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Home bases for private work and study. Are multidisciplinary laboratories the best answer?
British Journal of Medical Education
|December 1, 1975
Summary
Multidisciplinary laboratories are rarely used by students for private study. The design of these labs should prioritize multi-purpose functionality over dedicated private study spaces for optimal future evolution.
Area of Science:
- Educational facility design
- Laboratory utilization studies
Background:
- Since 1970, the utilization of multidisciplinary laboratories as private study bases has been monitored.
- Student preferences for study locations outside of scheduled laboratory hours were assessed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the extent to which students utilize multidisciplinary laboratories for out-of-hours private work.
- To inform future design considerations for multidisciplinary laboratories.
Main Methods:
- Empirical measurement of laboratory usage for private study purposes.
- Observation of student study location preferences.
Main Results:
- Students demonstrated minimal use of multidisciplinary laboratories for private, out-of-hours study.
- Students predominantly preferred study-bedrooms or libraries for private work.
Conclusions:
- There is no demonstrated need to include private study areas within the design of multidisciplinary laboratories.
- Future multidisciplinary laboratory designs should focus on multi-purpose and multifunction capabilities, allowing for flexible use of uncluttered spaces.