Higher Education Space Development (HESD):
Paths of Higher Education Space Development

Conference on 23 and 24 June 2026 in Lucerne 


Location

University of Teacher Education (UTE) Lucerne, Sentimatt, Auditorium


Theme

Higher Education Space Development Between Convention and Risk

Increasingly diverse higher education teaching requires appropriate teaching and learning spaces, which are often still lacking. The HESD project (Higher Education Space Development – analysing, developing and evaluating higher education spaces) investigates how higher education spaces can be analysed, further developed and reimagined between convention and innovation.

How can the development of teaching and learning spaces in higher education succeed?

This conference addresses the question of how the development of teaching and learning spaces in higher education can be systematically analysed and which success factors can be formulated for the transformation of higher education spaces. Results from the project, from project partners and additional expertise from the field will be presented with the aim of highlighting approaches to qualified spatially supported higher education teaching, bringing stakeholders into dialogue and contributing to the creation of new, future-oriented pathways.


Programme

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

09.30-10.30

Optional: Excursion to Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: Design, Film and Art with Eliya Pagelli (Abstract)

Optional: Excursion to Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: Design, Film and Art with Eliya Pagelli (Abstract)

12.30

Check-in & Coffee Foyer

Check-in & Coffee Foyer

13.30

Welcome – Opening Remarks Aula
Dr. Cornelia Dinsleder & Ulrich Kirchgässner, Conference Chair
Prof. Dr. Kathrin Krammer, Rector UTE Lucerne

Welcome – Opening Remarks Aula
Dr. Cornelia Dinsleder & Ulrich Kirchgässner, Conference Chair
Prof. Dr. Kathrin Krammer, Rector UTE Lucerne

13.45   

Dialogic Introduction Aula
Opportunities between convention and risk
Prof. Dr. Jutta Mägdefrau, University of Passau
Alessandro Schneider, UTE Lucerne
Prof. Dr. Alexandra den Heijer, TU Delft
Dr. Cornelia Dinsleder & Ulrich Kirchgässner, UTE Lucerne

Dialogic Introduction Aula
Opportunities between convention and risk
Prof. Dr. Jutta Mägdefrau, University of Passau
Alessandro Schneider, UTE Lucerne
Prof. Dr. Alexandra den Heijer, TU Delft
Dr. Cornelia Dinsleder & Ulrich Kirchgässner, UTE Lucerne

14.45

HESD Project Overview Aula
HESD Team

HESD Project Overview Aula
HESD Team

15.00

Debating ‘Special Higher Education Spaces’ Aula
ETH PBLabs: Transforming Learning Experiences Through Spaces
Dr. Florian Rittiner, ETH Zurich (Abstract)

Didactic Innovation Labs: Future Classroom
Dr. Verena Köstler & Dr. Sabrina Kufner, University of Passau (Abstract)

Living Lab of Evidence-based Model Spaces for Hybrid and Student-centred Teaching/Learning Formats
Prof. Dr. Katja Ninnemann, HTW Berlin (Abstract)

Debating ‘Special Higher Education Spaces’ Aula
ETH PBLabs: Transforming Learning Experiences Through Spaces
Dr. Florian Rittiner, ETH Zurich (Abstract)

Didactic Innovation Labs: Future Classroom
Dr. Verena Köstler & Dr. Sabrina Kufner, University of Passau (Abstract)

Living Lab of Evidence-based Model Spaces for Hybrid and Student-centred Teaching/Learning Formats
Prof. Dr. Katja Ninnemann, HTW Berlin (Abstract)

16.00

Results and Success Factors of the HESD Analysis Aula
Dr. Cornelia Dinsleder, Ulrich Kirchgässner & Eliya Pagelli, UTE Lucerne (Abstract)

Results and Success Factors of the HESD Analysis Aula
Dr. Cornelia Dinsleder, Ulrich Kirchgässner & Eliya Pagelli, UTE Lucerne (Abstract)

16.25

Coffee Break Foyer

Coffee Break Foyer

16.45

Workshops
Building culture Education SE 123
Dr. Eveline Althaus, Archijeunes, Basel (Abstract)

Reflective Photography in Learning Space Analysis SE 127
Joia Handl, UTE Heidelberg (Abstract)

EduSpaces – Modular Toolkit for Teaching/Learning Infrastructure SE 132
Balthasar Eugster & Larissa Rossbacher, University of Zurich (Abstract)

Pedagogical Spatial Competence – Impulses for Higher Education SE 128
Michelle Dumont, UTE Freiburg/Breisgau (Abstract)

Workshops
Building culture Education SE 123
Dr. Eveline Althaus, Archijeunes, Basel (Abstract)

Reflective Photography in Learning Space Analysis SE 127
Joia Handl, UTE Heidelberg (Abstract)

EduSpaces – Modular Toolkit for Teaching/Learning Infrastructure SE 132
Balthasar Eugster & Larissa Rossbacher, University of Zurich (Abstract)

Pedagogical Spatial Competence – Impulses for Higher Education SE 128
Michelle Dumont, UTE Freiburg/Breisgau (Abstract)

17.30

Broadening Horizons: Poster Sessions and more Aula

Broadening Horizons: Poster Sessions and more Aula

19.00

Evening Programme: Barbecue & Music Innenhof oder Senteria

Evening Programme: Barbecue & Music Innenhof oder Senteria

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

09.00

International Perspectives on Higher Education Spaces Development (English) (Abstract) Aula
Prof. Lindy Osborne Burton, Charles Darwin University
Prof. Dr. Katja Ninnemann, HTW Berlin
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Martin Viehhauser, University of Fribourg

