Guidelines for Site Selection and Design of Museum-Based Learning Spaces: A Case Study of the Agricultural Innovation Museum District, Maejo University

Abstract

Maejo University is considered a lifelong learning institution focused on elevating the quality of life in society and the nation through learning. It has collaborated with the Agricultural State University (ASU) to serve as a center for agricultural knowledge dissemination within Maejo University's community. This collaboration involves the presentation of the "Learning Base at the Agricultural Innovation Museum of Maejo University," which utilizes museum-based learning space design principles. The research conducted for this project employed a design-based research methodology, which involved surveying the physical spaces within the university and synthesizing data to establish criteria for selecting suitable areas based on museum-centered learning preferences, user needs, and activity formats within the space.

The research findings concluded that the preliminary project site selection involves the identification of knowledge excellence aligned with the university's strategic objectives in five areas, linked to the university's knowledge domains at the faculty level. Moreover, the physical geography relationship assessment and the appropriateness of location placement considering the distribution nature of museum zones were crucial. The university designated the following learning base areas: 1) Wisdom Pavilion, 2) Bonsai Garden, 3) Plant Spread Building, 4) Left-wing Field. Additionally, researchers analyzed and selected additional potential areas, including 5) the vacant space in front of the Fisheries Technology Faculty building, 6) the new agricultural theory plot, and 7) the old building as a base for learning organic agriculture. These efforts aim to establish a network for distributing space and disseminating knowledge excellence based on the university's strategic objectives in five areas, encompassing the entire Maejo University. The site scope and appropriate activities of the learning base were considered in the geographical context to formulate recommendations for designing museum-based learning spaces. The case study exemplifies the future direction for the Agricultural Innovation Museum zone of Maejo University.