Learning Commons: A Revolution on How Universities Conceptulize Space

Abundant natural light and wide-open, technology-enriched spaces encourage collegiality, collaboration and innovation.

Kettering Learning Commons
Students collaborate and focus on academic work in a bright, modern space at Kettering University's Learning Commons.
Groups of students gather for meals and discussions in the open and inviting seating area of the Learning Commons.
A faculty member guides students in an interactive study session using whiteboards in a dedicated meeting room within the Learning Commons.
Featured Spaces

d.spacesStudents engage in a collaborative group discussion guided by an instructor in a glass-walled study room at the Learning Commons.

The Learning Commons features more than a dozen d.spaces. These spaces serve as collaborative workspaces that provide comfortable and functional spaces for students, faculty and staff to thrive. Lounge pieces including couches and chairs, tables for collaboration, whiteboards for note-taking or brainstorming sessions encourage collaboration, creativity and innovation.

Rooftop TerraceThe rooftop terrace of the Learning Commons offers a serene outdoor space for studying and relaxation, featuring hammocks and shaded seating.

This 1,600-square-foot space features seating and green spaces, hammocks for relaxing, sunshine to help you recharge, fresh air to boost your creativity, and electrical outlets so you can keep working while enjoying the outdoors.

Knowledge Bar

Two The welcoming library services desk at the Learning Commons provides support and resources to enhance the student experience.Knowledge Bars host our digital library in the Learning Commons. The library holds over 900,000 e-books, 100,000 e-journals and 100+ databases. It’s a continuous work in progress and just keeps getting bigger and easier to use. The digital library is available well beyond the Knowledge Bars—it’s available anywhere our students and faculty are studying, living and working—on campus and around the world.

"What do students think?"

A dynamic photo grid showcases collaborative learning, individual focus, and community engagement in the versatile spaces of Kettering University's Learning Commons.

 

 

“The Learning Commons contains everything that the campus provided before in one location.  It is cozy, and you could spend the entire day there between coffee, food, d.spaces as well as open concept spaces for easy collaboration and socializing."

- Hayden Neva ME, '22

A dynamic photo grid showcases collaborative learning, individual focus, and community engagement in the versatile spaces of Kettering University's Learning Commons.

 

 

 

 

“The Learning Commons is special because it’s a great spot for everyone to gather and come together.”

- Robin Pelayo CS, '22

Read more about how the Learning Commons is transforming learning.

Travis Sage led the design team at the architectural firm Stantec.

 

Travis Sage led the design team at the architectural firm Stantec. Sage and his colleagues, in collaboration with President Robert K. McMahan and university staff, designed the building to balance timelessness and permanence. A shining example of architectural excellence, the design incorporates optimal flexibility for current and future teaching and learning, collaborating, and socializing. Power and technology are woven throughout so that the building can easily transform to meet unforeseen program or space needs.

The striking atrium sculpture in Kettering University's Learning Commons combines art and engineering, serving as a centerpiece that inspires creativity and innovation.

 

Learning Commons Atrium Mobile
Marco Mahler, Sculptor

Artist Marco Mahler's sculpture, suspended from the fourth floor to the first floor atrium of the Learning Commons, is a visual representation of the building's interactive nature. It consists of two parts that visually correspond with each other and complete each other. Each part measures 25 feet in height and 16 feet in diameter.

Mahler designed the sculpture with interconnected balance structures throughout; the equilibrium of each part depends on the counterparts that are linked to it. Just like the spaces in the Learning Commons, it can be freely interpreted and reinterpreted.

Naming Opportunities

Generous donors have made this revolutionary building experience possible. If you are interested in supporting an available named space in the Learning Commons, please call (810) 762-9927.