University of Manchester Learning Commons

Work has begun on the development of the University’s iconic £30 million Alan Gilbert Learning Commons building which will provide a world-class 21st century learning environment for students at the University of Manchester.

The Learning Commons will provide:

• More than 1,000 flexible learning spaces in Phase One
• Stimulating and comfortable surroundings
• High quality IT facilities
• A campus hub for student-centered activities
• A variety of learning support services

Sustainability will be a major feature of the new building, which will include energy efficiency measures such as lighting sensitive to natural lighting and occupancy, CO2 monitoring to minimize energy wastage. In addition to the building itself, public realm improvements will also be made to the surrounding area.

The space will provide facilities for private study, group work, use of the library’s digital information, internet and the institutional ‘Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)’, online research, the practice of presentations, use of academic support services or conversation over a coffee.

It will provide a variety of learning spaces, including flexible rooms for group work, quiet spaces for lone-working and ‘smart classrooms’ for IT-dependent learning-support activities. A series of ‘specialised zones’ will also provide advanced facilities including video and audio production and editing, video conferencing, a gaming and visualisation zone, and a multimedia gallery.