International Perspectives on Higher Education Spaces Development (English) (Abstract) Aula
Prof. Lindy Osborne Burton, Charles Darwin University
Prof. Dr. Katja Ninnemann, HTW Berlin
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Martin Viehhauser, University of Fribourg

10.15

Coffee Break Foyer

Coffee Break Foyer

10.45

Workshops
Learning Deck / The Open Teaching and Learning Area of UTE Lucerne SE 132
Prof. Dr. Peter Tremp / Dr. Cornelia Dinsleder, Roland Künzle & Eliya Pagelli, UTE Lucerne (Abstract)

Space Development at UTE Schaffhausen: Teaching, Learning and Workspaces in Transition SE 123
Anna Brügel & Prof. Dr. Samuel Krattenmacher, UTE Schaffhausen (Abstract)

Collaborative Learning Lab SE 127
Thomas Staub, UTE Zurich (Abstract)

Workshops
Learning Deck / The Open Teaching and Learning Area of UTE Lucerne SE 132
Prof. Dr. Peter Tremp / Dr. Cornelia Dinsleder, Roland Künzle & Eliya Pagelli, UTE Lucerne (Abstract)

Space Development at UTE Schaffhausen: Teaching, Learning and Workspaces in Transition SE 123
Anna Brügel & Prof. Dr. Samuel Krattenmacher, UTE Schaffhausen (Abstract)

Collaborative Learning Lab SE 127
Thomas Staub, UTE Zurich (Abstract)

12.00

Lunch Innenhof oder Senteria

Lunch Innenhof oder Senteria

13.00

Networking and Personal Questions Aula
Interim Review – Further Development – Ideas
Moderation: Dr. Petra Moog, Sophia::Akademie Düsseldorf

Networking and Personal Questions Aula
Interim Review – Further Development – Ideas
Moderation: Dr. Petra Moog, Sophia::Akademie Düsseldorf

14.00 

International Perspectives
EDENLAB & EDENSPACES (online) SE 123
Prof. Beate Weyland, University of Bozen (Abstract)

The Importance of Collaboration for the Development of Study and Learning Spaces (English) SE 128
Mie Guldbæk Brøns & Lars Robert Kruse, DTU Copenhagen (Abstract)

Student voice (English) SE 132
Prof. Lindy Osborne Burton, Charles Darwin University (Abstract)

International Perspectives
EDENLAB & EDENSPACES (online) SE 123
Prof. Beate Weyland, University of Bozen (Abstract)

The Importance of Collaboration for the Development of Study and Learning Spaces (English) SE 128
Mie Guldbæk Brøns & Lars Robert Kruse, DTU Copenhagen (Abstract)

Student voice (English) SE 132
Prof. Lindy Osborne Burton, Charles Darwin University (Abstract)

15.00

Campus of the Future (English) Aula
Prof. Dr. Alexandra den Heijer, TU Delft (Abstract)
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Thorsten Erl, University of Siegen

Campus of the Future (English) Aula
Prof. Dr. Alexandra den Heijer, TU Delft (Abstract)
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Thorsten Erl, University of Siegen

16.00

Conclusion & Closing Remarks Aula
Conference Observation & Synthesis
Prof. Dr. Annette Tettenborn, UTE Lucerne
Prof. Dr. Martin Viehhauser, University of Fribourg

Conclusion & Closing Remarks Aula
Conference Observation & Synthesis
Prof. Dr. Annette Tettenborn, UTE Lucerne
Prof. Dr. Martin Viehhauser, University of Fribourg


Keynotes

Professor Lindy Osborne Burton (PhD, SFHEA, AFHEA [Indigenous], FRAIA) is the Head of Architecture at Charles Darwin University, in Australia's Northern Territory. Drawing on 18 years of architectural practice, her research examines spatial-pedagogical relationships in higher education, and participatory design processes supporting institutional transformation. She leads interdisciplinary research on indoor environmental quality, integrating inclusive, biophilic, salutogenic, and eudaemonic architectural design principles, with climate-responsive building performance analysis.

Prof. Dr. Katja Ninnemann is Professor of Digitalisation and Workspace Management at HTW Berlin. As an expert in evidence-based design practices and innovation processes for hybrid learning and working environments, she is active in research, teaching and practice.

Alexandra den Heijer is professor of Public Real Estate at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment. Her chair of Public Real Estate focuses on the challenges of managing public real estate portfolios. She has a background in architecture and management, is specialized in university campuses and explores problems and solutions in multi-disciplinary decision-making processes. She is internationally renowned for her books and other publications about managing today’s campus and planning the campus of the future.


Conference Observers

Prof. Dr. Annette Tettenborn, retired university professor and educational researcher, headed the Institute for Professional and Classroom Research at the Lucerne University of Teacher Education for 16 years. Her research focused primarily on teacher education, teaching, professionalization, and university development. As an established expert in educational research and the development of universities and teaching professions, she and Martin Viehhauser will complement our conference with joint observations and discussions.

Dr. Martin Viehhauser is a titular professor at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) and a lecturer at the PH FHNW. He holds a Ph.D. in educational science and teaches prospective elementary school teachers about the psychological foundations of learning, the pedagogical roles of schools, and the historical development of schools and education. His research interests include issues related to learning cultures, mindfulness in schools, and school space design.


Costs

Regular Fee:

Contributors and Partners:

Students:

CHF 160.00                                                            

CHF   80.00

CHF   50.00

CHF 160.00                                                            

CHF   80.00

CHF   50.00


Excursion

Excursion to Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: Design, Film and Art with Eliya Pagelli (HESD project team member)

  • Visit to ‘Special University Spaces’
  • Travel time (bus, lines 5 & 2): 18 mins (distance: 3 km from the conference venue, UTE Lucerne)
  • The excursion is free of charge

Registration

Registration deadline: 29 May 2026


Organisation


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