The tool is designed to stimulate thinking and discussion and might be used most productively in a workshop format based on the concept of Open Spaces.

  • The Open Spaces format encourages participants to contribute to an open forum structured around a particular issue, in this case, the Idea of the University.
  • The Open Spaces workshop might be divided into two sessions. In the first session participants could reflect on the Idea of the University and the ways in specific characteristics identified under the various ideal-types can be located with their own universities. The second session of the workshop could ask participants to identify which characteristics, specified under the various Ideas of the University, they would like to build into the design project they are currently engaged in.
  • This exercise can be done individually or in groups.
  • All those who are to take part in the workshops should read the commentary attached to this document before coming to the session. Alternatively, participants could have reading time as part of the session, to be sure that everyone has read the material. The commentary includes further reading to deepen and enhance the discussions.

Further Reading

Barnett, R. (1990) The Idea of Higher Education, The Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press, Buckingham and Philadelphia

Delanty, G. (2001) Challenging Knowledge: The University in the Knowledge Society, The Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press, Buckingham and Philadelphia

Edwards, B. ( 2000 ) University Architecture, Spon Press, London and New York

Kenney, D. R., Dumont, R. and Kenney, G. ( 2005) Mission and Place: Strengthening Learning and Community Through Campus Design, American Council on Education, Praeger Series on Higher Education, Connecticut

McLean, M. (2006) Pedagogy and the University, Continuum, London and New York

Scott, P. (1995) The Meanings of Mass Higher Education, The Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press, Buckingham and Philadelphia

Shattock, M. ( 2003) Managing Successful Universities, The Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press, Buckingham and Philadelphia

Shils, E. and Finch, H. ( 1997) The Methodology of the Social Sciences, Free Press, New York