and the ever-changing diverse needs of students, faculty, and the community at large, thereby enriching the overall school experience.

3.        Openness and Connectivity: The design of the Student Commons emphasizes openness through strategic use of interior windows that offer visibility of activities within program areas, puts learning on display, and promotes inclusivity and a sense of belonging within the school community. This transparency fosters an environment where interactions are encouraged, and people feel more connected. Additionally, designing these larger spaces with higher ceilings filled with natural light provides spatial relief and variety, and offers a refreshing contrast to traditional classroom settings. A study by Fischl and Gärling (2004) found that ceiling height ranked among the top three architectural details that influenced consumers’ psychological well-being. Addressing other research-supported interior design strategies such as the use of non-rhythmic sensory stimuli or graphics, natural light, intentional use of color, glare resistance finishes, and acoustic treatments provide cumulative benefit. These design choices not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a more comfortable, creative, and stimulating environment that supports students' well-being and engagement throughout their day. A technology-rich environment with a wireless network and power outlets for charging devices increases productivity. 21st century learning relies heavily on digital resources and connectivity. Having robust audio and visual capabilities enhances the space's utility for presentations, lectures, and multimedia learning experiences while enabling students to leverage digital resources effectively. This is essential for independent and group work, utilizing engaging presentations, and the effective communication of ideas.

4.        Flexibility: By supporting informal gatherings as well as structured events, the Student Commons becomes more responsive to the varied needs and interests of students. Utilizing the Student Commons for overflow purposes helps manage space constraints in traditional classrooms and can provide additional capacity during peak times or for events that require more space than typical classrooms can accommodate. Making this space adaptable relies in great part to proper furniture selection. Providing a variety of soft and hard, stand up and sit down, and the modularity to reconfigure group sizes, increases the usability and reconfiguration when needed.

5.        School Culture: The Student Commons can be the heart of a school's culture by fostering student agency through self-directed learning and collaborative activities, where the student body gathers to learn, engage, and grow. Efficient management ensures the space meets diverse user needs while cultivating a strong sense of community and belonging. Beyond school hours, it extends its impact by integrating with the broader community, enhancing inclusivity and engagement. Thoughtful design elements such as school colors, branding, and mascot integration reinforce the school's identity and values, creating a dynamic environment that proudly showcases its ethos.

Overall, the shift towards a modern Student Commons reflects broader educational goals of fostering collaboration, creativity, and holistic development among students. It acknowledges that learning happens not only within the confines of a traditional classroom but also through social interactions and diverse experiences within a supportive and inclusive school environment.

About the author.

Jeffrey Elliott AIA, LEED AP BD+C is an Associate Principal with JCJ ARCHITECTURE. Jeff’s reputation as a highly regarded K-12 Public School Architect, comes from over 30 years of delivering award winning solutions that align program, design, and budget requirements.