Basil Hall’s Classroom Revitalization Receives National Recognition

St. John Fisher University’s Basil Hall Classroom 216 has been recognized by Spaces4Learning as a Project of Distinction in their 2026 Education Design Showcase.

Over the past five years, Fisher has been transforming learning spaces one classroom at a time, reimagining how they should look and feel in higher education today as part of the Learning Space and Technology Strategic Plan. Through survey data, classroom observations, and conversations with instructors and students, the University learned what works and what does not for faculty who are teaching and students who are absorbing and learning. 

“Classrooms today must support flexible, mobile-friendly, and dynamic environments that seamlessly transition between whole-class presentations and small-group collaboration,” says Katie Sabourin, assistant vice president for digital learning. “Our renovated spaces are built to do just that: adapt to exactly what faculty and students need on any given day.”

For each of the renovated classrooms, every detail was considered including furniture height and table configuration, shade of paint on the wall, lighting that energizes rather than drains, writing surfaces that invite spontaneous collaboration rather than remain untouched, and more. All of the research, conversations, and interactions also led to the new look and feel of Basil 216, which was renovated in summer 2025. 

“Basil 216 stands out as a highlight of these efforts, exemplifying how high-tech tools and low-tech design can coexist to bridge the gap between direct instruction and active student collaboration, ultimately turning the physical environment into a catalyst for learning rather than a barrier.”

Since the inception of the Learning Space and Technology Strategic Plan, Fisher has undergone a systematic transformation of its physical and digital pedagogical environment. To date, the University has improved one-third of all learning spaces across campus through the generosity of donors, foundations, and grant support, including 24 full-scale renovations, two classroom refreshes, and 15 targeted classroom enhancements.

Founded in 1999, the Education Design Showcase recognizes innovative planning, design, and construction in learning environments. Spaces4Learning brings together a broad array of vital resources and services that keep readers abreast of current issues, trends and research; provides professional development opportunities; and keeps those who share a common interest connected.