University of Waterloo Classroom Standards | Teaching and Learning Spaces

This webpage contains the current set of classroom design standards for University of Waterloo classrooms. Compiled by members of the Teaching and Learning Spaces Operations Group, the Classroom Standards webpage is the official resource for campus partners during the design phase of each renovation and/or new build at the University of Waterloo.

Purpose

The purpose of the University of Waterloo's classroom standards is to set out minimum requirements for the design and redesign of teaching and learning spaces on the University of Waterloo campuses. These standards are intended to define a minimum baseline standard to ensure consistency in existing/future teaching and learning spaces. Classroom space design documents help to minimize recurring design and construction problems, minimize change orders and expensive renovations, and eliminate inconsistencies in layouts, labelling, and controls. They also serve as a place to record what aspects of classroom design have been proven to support a productive and proactive learning process. All standards will meet or exceed accessibility requirements.

These standards are to be applied to all teaching spaces, including Registrar’s Office managed and Faculty managed spaces. These standards should be considered a living document, regularly reviewed and updated as pedagogy, technologies, safety, accessibility and building standards evolve.

Page Navigation

Classroom Design Guides - sorted by classroom type

Additional Compulsory Standards

University of Waterloo Classroom Design Principles

Plan classrooms that fit with institutional needs and directions.

Enable innovative and diverse instructional practices that facilitate interactivity.

Apply an iterative, consultative, and informed design and feedback process to classroom planning.

Ensure our classroom designs are inviting.

Explore the Classroom Design Guide

A guide to support classroom design and configuration elements. Click on each accordion below for tailored classroom design guides based on Waterloo's different types of class offerings.

Seminar-style Classroom Guide

Seminar-style Classroom Configuration

Capacity: 10-50

Seminar rooms should be built in proximity to each other, since more than one is often booked for break-out discussions.
Allow for visual contact between all occupants.
Square or rectangular layouts are preferred. A range of 1:1 to 2:3 is acceptable.
Windows should be equipped with light filtering or light-blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.
An alcove should be included near the entrance for waste and recycling containers.
If possible, allow adequate space for a chair to be placed to the side without compromising circulation in the room, allowing for wheelchair access to the table/desk space.

Seminar-style Classroom Furnishings and Room Characteristics

Moveable tables should be standard 2ft by 4ft where possible.
Chairs should be loose and stackable.
The floor should be carpeted (low pile) to avoid unnecessary noise as tables/chairs are reconfigured.
Sound panels should be installed where possible to assist with acoustics.
Whiteboards and/or chalkboards should be installed at the front and on side walls where possible (Note: no whiteboard-painted walls).
If whiteboards and/or chalkboards are installed on a side wall, boards (including trays) should not protrude more than 100mm (about 3.94 inches) into the room.
If space permits, coat hooks should be mounted at both seated and standing heights.
Corner guards should be installed on all inside wall edges, high enough to deflect tables and chairs.

Seminar-style Classroom Presentation Technologies

Details regarding presentation technologies must be developed in consultation with ITMS to maintain campus standardization.
Provide a proper screen (LCD, projector) type based on the room size and spacing to accommodate the number of seats indicated.
The room should have a built-in sound system able to play audio from any source.
The room should be equipped with a system allowing lecture recording and hybrid teaching and learning process.

Small Lecture-style Classroom Guide

Small Lecture-style Classroom Configuration

Capacity: 10-40

Square or rectangular set-up is preferred. A range of 1:1 to 2:3 is acceptable.
If possible, entrance to the room should be near the front of the classroom.
Windows can be on any wall except the front and should be equipped with light filtering or light blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.
An alcove should be included near the entrance for waste and recycling containers.
If possible, allow adequate space for a chair to be placed to the side without compromising circulation in the room, allowing for wheelchair access to the table/desk space.

