New Classroom Brings Flexible, Accessible Learning Space to King's
A newly-modernized classroom at King’s University College is showing what donor support can make possible for the student learning experience.
Wemple Hall’s room 147 was 100% donor-funded, with students supporting the project through a portion of their fees directed to infrastructure improvements at King’s. Their investment, informed by input from students, faculty and staff, has transformed the space into a brighter, more flexible learning environment designed around how teaching and learning happen at King’s.
The classroom features new technology, improved lighting, accessibility features and a layout designed to support interactive, collaborative and personalized learning. The room is finished in King’s colours and has a brighter, more open appearance, with new windows added during construction.
The project focused on finding appropriate solutions for faculty and meeting real teaching needs. Technology, furniture, lighting and sound management were considered together so the space could adapt to different teaching methods while remaining practical and easy to use.
Students, faculty and staff were represented on the project committee so each group could contribute to the planning process. Student input was provided through the King’s University College Students’ Council.
“Creating spaces that support an exceptional student experience starts with listening to the voices of our students, faculty and staff and understanding what is needed to support innovative teaching and learning,” says Terra Ahrens, Executive Director, Foundation, Alumni & Development. “The modernization of our classrooms reflects that collaborative approach, and we are grateful for the partnership and generosity of our students, who are making these improvements possible.”
Breandén Dunn, President of the King's University College Students' Council, said students were proud to make this contribution.
“Students contribute to campus every day through their fees, and it's rewarding to see those contributions invested back into creating high-quality learning environments that directly enhance the student experience,” says Dunn. “This new classroom represents more than just updated technology and furnishings: it reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence and student success. Having modern, engaging spaces where students can learn, collaborate, and participate fully in their education helps foster a stronger sense of community and supports the outstanding learning experience that King’s strives to provide."
Accessibility was a priority throughout the design. The classroom has a capacity of 50, or 48 when some of the accessibility features are in use, and the layout allows the room to accommodate those features without compromising how the space functions.
Dominique Perreault, Chair of the Classroom Modernization Committee and Director of Information Technology Services at King's, said the guiding question throughout was: “What do faculty and students actually need from their learning spaces?”
“That question led us to focus on three things: accessibility, flexibility to support diverse teaching styles, and comfort, from acoustics and ergonomics to natural light,” says Perreault. “The result is a modernization effort built not around trends, but around the people who use these classrooms every day.”
The classroom’s technology is designed to give instructors flexibility without adding unnecessary complexity. Faculty can use the room’s PC or connect their own laptop, then choose whether to extend material across several screens or display the same content throughout the room. Controls for the blinds, lighting, sound and screens are available from the teaching area.
Instead of working from a traditional podium, instructors can move around the room while continuing to manage a presentation. A confidence monitor at the back lets the presenter see what students are seeing without turning away from the class, while an instructor camera can follow the speaker and switch to others in the room when needed.
Microphones and 10 ceiling speakers support the room’s sound, with felt panels in the ceiling and special carpeting absorb excess noise. There are screens to support sightlines, and new power outlets are available on stands throughout the space keep everyone’s devices connected. There are even backpack hooks on all the chairs.
The room reflects the broader goals of King’s Classroom Modernization Project, which aims to create dynamic and technologically advanced learning environments that support student engagement, flexible teaching approaches, accessibility and inclusivity. Perreault says the project has provided a strong model for future learning spaces and helped the committee clarify the design, technology, consultation and implementation considerations required for broader renewal.