Design elements
Social Space
Social space is space given over to rest and relaxation, conversation and the informal sharing of knowledge and experience. It can also be space reserved for leisure activities, student support, advice and guidance.
Ideally the ‘heart’ of the college is its main social space. A place where meeting and greeting can take place in a comfortable and less formally structured environment such as a refectory, a café, a rest area or an information hub.
But it does not necessarily become the only venue. ‘Break-out’ spaces along corridors or secondary refreshment areas can delineate a place for a quiet chat or an informal or a chance meeting.
Different types of social space should therefore be designed to cater for different users. However, it is important to design such spaces to offer a variety of uses and possible layouts so that they do not become outdated and underutilised.
