Specifications

Learning Spaces Guidelines
Small Lecture Theatres: 33
Section 6: Small Lecture Theatres (< 50 capacity)
UCL is atypical in the sector in that it has seven smaller capacity,
i.e. less than 50 people, teaching spaces with fixed position seating.
These spaces are booked as ‘Lecture Theatres’ but it can be
assumed that a wider range of teaching methodologies takes place
in them than what would normally be categorised as ‘lecturing’.
For examples of teaching methodologies beyond lecturing that may
take place in these small lecture theatres please refer to Section
5.01.
The technology within small lecture theatres should closely resemble
that installed in larger lecture theatres with common controls
interfaces and layouts. Audio reinforcement and assisted listening
systems (induction loop systems) are unlikely to be needed or
installed. Speakers and amplifier should be present for programme
sound. Lecturecast is not currently installed in any of the sub-50
capacity lecture theatres but as LectureCast is rolled out further it is
likely that some of these small lecture theatres will have the system
installed. When this arises the microphone solution specified for
classroom (Section 5.04) would be recommended.
By the nature of the furniture being fixed there is less flexibility in the
layout of these small lecture theatres. The positioning of the teaching
station is critical to ensure the lecturer can face the students whilst
operating the teaching equipment and not be obstructing the
student’s view of presented materials. If there is insufficient space to
accommodate the teaching station facing the students due to lack of
available space the result may be that the teaching station needs to
be positioned perpendicular to the student benching/seating.
If space permits then the solution of column-mounted whiteboard
panels in front of a dedicated projection screen should be utilised. If
there is not adequate space for this solution then the same logic for
selecting the projection/writing surfaces in classrooms (Section 5.04)
should be employed.
TASK
The purpose
of small
lecture
theatres
6.01
TASK
Technology
in small
lecture
theatres
6.02
TASK
Layout of
small lecture
theatres
6.03
TASK
Projection/
writing in
small lecture
theatres
6 .04