Purdue University Active Learning Center: Innovative Higher Ed Design

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Purdue University

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West Lafayette, Indiana

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164,000 SF

A modern academic library in the Purdue University Active Learning center with rows of study carrels occupied by students working on laptops and reading. The space features a combination of individual study desks with frosted glass dividers and open seating areas. Tall concrete columns support the ceiling, which has a grid of recessed lighting. Wooden bookshelves filled with books line the right side of the image, while students are scattered throughout, focused on their work. Some students have backpacks and personal items at their desks. The atmosphere is quiet and studious, with a mix of natural and artificial lighting.

This image shows a spacious university study hall at Purdue University. The interior features a grand, high ceiling with exposed wooden truss beams and an elegant slatted wood ceiling treatment. Pendant lights hang from the ceiling, providing warm illumination throughout the space. The room is filled with wooden study tables where numerous students are working at laptops or studying. The hall has a traditional academic aesthetic with wood paneling along the lower walls and large windows allowing natural light to enter. At the far end of the hall, a large historic framed painting is prominently displayed on the wall. The space appears to be a blend of historic architectural elements with modern functionality, creating an impressive and conducive environment for studying.

A modern, open-concept learning space within the Thomas S. and Harvey D. Wilmeth Active Learning Center. Several students are engaged in different activities—two students are collaborating on laptops while sitting on modular seating, another student is studying at a table, and one more is sitting near a railing, reading with a backpack beside them. The area features contemporary furniture, a mix of carpet and tile flooring, and large concrete columns. In the background, escalators lead to an upper level, and a historic aerial photograph decorates the wall, contributing to the academic atmosphere

This image shows a modern university lecture hall with a tiered, semi-circular seating arrangement. Students are seated at curved desks with black office chairs, many working on laptops or in small groups. The room features multiple projection screens on the left wall displaying presentation slides with text that's not clearly legible in the image. At the front of the room, an instructor is standing near the projector screens. The classroom has a contemporary design with bright fluorescent lighting in the drop ceiling, multiple ceiling-mounted projectors, and a distinctive teal blue accent wall at the back of the room with some display panels. Small windows near the ceiling allow for some natural light. The space appears designed for collaborative learning, with students arranged in a way that allows for both viewing the presentation and working together in small groups.

This image shows a university lecture hall or classroom filled with students attending a presentation. At the front of the room, a presenter stands beside dual projection screens displaying graphs titled

This image shows a modern educational collaborative space featuring semi-private meeting areas with glass walls. In the foreground, two people are seated in a small meeting pod engaged in discussion, with a whiteboard visible containing what appears to be a graph or chart. The seating area includes comfortable upholstered chairs around a small table. The space has an open, contemporary design with a long corridor that extends into the distance, where another person can be seen walking. The left side of the corridor has modular, striped seating elements or storage units. The right side features several glass-enclosed meeting rooms or collaboration spaces. The interior design incorporates natural light from large windows along the right side, modern recessed ceiling lighting, and a mixed-material floor with wood-look tiles in the corridor and carpeted areas in the meeting spaces. The overall aesthetic emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and a blend of open and semi-private workspaces typical of modern academic buildings or corporate innovation centers.

A spacious multi-level atrium in the Active Learning Center at Purdue University. The central feature is a large staircase with glass railings leading to multiple floors, with people ascending and descending. Three floors of classrooms and workspaces are visible beyond the staircase through floor-to-ceiling interior glass walls. The walkways and staircases create a contemporary industrial aesthetic, complemented by concrete columns and glass partitions.

Thomas S. and Harvey D. Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC)

Purdue University’s Wilmeth Active Learning Center exemplifies academic building design that seamlessly integrates classroom and library environments for optimal efficiency. The space complements today’s learning styles and includes new technologies and fosters a collaborative learning atmosphere. Additionally, the Center supports classroom activities, studying, and learning in one location. The interior architecture encourages both independent study and group collaboration, with dynamic furniture arrangements that accommodate individuals, small teams, and large groups.

The technology throughout the facility allows students to stay connected. True engagement and being around their peers is critical to learning and the college experience.

With a focus on best practice higher education design services, the facility includes:

27 active learning classrooms equipped with projectors or flat panel monitors, designed for group collaboration (6-10 students per team).
Classrooms occupancy ranging from 30-300 people
Studying space and team rooms
Integrated technology supporting both in-house and distance learning
Movable furniture for collaborative teaching configurations
Librarian office suites
Assisted listening-hearing loops
Multi-use auditorium/classroom
Dual video images in most classrooms, enhancing the digital learning experience

With its innovative approach to university building design, the Wilmeth Active Learning Center stands as a testament to BSA Design’s excellence in higher education interior design and custom building design company expertise. By integrating sustainable building design, flexible layouts, and cutting-edge technology, this facility provides an engaging, future-focused environment for Purdue students.

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Disciplines

Architecture, Engineering

Purdue University Active Learning Center: Innovative Higher Ed Design

Thomas S. and Harvey D. Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC)

Case Study

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