Classroom Scheduling manages 11 different types of learning spaces across campus under the purview of University Classrooms.
The following information articulates descriptions, sizes, utilization guidelines, and layouts for the various types of instructional spaces at the University of Iowa to ensure the proper amount of space per seat/student. These classroom design standards are the measure with which future classroom planning and design should be created.
Additional information on space use codes and definitions can be found in the Facilities Information and Classification Manual.
Types of University Classrooms
Auditorium
Classrooms with a sloped floor or stadium seating. Desks are usually fixed tablet arm theater chairs facing the teaching area, some featuring raised teaching platforms. All contain lecterns or lectern/desks with fully embedded technology.
| FURNITURE TYPE | CAPACITY | SF RANGE PER STUDENT |
|---|---|---|
| Theatre seats | No limit | 12 - 24sf |
Class Laboratory
A space used primarily for instruction that requires special purpose equipment or a specific space configuration for student participation, experimentation, observation, or practice in an academic discipline.
| FURNITURE TYPE | CAPACITY | SF RANGE PER STUDENT |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | No limit | 25 - 30sf |
Computer Classroom
Classrooms that are equipped with either desktop or laptop computers for all students. These classrooms may be set with the computers in rows or with the computers along the perimeter with rows of desks in the center. These rooms are not tied to a specific subject or discipline by equipment in the room or the configuration of the space.
| Furniture type | EQUIPMENT TYPE | CAPACITY | SF RANGE PER STUDENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moveable tables | Desktop Computers | No limit | 30 - 35sf |
| Moveable tables | Laptop Computers | No limit | 25 - 30sf |
Lecture
A classroom that is used primarily for instruction and is not tied to a specific subject or discipline by equipment in the room or the configuration of the space. Desks are typically fixed tables and chairs that cannot be rearranged in different configurations. All contain lecterns or lectern/desks with fully embedded technology.
| FURNITURE TYPE | CAPACITY | SF RANGE PER STUDENT |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed tables | 15 - 70+ | 20 - 25sf |
Multipurpose
A classroom that is used primarily for instruction and is not tied to a specific subject or discipline by equipment in the room or the configuration of the space. Desks are typically tablet arm chairs or moveable tables and chairs that can be rearranged in different configurations to match an instructional pedagogy. All contain lecterns or lectern/desks with fully embedded technology.
| FURNITURE TYPE | CAPACITY | SF RANGE PER STUDENT |
|---|---|---|
| Moveable tables | 15+ | 25 - 30sf |
| Tablet arm chairs | 15 -70 | 20 - 25sf |
TILE
Technology-rich, active-learning spaces designed to promote student engagement and collaboration. These classrooms feature collaborative layouts, multiple display monitors, wireless content sharing, and additional writing surfaces that support active learning, group collaboration, and interactive instruction.
| FURNITURE TYPE | CAPACITY | SF RANGE PER STUDENT |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed or moveable tables | No Limit; Groups of 6 to 9 | 25 - 40sf |
Seminar
A classroom that is used primarily for small group instruction. Seating is predominantly at tables, depending on location, where students face each other to engage in discussion.
| FURNITURE TYPE | CAPACITY | SF RANGE PER STUDENT |
|---|---|---|
| Single fixed or multiple moveable tables | Up to 25 | 25 - 30sf |
Study Space
A room used by individuals to study at their convenience and not restricted to a particular subject or discipline by contained equipment.
| FURNITURE TYPE | CAPACITY | SF RANGE PER STUDENT |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed or moveable tables | Up to 6 | Varies |