A shh of Librarians from Durham University Library have this week been getting a sneak preview of the soon to be opened Teaching and Learning Centre. Just 2 minutes walk from the Bill Bryson Library, the centre will offer a range of spaces including a cafe, a range of group quiet study areas, group study rooms (they’re sound-proof – we checked!), flexible teaching rooms, lecture theatres and (after our tour guide got temporarily disorientated and took us into it), at least one walk-in cupboard!
We’ve included some pictures here so you can see the spaces before they’re teeming with staff and students. Enjoy!
Study spaces
We saw a range of study spaces for group and independent study – the spaces are open for independent and group study, but also offers options for hosting events and conferences at Durham alongside the range of lecture and workshop space.

“A great variety of imaginative seating, or even lying-down options” Michael







“I was happy to know the university has now got an area to host a large conference” Fernando
Group study rooms
As well as a range of open-plan learning space, we got to see some of the presentation and group study pods and rooms.


“I think the building is great, a huge step forward for Durham in giving students what they need now.” Natalie

Lecture theatres and pc labs
We got to see a range of lecture theatres and flexible teaching spaces, alongside the musical tastes of some of the people working to get the centre ready for opening.

“The 500-seat lecture theatre was positively inter-galactic” Michael






Catering space
More eating facilities to join Small Island Coffee which opened earlier in 2019.


Atrium
The atrium provides a great place for new staff and students to pause and try to remember where they are going, and how to get there… before giving in to temptation and stopping for a coffee.



Library staff, alongside academic colleagues from Durham Business School will be collecting feedback from all users about the different learning spaces and how they are used, and the range of desks and seating available to users. Look out for our new library colleagues Harri and Naomi who’ll be eager to hear what you have to say!