The University of Iowa’s Living Labs Working Group (LLWG), started under the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, was formed to explore and promote the use of campus spaces for hands-on teaching, research, and well-being. Bringing together faculty, staff, students, and community members, the LLWG has collaborated with multiple units to advance place-based learning and sustainability-focused initiatives.
The group identified key opportunities, built cross-campus partnerships, and launched a new website to support ongoing living lab development.
To view members of the working group, click here. To reach out or get involved with the LLWG, click here to contact us.
The goals and outcomes of the Living Labs Working Group are listed below. These can also be found in our Progress Report.
LLWG Goals
Major Achievements
Conduct Foundational Research
In partnership with Laurie Neuerburg, Head Engagement Librarian at the UI Sciences Library, the group completed a literature review covering living laboratories, biodiversity, design principles, and experiential learning frameworks.
Campus-Wide Outreach
The LLWG developed and distributed a series of surveys to gather insights from students, faculty, staff, and site-specific stakeholders. A university-wide survey on space is currently under analysis.
Strategic Collaborations
The group established partnerships across campus, see the full list of partners below.
Living Lab Site Development
The group identified and assessed multiple potential living lab sites. Two locations—the courtyard adjacent to the Biology Building and Sciences Library, and the Lagoon Shelter House area—were the focus of detailed planning efforts in collaboration with UI Facilities, the College of Engineering’s Project Design & Management course, and UI Recreation Services.
Student Involvement and Funding Pursuits
Interns were hired to support key initiatives, and the group applied for a P3 grant to expand on-campus living labs. While the grant was not awarded, the group remains committed to pursuing future funding opportunities.
Digital Platform Creation
The group played a central role in developing a new virtual hub for living labs, which showcases six current sites and provides tools for students and educators to incorporate outdoor learning into coursework.
Did you know?
Living near parks or tree-lined streets is associated with increased physical activity, lower mortality rates, and better overall health.
