A PILOT STUDY ON THE PHYSICAL ELEMENTS AFFECTING STUDENTS' CONCENTRATION IN THE LIBRARY

The importance of a physical space that fully supports studentS' demand for a learning space in an academic library is growing. However, when designing a learning space, inefficient space design and a misunderstanding of the effects of physical elements on students can lower their learning outcomes and waste costly space. Concentration plays an important role in studentS' learning achievement. Thus, a clear understanding of which environmental factors influence studentS' concentration level in the library can facilitate effective planning and design, which, in turn, can contribute to the increase and efficient use of space. To investigate studentS' perception of the impacts of physical factors on their concentration, 10 participants were interviewed at the academic library of Chang Gung University. The results of this pilot study revealed that sound was the most important factor affecting the studentS' concentration, followed by light, color, temperature, and complexity. The students also claimed that they need natural light and a view of nature to relax and increase their concentration level.