Small Lecture-style Classroom Furnishings and Room Characteristics

Provide an adjustable podium and chair for the instructors/TAs.
Moveable tables should be standard 2ft by 4ft where possible.
Chairs should be loose and stackable.
The floor should be carpeted (low pile) to avoid unnecessary noise as tables/chairs are reconfigured.
Sound panels should be installed where possible to assist with acoustics.
Whiteboards and/or chalkboards should be installed at the front and on side walls where possible (Note: no whiteboard-painted walls).
If whiteboards and/or chalkboards are installed on a side wall, boards (including trays) should not protrude more than 100mm (about 3.94 inches) into the room.
If space permits at the back of the room, coat hooks should be mounted at both seated and standing heights.
Corner guards should be installed on all inside wall edges, high enough to deflect tables and chairs.

Small Lecture-style Classroom Presentation Technologies

Details regarding presentation technologies must be developed in consultation with ITMS to maintain campus standardization.
Provide a proper screen (LCD, projector...) type based on the room size and spacing to accommodate the number of seats indicated.
The room should have a built-in sound system able to play audio from any source.
The room should be equipped with a system allowing lecture recording and hybrid teaching and learning process.
The control system shall provide access to the available presentation sources in a way that is consistent with the University’s standard GUI, but reflective of the available sources within the specific room.

Mid-size Lecture-style Classroom Guide

Mid-size Lecture-style Classroom Configuration

Capacity: 41-79

Square or rectangular layouts are preferred. A range of 1:1 to 2:3 is acceptable.
Two points of entry should be provided if possible (capacity 41-59).
Two points of entry must be provided (capacity 60+).
If possible, entrance to the room should not be near the front of the classroom.
Windows can be on any wall except the front and should be equipped with light filtering or light blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.
An alcove should be included near an entrance for waste and recycling containers.
If possible, allow adequate space for a chair (or chairs) to be placed to the side without compromising circulation in the room, allowing for wheelchair access.

Mid-size Lecture-style Classroom Furnishings and Room Characteristics

Provide an adjustable podium and chair for the instructor/TAs.

Moveable tables should be standard 2ft by 4ft where possible.
Chairs should be loose and stackable.
The floor should be carpeted (low pile) to avoid unnecessary noise as tables/chairs are reconfigured.
Sound panels should be installed to assist with acoustics.
Whiteboards and/or chalkboards should be installed at the front and on side walls where possible (Note: no whiteboard-painted walls).
If the whiteboards/chalkboards are installed on a side wall, boards (including trays) should not protrude more than 100mm (about 3.94 inches) into the room.
If space permits at the back of the room, coat hooks should be mounted at both seated and standing heights.
Corner guards should be installed on all inside wall edges, high enough to deflect tables and chairs.

Mid-size Lecture-style Classroom Presentation Techologies

Details regarding presentation technologies must be developed in consultation with ITMS to maintain campus standardization.
Provide a proper screen(s) (LCD, projector...) type based on the room size and spacing to accommodate the number of seats indicated.
The room requires a complete sound reinforcement system c/w Assistive Listening System (ALS).
The room should be equipped with a system allowing lecture recording and hybrid teaching and learning process.
The control system shall provide access to the available presentation sources in a way that is consistent with the University’s standard GUI, but reflective of the available sources within the specific room.
The brightness of the projector should be coordinated to ensure a contrast ratio exceeding 10:1 between the projector light and the ambient light on the screen surface This contrast ratio should be accomplished by a combination of controlling ambient light, screen surface selection and projector brightness.
Sources/source connection for presentation will be primarily located within the lectern and can include: podium PC, HDMI connection, audio line out, audio line in, one or multiple Doc Cam units, etc.

Mid-size Lecture-style Classroom Guide

Mid-size Lecture-style Classroom Configuration

Capacity: 41-79

Square or rectangular layouts are preferred. A range of 1:1 to 2:3 is acceptable.
Two points of entry should be provided if possible (capacity 41-59).
Two points of entry must be provided (capacity 60+).
If possible, entrance to the room should not be near the front of the classroom.
Windows can be on any wall except the front and should be equipped with light filtering or light blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.
An alcove should be included near an entrance for waste and recycling containers.
If possible, allow adequate space for a chair (or chairs) to be placed to the side without compromising circulation in the room, allowing for wheelchair access.

