New Study Pods Enrich Indiana Tech

February 3, 2024

Sometimes great opportunities arise spontaneously. In this case, spontaneity resulted in library pods for a university.

In a meeting at a Habitat for Humanity event, leaders from YOURspace connected with the president of Indiana Tech, a university located in Fort Wayne.

This conversation paved the way for a partnership that transformed the concept of modular study pods from the 2020 pandemic into a privacy solution for libraries and educational institutions.

Study Pods Implemented at Indiana Tech

YOURspace study pods began as customizable, modular rooms designed to address the need for private workspaces during the pandemic. These pods quickly evolved into essential assets for libraries, providing dedicated spaces for study and collaboration.

The library study rooms at Indiana Tech exemplify this evolution, highlighting how adaptable these pods are to various academic needs.

Indiana Tech embraced the YOURspace study pods through a 90-day rental program. This initiative aimed to gauge the popularity and utility of the pods among students and the broader academic community. The initial setup included two library study rooms, measuring 10’ x 11’ and 10’ x 12’, respectively.

Customization for Library Spaces

The design of these library study rooms was a collaborative effort involving the library director and the facilities director. The study pods featured round desks accommodating 4-5 people and whiteboards for brainstorming and note-taking. Glass walls at the front and back of the pods allowed natural light to flood the spaces, creating an inviting and productive environment.

To ensure compliance with safety regulations, YOURspace added a drop-down ceiling to the pods, addressing fire marshal requirements. This modification enabled the installation of additional rooms in the library.

Additional Library Pods Based on Success

The success of the initial study pods at Indiana Tech prompted the university to add two more rooms specifically designed for individual study. These new rooms, measuring 4’ x 4’, included half windows, desks, shelves, and electrical outlets, providing a compact yet functional space for focused study sessions.

Additionally, the facilities director is exploring other areas on campus where these versatile study pods can be deployed, recognizing their potential to enhance various library spaces and beyond.

Benefits of the YOURspace Study Pods

The result of YOURspace study pods at Indiana Tech? Students found the pods ideal for small group work, while faculty members utilized them for meetings, interviews, and planning sessions. The modular nature of the pods allows them to transform any room in a library into a modern, multipurpose space that offers privacy, promotes efficiency, and fosters innovation.

One of the standout features of YOURspace study pods is their high level of customization. Educational institutions can tailor these pods to meet their specific needs, making them an invaluable addition to library rooms and spaces. These pods provide a conducive environment for various academic activities, including collaborative projects or individual study.

Library pods are:

Sound-proof
Quick and easy to set up and reconfigure
Cost-effective
ADA compliant

Why Your Higher Ed Institution Needs Library Study Rooms

The implementation of YOURspace study pods at Indiana Tech proves to be a perfect solution for libraries. Library study rooms incorporate modular designs to create flexible, user-friendly environments that cater to the diverse needs of students and staff.

By offering both privacy and collaboration space, library pods address the demands of students and faculty. The ability to customize and easily reconfigure these pods makes them a practical solution for modern libraries.

These library study pods meet the immediate needs of students and faculty and offer a scalable solution for future academic environments.

Why Modular Library Pods Are Better Than Construction

Sure, traditional construction offers a permanent solution. But it also offers many drawbacks: time, mess, and noise.

Unlike construction projects that take weeks or months, modular learning pods can be installed in just a few hours. This minimizes disruption to student schedules and faculty routines, keeping your library environment productive. Plus, construction brings dust, noise, and a general sense of chaos. Installing modular study pods is a clean and quiet process, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing campus activities.

Aside from these drawbacks of construction projects, permanent builds don’t account for the versatility that your university may need.

Modular pods can be easily reconfigured or relocated to meet changing needs and higher education trends. This allows you to adapt your library layout to accommodate different learning styles, group sizes, and future growth. You can transfigure your pods into individual study pods for solo study sessions, collaborative study pods for group work, and even soundproof student privacy booths for confidential calls or online exams.

Still not convinced? Then consider the cost-effectiveness of library study pods.

Construction projects require a significant upfront investment in materials, labor, and permits. The national average cost on a college campus is about $244 per square foot. Modular study spaces offer a more cost-effective solution, with lower initial costs and the flexibility to adapt or relocate them as needed. In essence, student study pods provide a cost-effective solution by offering:

Lower initial investment
Faster installation with reduced labor costs
Minimal disruption and lost revenue
Flexibility for future needs

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New Study Pods Enrich Indiana Tech