Data Lab University of Stavanger

Stavanger is a vivid student city in Norway, domain of many educational institutions and a research center. The University of Stavanger (UiS) provides its students with a campus that doubles as a ‘home away from home’. It also transformated the University Library into a place that caters to students – rather than books alone. Since the University Library’s development of digitalization and data management, it was in need of a room that facilitates group study, workshops and events. Moreover, the room should not only be inviting enough for people to spend time in, but also to come up with new ideas. This space should be open to staff, students and local friends. To such a great assignment, of course, we at includi replied with a heartfelt yes. 

Our strategy for The Data Lab integrates two influential theories. Sir Ken Robinson’s emphasis on context in education encourages us to reject standardized systems, prioritizing creative and individualized learning environments for optimal student outcomes. Joe Pine’s insights from the Experience Economy inform our understanding of time perception, leading us to create an engaging and unique experience within The Data Lab. This blend of Robinson’s creativity and Pine’s focus on meaningful experiences is our guiding philosophy. Our commitment to this approach is evident in the development of the bespoke UiS ‘experience group study room’. To achieve this, we immersed ourselves in Stavanger for a week, engaging with its people, exploring local hotspots, delving into cultural heritage, and collaborated with the UiS Library team to gather valuable input for the room’s design.

The Data Lab turned into a hybrid ‘labscape’ with multiple submersible deep-water diving chambers, a fancy Victorian style (mind) control room, various group study options and presentation playgrounds – spiced up with strange creatures sprinkled throughout aquariums. The unprecedented interior design of this ‘secret space’ – built by the artisans of Artisan Tech – provokes the exploration of new worlds. The Data Lab is open 24/7 for students, and booked four times a week for special events, from hackathons to debates. You’re never exactly sure what’s going on or what creative concoctions the lab might bring forth – and that is exactly the point.