At Western Washington University, each department has unique classrooms designed to cater to the specific needs of its students and professors. These spaces reflect the different ways students learn and interact with their respective disciplines.
Forest Payne is the assistant director of Western Capital Planning & Design.
Payne explained that Western approaches the design of academic buildings through a mix of long and short-range planning.
“WWU recently completed a Capital Development and Strategic Vision Plan that documents current conditions and provides a campus vision that will guide planning and development decisions for the next 10-15 years,” Payne said in an email. “The evolving needs of facilities and the programs they house are considered on an ongoing basis, but the funding for physical improvements follows a two-year state capital budget cycle.”
Ellen Kuhlmann, program manager for Western's Space Administration & Management, emphasized the involvement of students and faculty in the planning process.
“People who will be using the new or renovated spaces are involved in detailed discussions and workshops to determine the best design and mix of spaces that fit the goals for the project and stay within budget,” Kuhlmann said.
Each field has different requirements for its facilities. STEM fields, such as engineering and biology, require laboratories equipped with specialized tools, proper ventilation and safety features like eyewash stations. Math classrooms function similarly to English and humanities spaces, with flexible seating and modern technology for group discussions.
Creative majors such as arts, music and theater also require specialized environments.
“Performance and practice spaces need good acoustics, space for instruments and adequate storage,” Kuhlmann said. “Art students need studios with natural light and specialized equipment, while critique spaces are required for art and design. Theatre programs need flexible rehearsal areas and suitable performance spaces.”
For humanities and English programs, which rely more on discussion-based learning, classrooms often have flexible seating, smaller class sizes and computer labs for writing classes. Education and teaching programs also require specialized spaces, including labs in the SMATE buildings that simulate elementary and high school science classrooms.
“There is even a gym in Carver where future physical education teachers are taught,” Kuhlmann said.
Many early education majors also gain hands-on experience by interning at the Child Development Center.
Students at Western have their own perspectives on how these spaces shape their learning experiences. Rosie Walker, a first-year student studying business and education, appreciates interactive classrooms.
“I feel most comfortable in a mix of collaborative and hands-on learning environments. I enjoy working with others and applying concepts in practical ways rather than just memorizing information,” Walker said.
Walker has noticed differences in classroom setups across her courses.
“STEM courses tend to have lab spaces and hands-on components, while humanities classes are often discussion-based with more traditional lecture setups. Some classes also integrate technology, like smart boards or online collaboration tools,” Walker said.
For Walker, the physical classroom environment plays a significant role in her engagement.
“Natural lighting, seating arrangements and access to technology all contribute to how engaged I feel during class. Hands-on, interactive environments make subjects more appealing. For example, working in a lab setting has reinforced my interest in environmental science, whereas traditional lecture-based classes sometimes feel less engaging,” Walker said.
By designing classrooms to meet the needs of each major, Western creates an environment where students can thrive through hands-on experience, collaborative discussions, or creative expression.
Mishele Ross (she/her) is a campus news reporter for The Front this quarter. She is a second-year journalism news/ed major. When she is not hunting down a source or hiding out in the library writing a story, you can find her listening to music, bowling, or playing a round of golf. You can reach her at misheleross.thefront@gmail.com.
