It’s hot, it’s noisy and while shuffling through papers on your mini-desktop, you struggle to hear the lecture.

Ron Baker, formerly involved in classroom design in the architecture office with Purdue University for more than 40 years, said classroom environment affects a student’s ability to comprehend information and to learn.

“If the environment is pleasant, there are less distractions,” he said.

Baker said some of the distractions come from being uncomfortable, and temperature can play a large part in comfort levels. Some classrooms also are very noisy.

He said in the 1950s, ’60s and early ’70s, unit ventilators, which are low-cost fans, were installed in many rooms. These fans create white noise and make it difficult for students to hear.

He added that tablet armchairs are a problem because there is not enough space.

“The students end up juggling stuff on their lap and chair,” he said.

Stacey Kuster, a junior communication major, said temperature is a big concern, and she dislikes Cole Hall for this reason.

“When it’s cold, you tend to think, ‘When is this class going to end?'” she said.

Stefanie Eisenbeis, a freshman undeclared business major, agreed.

“If it’s too cold, I’ll be messing around with my jacket,” she said. She also pointed out that she falls asleep if the room is too warm.

Eisenbeis has classes in Barsema Hall, and she thinks students with classes in the building are at an advantage.

“You like going there because it’s so new, and how comfortable it is to be there,” she said. “It makes you want to learn.”

Baker added the environment not only affects the students, but the instructors as well.

“When you’re talking to a class and you know only half of the people are able to concentrate on what you’re saying, you have to go over things twice,” Baker said.

Marketing professor Rick Ridnour said the physical environment is important, but he believes the exchange between faculty and students is most important.

He added that he thinks Barsema Hall is an “incredible gift,” and it puts the College of Business at a distinct competitive advantage.

“It’s motivating,” he said. “It’s inspiring.”

Brian May, an associate English professor, said environment can add to the difficulty of the student to master the material, but the love for knowledge is more important.

“I really believe if there is a hunger to teach and a hunger to learn, the academic experience will happen no matter what the conditions,” he said.

For information on classroom design and to view Ron Baker’s Web site, visit www.classroomdesignforum.org.