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

Large 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.

image of Shambaugh Auditorium in Main Library
SHAM LIB
Image of classroom W290 Chemistry Building
W290 CB

Computer Based

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.

Image of classroom with computers
W240 AJB
Image of Classroom 41 Schaeffer Hall
41 SH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Custom

A space not defined in the current room type list. Please select this option and follow-up contact will occur to understand the facility description desired.

Learning Suite

A cluster of adjoining spaces that foster collaborative learning opportunities.

Image of Van Allen Commons 310
Van Allen Commons
Image of a small study room
B58 PBSB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lecture - Collaborative

A collaborative lecture classroom is designed for collaboration, discussion and presentation. Students can work together in small groups or interact with everyone in the room. Desks are typically fixed tables and moveable chairs with rows at similar heights that provide students with the flexibility to work with the students around and behind them.

Image of Classroom 3655 Seamans Center
3655 SC
image of a lecture room with tables that seat four students

Lecture - General

A general lecture classroom typically has desks that are fixed tables and chairs that cannot be rearranged in different configurations.

Photo of classroom C121 Pappajohn Business Building
S121 PBB
Image of classroom 106 Gilmore Hall
106 GILH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lecture - w/ Breakout Rooms

A lecture room with breakout rooms is a classroom with a larger, general lecture style space with additional breakout rooms located adjacent to or within the larger lecture space. Breakout rooms provide a way to divide students into smaller groups to facilitate group discussions and active learning.

Visit UCLA Conferences & Catering for an example.

Multipurpose - General

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.

image of classroom 1117 University Capitol Centre
1117 UCC
Image of classroom filled with student desks
103 NH

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.

image of seminar classroom
E250 AJB
image of seminar room E122 visual arts building
E122 VAB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Photo of 350 Van Allen Hall
350 VAN
Image of 1140 Main Library
1140 LIB

Video Simulation

A room that is equipped with the use of videos that simulates real-life situations to aid in skill development.

Web Enhanced/Hybrid/HyFlex

A classroom that is configured to provide a flexible teaching and learning environment that could include video conferencing, lecture & audio recording, and interactive technology to support student interaction. The student can choose to participate online synchronously or in-person.

image of Web Enhanced Hybrid HyFlex Classroom from Purdue University
Image courtesy of Purdue University
image of Web Enhanced Hybrid HyFlex Classroom from University of Florida
Image courtesy of University of Florida