The Power of Collaborative Spaces in Education

For decades, Hoefer Welker has been at the forefront of designing collaborative spaces that transform learning environments. In 2016, our team took a significant step forward with the Northland Innovation Center, an education space for K-5 students in SAGE (Students in Academically Gifted Education) from the North Kansas City School District and college students from Northwest Missouri State University. Located in Gladstone, Missouri, this project showcased the power of design to transform student learning. By creating a space that caters to innovative learning methodologies and styles and peer engagement, we witnessed firsthand how design can elevate the education experience.

Since then, our designers have continued to refine and expand this approach, creating dynamic learning environments in state-of-the-art medical schools, graduate-level research labs and beyond. These spaces foster collaboration, innovation and a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

Here's how we've integrated collaborative spaces into recent projects:

Texas Christian University's School of Medicine

Hoefer Welker, in partnership with CO Architects, designed Texas Christian University's Arnold Hall, the home of the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine. This 95,000-square-foot building was designed to support a modern medical curriculum, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and interactive learning. The building’s design centers around a flipped classroom model, where students study independently and then engage in dynamic in-class sessions with peers, professors and professional medical mentors.

Key design elements that facilitate this innovative learning approach include:

• Collaborative Zones: The first floor features dedicated study zones where students work on group projects, conduct peer reviews and connect with professors and staff.
• Flexible Learning Studio: An adaptable 120-person learning studio can host large lectures and events, and easily be divided to accommodate smaller group work.
• Tutorial Rooms: Twelve dedicated tutorial rooms for focused study, small group discussions and breakout sessions. These flexible areas cater to various learning styles and group sizes.
• Simulation Center, HaloAnatomy Lab and Clinical Skills Room: The third floor houses an advanced simulation lab, an anatomy technology lab and a clinical skills room. These spaces provide students with invaluable opportunities to practice essential communication skills, deepen their understanding of anatomy and prepare for real-world interactions.

University of North Texas Science Research Building

Our team recently completed the 35,000 square-foot renovation of the University of North Texas Science Research Building. We transformed the space into state-of-the-art interdisciplinary flex laboratories for chemistry, biology, physics, synthesis and research, supporting the innovative work doctoral candidates conduct as research assistants. A core design principle for this facility was to anticipate future lab needs by maximizing operational efficiency and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This was achieved through flexible lab configurations and a unified design approach. The building now features:

• Interdisciplinary Biosafety Level 2 Laboratories: Designed to cultivate synergy and interdisciplinary relationships, these labs encourage the exchange of information and ideas. Sharing the space with various disciplines not only promotes the interaction of research from various fields of study but minimizes wasted resources by sharing equipment and access to spaces. This design promotes active learning, teamwork and the development of essential leadership skills.
• Equipment Storage and Support Spaces: The labs are equipped with new furniture and equipment, including 30 fume hoods. The design incorporates dedicated areas for equipment and chemical and gas cylinder storage, ensuring the flexible laboratories are functional for the various researchers who share the space.
• Dedicated Collaboration Spaces:
  • Huddle Rooms: The second floor now features huddle rooms as dedicated spaces for researchers to meet, discuss ideas, work on projects and use for breakout sessions.
  • Open Desk Areas: Open desk areas promote collaboration by facilitating easy communication and interaction among researchers.
  • Multipurpose and Conference Rooms: The building now offers spaces for workshops, seminars, lectures, presentations and events.

Each of these design choices creates more dynamic and collaborative learning environments for students and professionals at every level.

As education continues to evolve, Hoefer Welker remains committed to designing spaces that empower tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.