Studies have indicated that classroom design impacts learning across all grade levels, as well as at institutions of higher education. Beyond learning, however, well-designed classrooms contribute to students’ academic motivations and social engagement.

At the University of Houston, several general-purpose classrooms are receiving makeovers to support the success of Cougars and to enrich faculty instruction. Credit these upgrades to UH’s Classroom Refresh Program, an ongoing initiative that annually updates University instructional spaces.

Improvements to UH classrooms include new desks and tables, new whiteboards, new chalkboards, upgraded audio and visual equipment and spaces specifically designed for students with disabilities.

Examples of recently revamped classrooms include those housing chemistry classes in UH’s Fleming Hall.  Spaces such as Room 162 in Fleming are outfitted with updated moveable desks with wheels and side storage panels perfect for books, laptops and other personal belongings. New desks can also easily be configured for both left and right-handed users. Moveable desks can be moved freely throughout the classroom. They also promote collaboration among students. In the neighboring auditorium (Room 160), seats have been widened to offer additional comfort and its color scheme brightened. Additionally, spaces at the front of the auditorium are configured to accommodate students in wheelchairs.

Other updated design elements include modern carpet tiles for easy replacement when floor sections become worn or stained.

Classroom upgrades are made possible with the support of $3 million in Higher Education Assistance Funding annually and recommendations from space liaisons from each college. More than 200 classrooms are included in the Classroom Refresh Program, and renovations are led by Space Management and Analysis (based within Facilities/Construction Management) in coordination with other departments on campus, including the Office of the University Registrar, University Information Technology and Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center.

Other areas such as Room 215 in the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture are outfitted with wheeled chairs and tables to allow for different classroom configurations. Large corkboards also envelop these architecture rooms, so students can pin illustrations, renderings or other documents for review by classmates.

“Classrooms are one of the cornerstones of our academic enterprise. Just as UH continues to grow and evolve, so must our teaching and learning spaces,” said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

In prioritizing rooms to be refreshed, Space Management and Analysis compiles scores based on utilization, safety and ADA issues and other factors. Refreshed rooms are revisited every 10 years to assess new enhancements.

As an extension of the Classroom Refresh Program, Space Management and Analysis will explore other uses of space within buildings. McElhinney Hall, for example, contains classrooms on both ends of the first-floor hallway that will soon accommodate student reflection spaces and a lounge for studying and socializing.

According to Woody Sutton, director of Space Management and Analysis, more than 40 classrooms have already been refreshed at an investment of $14 million. The project, he said, is essential to the University’s continued growth and its rise toward becoming a Top 50 public university.

“These updates and upgrades make a difference for the campus but more importantly, they’re impactful for students,” he said. “UH has so many wonderful facilities, but it’s essential that we continue to enhance our classrooms for current and future Coogs.”