Laboratory Types (Utilization Use Only)

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.

Activity – Movement

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.

image of empty dance room — Image courtesy of Slippery Rock University

Analytical/Computer

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.

Clinical

A space used for providing diagnosis, consultation, treatment, or other services to patients which the primary purpose of instruction, research, or public service.

image of room with patient beds — Image courtesy of AdventHealth University

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.

Equipment Based

A learning space created to support specialized equipment to foster teaching and learning opportunities that may or may not be shareable.

Field Based

A unique facility or structure that supports field experimentation or instruction which is frequently located off-campus.

image of wooded area — Iowa Raptor Project

image of agricultural field on university campus — Image courtesy of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

General Dry Bench Lab

A laboratory that is utilized for work with dry materials, electronics, or equipment for applied or computational analysis.

General Wet Bench Lab

A laboratory that is utilized where liquid substances such as chemicals or bio-matter designed for environmental controlled conditions.

image of wet lab — State Hygienic Lab at the University of Iowa - image courtesy of OPN Architects

Gross Anatomy

A laboratory offering hands-on learning experiences on cadavers, organs or structures.

image of anatomy lab — Image courtesy of Iowa State University

Large Volume/High Bay

A large warehouse type or style with concrete floors and high ceiling used to conduct experiments.

image of large laboratory — Image courtesy of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Observation

A space used to observe to provide critical feedback occurring in an adjoining room as part of learning curriculum. Typically, this room will have a window that can be blacked out when necessary.

image of room with window to another room

image of room with window opening to another room — Image courtesy of San Jose State University

Physical Simulation

A space designed for immersive, hands-on learning experiences through use of manikins, equipment, instruments, or technology.

Rehearsal

A facility used to prepare for music, theatre, or dance activities.

image of room with grand piano and music stands — Voxman Music Building

image of large room with chairs — Image courtesy of East Tennessee State University

Screening

A learning space that features enhanced viewing experiences with large screens and enhanced audio that may include specialized projection equipment.

image of movie theater — Iowa Theater - 166 IMU

Speech/Hearing

A learning laboratory furnished with equipment that serves individual or group instruction needs for speech-language pathology or audiology.

image of an anechoic chamber — Anechoic Chamber - SHC

image of lab with hearing mannequins — Image courtesy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Studio

A laboratory used primarily for individual or group instruction that is informally or formally scheduled such as music practice, art, or dance.

image of large room with large tables — Visual Arts Building

image of empty dance studio — Image courtesy of Villanova University

Video Enhanced (DOE studio)

A studio equipped to produce live or recorded media to develop or deliver course content or for student course-related activities.

image of web enhanced classroom — Image courtesy of Purdue University

Academic Testing Center

A room dedicated in providing support in the administration of paper and/or online examinations that is managed with proctor services. Adding specialized computer-based facility that could be used as an instructional facility on the non-testing hours.