Study spaces at ISEG: Developing the Aquarium as a flexible and multipurpose space

This study aimed to identify the areas of opportunities in ISEG Library’s study spaces, specifically the Aquarium, and afterward design a renovation proposal based on the new educational trends and the experiences we want to grant students within the institution. To achieve this, we gather information about diverse topics, from the history of university libraries to the impact and emotional experience that space can provide. Understanding the usability of the architectural spaces and, finally, how all of this can influence the alignment of our learning spaces with the SDGs. Understanding the existing literature and the importance of each topic, we identified the most critical factors that can influence the design of a learning space. In addition, a quantitative approach was used for this study, which relied on developing a survey that allowed for a deeper exploration of ISEG students' thoughts and decisions. A sample of 75 ISEG students provided information about their opinions on the current situation of the Aquarium and their preferences, which served as a basis for the elaboration of the renovation project. Ultimately, two proposals were created to renovate the aquarium, focusing on creating a space aligned with the rebranding that ISEG suffered a few years ago and a multipurpose study space where students can reflect, debate, and share information.