Future Classrooms, University of Westminster

Rock Townsend worked with the University of Westminster on a programme of ‘Future Classroom’ refurbishments designed to facilitate SMART teaching. The project responds to the changing learning aspirations of the modern student, facilitated through new IT and FFE opportunities.

Rock Townsend collaborated with the University of Westminster on the "Future Classroom" refurbishment programme, designed to enhance learning through SMART teaching. This initiative addressed the evolving needs of modern students and teaching staff, leveraging new IT infrastructure and FFE (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) to create dynamic, technology-integrated learning spaces.

SMART teaching integrates technology into the physical classroom to foster active student participation. These adaptable, tech-enhanced environments provide the tools and flexibility for students to experiment, collaborate, and learn from one another. The project capitalised on digital technology's potential to transform higher education, offering versatile settings that support a wide range of teaching methodologies.

The project saw a phased refurbishment across the university's three campuses, initially upgrading 27 classrooms, followed by a phase 2 - an additional 65 classrooms.

Working closely with faculty and students, tailoring designs to meet the specific needs of each subject area, 5-6 rooms within each faculty were designated as “learning futures classrooms.” Through extensive consultations, academics and students contributed to the design process. Continuous improvement was a key focus, achieved through regular framework-wide meetings, weekly client feedback sessions, and post-project evaluations that shaped ongoing projects.

Prior to the refurbishments, student and staff reviews indicated dissatisfaction with the traditional, lecture-based teaching methods. After the implementation of SMART classrooms, university surveys revealed extremely positive feedback. Students felt the new classrooms fostered more interactive and engaging learning experiences and staff also responded favourably, noting the enhanced ability to teach in innovative and engaging ways.

“Whilst technology is not the only feature of our new classrooms, its integration into the physical teaching spaces provides powerful opportunities to better deliver what academic staff have always really sought – active, student centred learning”
— Gunter Saunders, Director Internet & Education Tech