Mid-size Lecture-style Classroom Furnishings and Room Characteristics

Provide an adjustable podium and chair for the instructor/TAs.

Moveable tables should be standard 2ft by 4ft where possible.
Chairs should be loose and stackable.
The floor should be carpeted (low pile) to avoid unnecessary noise as tables/chairs are reconfigured.
Sound panels should be installed to assist with acoustics.
Whiteboards and/or chalkboards should be installed at the front and on side walls where possible (Note: no whiteboard-painted walls).
If the whiteboards/chalkboards are installed on a side wall, boards (including trays) should not protrude more than 100mm (about 3.94 inches) into the room.
If space permits at the back of the room, coat hooks should be mounted at both seated and standing heights.
Corner guards should be installed on all inside wall edges, high enough to deflect tables and chairs.

Mid-size Lecture-style Classroom Presentation Techologies

Details regarding presentation technologies must be developed in consultation with ITMS to maintain campus standardization.
Provide a proper screen(s) (LCD, projector...) type based on the room size and spacing to accommodate the number of seats indicated.
The room requires a complete sound reinforcement system c/w Assistive Listening System (ALS).
The room should be equipped with a system allowing lecture recording and hybrid teaching and learning process.
The control system shall provide access to the available presentation sources in a way that is consistent with the University’s standard GUI, but reflective of the available sources within the specific room.
The brightness of the projector should be coordinated to ensure a contrast ratio exceeding 10:1 between the projector light and the ambient light on the screen surface This contrast ratio should be accomplished by a combination of controlling ambient light, screen surface selection and projector brightness.
Sources/source connection for presentation will be primarily located within the lectern and can include: podium PC, HDMI connection, audio line out, audio line in, one or multiple Doc Cam units, etc.

Lecture Halls Guide

Lecture Halls Configuration

Capacity: 150+

If tiering is necessary, gentle tiering is preferred.
Avoid steps between tiers. Ramps are preferred.
Tiers should be wide enough to accommodate two rows of tables and chairs to facilitate interactive teaching.
Entrances should be located at both upper and lower levels on both sides of the room.
If non-tiered, 2 entrances must be provided.
An alcove should be included near the entrance for waste and recycling containers.
If possible, allow adequate space for a chair (or chairs) to be placed to the side without compromising circulation in the room, allowing for wheelchair access to the table/desk space.
Enough height should be provided to allow for the projected image to be above the whiteboards/blackboards.
Windows should be equipped with light filtering or light-blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.

Lecture Halls Furnishings and Room Characteristics

Provide an adjustable podium and chair for the instructor/TAs.

Continuous fixed tables are preferred. Fixed tablet armchairs are an alternative if space is limited. A mixture of the two can be considered.
If seating is fixed, electrical outlets should be installed on every other seat at a safe and convenient location.
Chairs should be loose and stackable to allow for collaboration.
If space permits at the back of the room, coat hooks should be mounted at both seated and standing heights.
Sound panels should be installed to assist with acoustics.
Whiteboards and/or chalkboards should be installed at the front and on the side walls where possible (Note: no whiteboard-painted walls).
If whiteboards and/or chalkboards are installed on a side wall, boards (including trays) should not protrude more than 100mm (about 3.94 inches) into the room.
Corner guards should be installed on all inside wall edges, high enough to deflect chairs.
Windows should be equipped with light filtering or light-blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.

