Educational furniture is about more than simply providing a set of classroom chairs or ICT desks to fill a class or college space.
Layout and design perform an essential part of classroom furniture – because inspiring learning environments help teachers and pupils excel.
Educational furniture design is important
Schools, colleges and universities recognise that every aspect of educational furniture, from seat location, to aesthetic design will have a significant impact on learning.
Likewise, furniture for common rooms, canteens and breakout spaces deserves equal consideration. High quality usually means more durability, usually offering a lower cost of ownership.
Educational furniture also needs to be durable and affordable, qualities which can be provided whilst creating stimulating, contemporary spaces.
Interior planning for education is about combining design with flexibility. To ensure your budget, current and future needs become an opportunity.
At Morgan Stewart, we won’t just provide classroom furniture – we will plan the space as part of the service (no extra cost) so that the educational furniture and layout will enhance the learning experience for your students.
School Furniture for Unique Requirements
No two schools, or colleges are the same. Educational furniture may need to be versatile, to cope with different age groups, or specialist teaching requirements. For example, in some locations, educational furniture needs to be stacked and moved quickly for a multi-purpose space, while performing a special role, such as allowing for musical instruments to be played.
Here, we designed the interior and provided Music School furniture for the Queen Elizabeth Music School at Kings Bruton – so special, it was marked with a Royal visit. The specialist music school chairs offer the perfect support for musicians, yet the impressive recital hall allows for rapid stacking of the multi-functional chairs. The Queen loved the space – and the caretakers love the ease of use (although our favourite comment from the school was that after two terms of heavy use, the music school furniture looks like new).
We also provided specialist furniture for the school’s impressive recording studio.
Desks may need to fold or transform as needed. We’ll bear these needs in mind when designing your classroom.
College and University Furniture
Different educational set ups may require a different approach to educational furniture. From interactive think, make, share structures, to subtle in class grouping, or the way they support individual pupils.
One off solutions can be needed to meet a mix of teaching approaches, a belief in the importance of quiet space, or cosy, shared spaces.
Our team will work with your school, college or university to make sure concept, planning and installation match each unique need. Staff and students focus on the learning experience – we’ll provide you with the educational furniture which will best achieve this.
Extending Educational Space
Class, or lecture rooms are pivotal, although recognition of value in other spaces being learning friendly has increased. Making education an immersive experience throughout the day makes sense.
Casual, in between spaces can be part of this, alongside cafeterias, libraries and social areas. They can be options for managed, active learning, or just places where learning feels natural.
Apart from increasing pupil and staff opportunities, this is a smarter use of space. Large areas designated for one purpose becoming part of continuous education is as logical as classroom flexibility.
Developing technology has helped with this approach. ICT integration is by no means restricted to the classroom and fills a role in helping with wider learning.
Support From Morgan Stewart
Our professionalism is based on experience across a range of educational facilities and our service is always based on listening to you.
From refurbishing a school, to equipping a new university, to adding breakout and social spaces to existing facilities, the same principles are applied.
Creating an environment where education flourishes means defining the purpose of each space and planning an educational furniture strategy to meet this. Through insight, innovative design and controlled costs.
Meeting the evolving needs of students and educators is vital to all of us, yet solutions need to be practical as well as dynamic. Combining storage with technology can make sense, or lighting which is both economical and agile.
From classrooms, to laboratories, to student accommodation, Morgan Stewart Interiors can help. Along with a skilled approach to educational furniture design, we take a partnership approach and would be pleased to hear of your project.
