Room Layouts suitable for group training

So you are having a training session or meeting. Have you considered what layout would be best for you?

Have you ever had a meeting in a room that was in a different configuration from your usual format?

Was the meeting more or less effective than normal?

This guide can be used when you ‘book’ or hire a training or meeting room. Remember to state the layout and the number of participants required.

Importance of effective training room layout

Room layout should not just be set by the number of people required, but by the purpose of the event. What is it that you are looking to achieve?

Key factors: –Where is the centre of attention – Do people need to interact with each other? –Do you want people in groups without moving people around?

Lecture Theatre – Training or Meeting Room Layout Style

Advantages – If room is well designed, excellent visibility

Disadvantages – Poor trainer/ participant contact, Back rows should be elevated, University like

U Shape – Training or Meeting Room Layout Style

Advantages – Business Like, Trainer can walk into U shape, gaining direct contact with each person

Disadvantages – Formal, Front participants having to look at an angle

Seminar/ Amphitheatre – Training or Meeting Room Layout Style

Advantages and disadvantages as Lecture theatre

Herring Bone – Training or Meeting Room Layout Style

Advantages – Space effective for large numbers, All participants are at a good angle to the front, Trainer can walk down spine

Disadvantages – Several participants hidden by others, Reminiscent of school, Encourages dysfunctioning groups, Relatively poor contact

BoardRoom – Training or Meeting Room Layout Style

Advantages – Good for small groups, can see/ interact with others, can share resources, creates equality

Disadvantages – Difficult for some to ‘see the front’,

Circle or ’round’ – Training or Meeting Room Layout Style

Advantages – Creates Equality, Good for small groups, can see/ interact with others, can share resources

Disadvantages – Formal, participants having to look at an angle

Cabaret, Gala or Bistro – Training or Meeting Room Layout Style

or

Advantages – Good for larger numbers, Good for group work, Encourages mixing, Trainer or presenter can circulate

Disadvantages – Some participants will have poor visibility, May encourage lack of attention, Needs multimedia (PA & mic for best effect)

Training or Meeting Room Layout Summary

When you run your meeting or training event, it’s not just room layout that is important, it’s about matching the room layout with the trainers style, the material to be covered and the required outcomes. The room shape and design can make or break an event.

Computer training layouts

Depending on the nature of the room many of the layouts above can be used for PC training.  The key thing is having space for people to move. Sitting on one place for extended periods of time is not conducive to learning. We need to “get physical” and move around. Given a choice I prefer boardroom layout.

When setting up rooms for computer training be very aware of light reflections from windows and the ambient temperature and airflow in the room. A room with 8-10 people and computers can get very hot and very stuffy very quickly.

See some of our other posts on the Training room of the future

page updated June 2015 Updated May 2017