Lecture Halls Presentation Technologies

Details regarding presentation technologies must be developed in consultation with ITMS to maintain campus standardization.
Provide a proper screen(s) (LCD, projector...) type based on the room size and spacing to accommodate the number of seats indicated.
The room requires a complete sound reinforcement system c/w Assistive Listening System (ALS).
The room should be equipped with a system allowing lecture recording and a hybrid teaching and learning process.
The control system shall provide access to the available presentation sources in a way that is consistent with the University’s standard GUI, but reflective of the available sources within the specific room.
The brightness of the projector should be coordinated to ensure a contrast ratio exceeding 10:1 between the projector light and the ambient light on the screen surface. This contrast ratio should be accomplished by a combination of controlling ambient light, screen surface selection and projector brightness.
Sources/source connection for presentation will be primarily located within the lectern and can include podium PC, HDMI connection, audio line out, audio line in, one or multiple Doc Cam units, etc.

Flexible Classroom Guide

Flexible Classroom Configuration

Square set up preferred.
Avoid long, narrow configurations.
Windows should be equipped with light filtering or light-blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.
An alcove near an entrance should be included for waste and recycling containers.
There should be enough space to allow furniture and people to move around the room without compromising circulation in the room.
The room should display furnishing configuration options to describe different ways to arrange furniture based on pedagogical needs (e.g., seminar style, small group pods, etc).

Flexible Classroom Furnishings and Room Characteristics

Provide an adjustable podium and chair for the instructor/TAs.

Movable tables with castors, and in most cases with no horizontal dimension greater than 36 inches.
Various table sizes may be considered.
Chairs should be loose, stackable and equipped with casters.
If space permits, coat hooks should be mounted at both seated and standing heights.
The floor should be carpeted (low pile) to avoid unnecessary noise as tables/chairs are reconfigured.
Sound panels should be installed to assist with acoustics.
Whiteboards and/or chalkboards should be installed on all available wall spaces (Note: no whiteboard-painted walls).
Boards (including trays) should not protrude more than 100mm (about 3.94 inches) into the room.
Corner guards should be installed on all inside wall edges, high enough to deflect tables and chairs.

Flexible Classroom Presentation Technologies

Details regarding presentation technologies must be developed in consultation with ITMS to maintain campus standardization.
Provide a proper screen (LCD, projector...) type based on the room size and spacing to accommodate the number of seats indicated.
The room should have a built-in sound system able to play audio from any source.
The room should be equipped with a system allowing lecture recording and hybrid teaching and learning process.
The control system shall provide access to the available presentation sources in a way that is consistent with the University’s standard GUI, but reflective of the available sources within the specific room.

Active Learning Classroom Guide

Active Learning Classroom Configuration

Square or rectangular layouts are preferred. A range of 1:1 to 2:3 is acceptable.
Windows should be equipped with light filtering or light-blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.
An alcove near an entrance should be included for waste and recycling containers.

Active Learning Classroom Furnishings and Room Characteristics

Provide an adjustable podium and chair for the instructor/TAs.

Tables should be fixed to allow for student access to electrical outlets and technologies provided.
Various table sizes may be considered.
Chairs should be loose, stackable and equipped with casters.
If space permits, coat hooks should be mounted at both seated and standing heights.
The floor should be carpeted (low pile) to avoid unnecessary noise as the chairs are reconfigured.
Sound panels should be installed where possible to assist with acoustics.
Whiteboards and/or chalkboards should be installed at each table group/pod (Note: no whiteboard-painted walls).
Boards (including trays) should not protrude more than 100mm (about 3.94 inches) into the room.
Windows should be equipped with light filtering or light-blocking blinds.
Room lighting should be dimmable.
Corner guards should be installed on all inside wall edges, high enough to deflect chairs.

Active Learning Classroom Presentation Technologies

Details regarding presentation technologies must be developed in consultation with ITMS to maintain campus standardization.
At least one touchscreen television on each wall and/or at each pod with interactive capabilities to foster student collaboration and to allow instructors to work with the information students provide on the TV screens.

The room should have a built-in sound system able to play audio from any source.
The room should be equipped with a system allowing lecture recording and a hybrid teaching and learning process.
The control system shall provide access to the available presentation sources in a way that is consistent with the University’s standard GUI, but reflective of the available sources within the specific room.