Furniture Selection: Part of an Integrated Design Process
By: Franklin Hill, Ph.D., Franklin Hill & Associates - Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Source: Franklin Hill, Ph.D., Franklin Hill & Associates
Are you planning and designing a new or remodeled school or wing of your school? By now you probably know that such a project involves more than architecture and engineering. Your plans need to integrate interior fixtures and casework with the furniture within each space. Many times the furniture is purchased by the district business office separately from the design process. You can avoid lots of problems if you think about the following considerations when you are doing a renovation or new school design.
Size and Location of Classrooms
Many rooms are designed by architects for specific arrangements of furniture that will make school spaces most functional. Orientation of rows and distance from multimedia devices are factors that need to be reflected in the plans. Independent department selecting of furniture can render a well-designed environment dysfunctional. Art classrooms, music suites and industrial arts shops requiring equipment are quite appropriate and flexible for different heights and students with disabilities.
ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT SCIENCE TABLE
It is important to provide all anticipated furniture and equipment catalogue information to the architect. Have the architect produce specific “on paper” room layouts to assure a proper furniture fit.
Student Behavior & Cafeteria Areas
Many administrators and school personnel today who are planning a new or renovated dining area are choosing round tables. The benefit is that students can look at each other, be close enough for quiet conversation, and not feel cramped side-by-side.
LONG 24 SEAT “MESS” TABLE
It is recommended that you choose 6-seat circular tables as this option allows students seating at the table to communicate with one another without making too much noise.
8- or 10-seat circular tables are less convenient as they require much more area in the center of the “donut.” Very large tables can cause room-wide circulation problems as they also take up more space between each table. The expanse of distance across the table may reduce quality communication and increase room noise as students talk louder. Custodial storage of larger tables may also become more difficult. Have vendors provide demo tables for your examination prior to purchase.
6 SEAT vs. 8-10 SEAT ROUND TABLES w/ “donut area
Cabinet Design & Technology
Classrooms contain more technology devices then years ago and need a place to be kept. These devices are often located on poorly sized cabinets. This may cause accidental damage to the devices.
COMPUTER NEARLY FALLING OF SMALL CABINET
Provide equipment catalogue size and electrical information to the design team early. Make sure it reflects future needs. It may be automatically assumed that all existing equipment will stay, when in actuality, it is outdated and ready for the dumpster.
Some teachers will keep outdated junk for fear it will not be updated upon occupancy. Constructing a building for old-fashioned machinery is much more expensive than providing appropriate new equipment. For example, is a large 30 year old tabletop saw really needed in the Technology Education ”school of the future”?
Provide equipment catalogue size and electrical information to the design team early. Make sure it reflects future needs. It may be automatically assumed that all existing equipment will stay, when in actuality, it is outdated and ready for the dumpster.
Some teachers will keep outdated junk for fear it will not be updated upon occupancy. Constructing a building for old-fashioned machinery is much more expensive than providing appropriate new equipment. For example, is a large 30 year old tabletop saw really needed in the Technology Education ”school of the future”?
Equipment is more sophisticated and sometimes getting smaller both physically and electrically. How tall are the microscopes for proper cabinet storage and countertop placement? Does the saw require 220v power, special dust removal, or safety distance setbacks from other machines, work areas, or entry doors. To have this information early in design will save money, minimize damage during use, and improve learning because of appropriate and easy access.
Custodial Services - Clean Up:
Many people work in our schools besides educators. Remember the custodians and food services personnel. Furniture can simplify the clean up process by allowing easy floor access
By involving personnel in design and furniture decisions, space in schools will be utilized more efficiently and be more cost-effective. It is totally in the realm of possibility to create a functional learning environment for students and staff that supports the total teaching and learning process.
Franklin Hill, Ph.D. is a national educational facility consultant who provides master planning, educational specifications, and design review for school districts, colleges, and corporations undergoing facility change. He has planned over 250 schools across North America in 23 states and is known for his practical and economical approach to function and creativity. He planned or was involved with 9 of the top 100 high schools mentioned in US News and World Report. He promoted Small Schools in the early 1990’s, team learning neighborhoods, and has correlated design to cognitive learning. Frank often facilitates large scale community involvement activities as part of his facility planning process. Call: 425.466.5754
If you have suggestions, comments, or questions, write directly to Frank@franklinhill.com or visit his website FranklinHill.com for additional articles.
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