Reimagining Learning Spaces: From Design Vision to Operational Intelligence

Concept to Reality: Reimaging the Learning Resource Centre at Queen Margaret University
Amy Brazenall, Higher Education Regional Director, ADP Architecture | Bruce Laing, Director of Campus Services, Queen Margaret University

This presentation outlines how an activity based, blended learning model informed the reimagining of Queen Margaret University’s Learning Resource Centre. Driven by a strategic estates review and underpinned by the principles of inclusive design, the project created more diverse and intuitive learning environments for students and staff. The session follows the journey from initial spatial review and stakeholder engagement through design development to completion. Two years on, student and staff feedback confirms the project’s success, transforming under‑used areas into vibrant, flexible spaces that reflect QMU’s pedagogical values and enhance the overall learning experience.

Reimagining Learning Spaces: From Design Vision to Operational Intelligence
Dr Shrikant B. Sharma, Founder & CEO, SmartViz | David Gray, Head of Estates & Digital Insight, University of Glasgow

Why do university buildings so often fail to reflect how people actually use them? As learning patterns evolve, universities need to rethink not just how spaces are designed, but how they are monitored, managed and continuously improved.

Discover how affordable, rapidly deployed sensors, real-time data and operational intelligence can transform existing estates in weeks, not months. Drawing on the University of Glasgow's experience, this session demonstrates how evidence-led decisions can unlock hidden capacity, right-size estates, reduce energy consumption, avoid millions in unnecessary capital investment and reinvest resources into better learning environments.

The session will also share a practical blueprint for educational institutions looking to begin their own journey towards smarter, more responsive and sustainable campuses.