Multi-campus teaching spaces upgrade

Transforming learning spaces at Monash: Enhancing collaboration and experience

Monash University is reimagining its learning environments to better support contemporary teaching practices and enhance the student and staff experience.

We’re transforming 21 underutilised lecture theatres across the Clayton and Caulfield campuses into purpose-built collaborative teaching spaces. This initiative, led by Buildings and Property, in close collaboration with the Office of the DVC (Education) and Senior Vice-President portfolio, is a key step in aligning physical infrastructure with modern pedagogies and strategic priorities.

Innovative teaching spaces

The new learning spaces are designed to support group collaboration and flexible learning styles. Features include:

• A variety of table types and heights to suit different spatial scales, improve sightlines, and offer students greater choice.
• Support for both individual and group work, with flexibility for movement and interaction.
• Teaching aids and spatial design that encourage academics and students to move around, promoting dynamic engagement.

Informal learning and social spaces

To complement formal teaching areas, a range of informal spaces will be introduced:

• Comfortable seating options for students to socialise, study, and connect in a relaxed environment before and after classes.
• Low-level task lighting in study booths and tables to support focused work.
• Flexible layouts offering individual and group settings with varied seating and work surface heights.
• New windows will open up the space, connecting formal and informal areas and creating natural places to walk through, meet and connect. move.

Learning on show

New design elements will showcase learning and collaboration:

• Teaching spaces will be connected to informal areas and open areas. You’ll be able to see learning as it happens, creating a vibrant campus atmosphere.
• Clear window and wall openings will allow you to see into teaching spaces from the outside, celebrating education and making “teaching on show” a reality.
• New windows will bring in more natural light, letting those inside see outside, creating an even stronger connection to campus life.

Current works in progress

• Clayton campus - Menzies Building 
  • Ground floor: Six collaborative learning spaces (60 seats each) with adjoining informal learning spaces.
  • Level 1 east wing: Two collaborative learning spaces (30 seats each) with informal breakout zones.
• Caulfield campus - Building H
  • Ground floor rooms: One large collaborative space (150 seats) and one smaller space (30 seats), both with adjoining informal learning areas.

These spaces are currently undergoing strip-out works and are not accessible to staff or students.

Timeline

• Construction begins: August 2025
• Completion milestones 
  • Menzies ground floor (three spaces): February 2026 (ready for semester one teaching)
  • Remaining spaces: By April 2026

Contact us

If you have any questions about this project, please contact the Building and Property Helpdesk by emailing buildings.property@monash.edu or calling 03 9902 0222.