Philippine E-Journals

“SWEEPING” AT THE LEARNING COMMONS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF SPACE USE

Ana Maria B. Fresnido

 

Abstract:

The De La Salle University Learning Commons was designed to support different types of learning activities. As such, facilities in varying designs and functionalities are made available to its users. To find out what types of spaces appeal most to its clients and what additional facilities should be provided, observational walks or “sweeps” in all the public areas of the nine floors of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall being occupied by the Learning Commons were conducted for a period of twenty-two days at random times of the day. The seating sweeps were designed to capture the following data: client’s gender, activities they engage in (e.g., reading, writing, talking, eating, sleeping, playing, using library computers), the particular space where these activities happen, and the day and time that these activities took place. The findings revealed that there is a need to realign/ redesign some of the existing facilities and establish additional facilities.