An Analytical Framework for Designing Future Hybrid Creative Learning Spaces: A Pattern Approach

Existing frameworks which serve as reference for the design of creative space in educational institutions and organizations, have shown some limitations. On one hand, current spatial design theories concerned with hybrid spaces and digital technologies are limited; on the other hand, the analysis of digital technologies’ influence on spaces conducted in Information System and Computer Science research fields rarely uses a spatial theory as a foundation [1]. The aim of this ongoing research is to develop an analytical framework that integrates creative space types and a blended space model in support of the design of future hybrid creative environments (FHCS framework). The current findings have shown that many different social-spatial design solutions exist in both physical and digital spaces, and which are systematically organized as a pattern language. Identified pattern candidates are from specific application domains (e.g., spatial design, HCI Design, E-learning, and game design), and they capture and represent design knowledge of experts. Therefore, the pattern language from Christopher Alexander et al. [2] seems an appropriate approach to bring together design guidance and tools from different disciplines, in a vocabulary that can be shared across disciplines. Through a pattern mining process, various pattern frameworks and many pattern candidates that are related to the design of hybrid creative learning spaces have emerged from the analysis. As a result, 323 patterns are derived from four disciplines, and 13 generic pattern clusters have evolved in relation to the hybrid design themes.