The design of an educational space plays a crucial role in student outcomes, and goes far beyond aesthetics. By providing a learning space that is carefully designed to inspire and engage students, and delivers a holistic experience, education providers can empower and encourage the next generation to be the best they can be in an environment tailored to their needs.
In this blog, we’ll explore key considerations for improving your school, college or university to position you at the forefront of educational excellence.
Creating Inspiring Spaces
When it comes to the design and fit-out of an educational facility, every space needs to be functional, engaging, and inspiring. Whether it’s a classroom, a canteen or a social space, the right fit-out can make a huge difference to student experience, learning outcomes and overall wellbeing. So, what should you consider when planning different areas of your school, college, or university? Let’s take a look…
Classrooms: Where learning comes to life
Classrooms are the heart of any educational building, so they need to be designed for focus, flexibility and collaboration. Consider ergonomic furniture that supports good posture, adaptable layouts to cater for different teaching and learning styles, and interactive whiteboards and AV for dynamic learning. It’s important to remember that the use of tech and AV in classrooms goes beyond just installing a screen and speakers. Consider well thought-out layouts, interactive capability to support hybrid teaching, and the integration of tech with blinds and light levels. Maximising light is also a huge plus to support focus and wellbeing, and good acoustics can help minimise distractions.
Libraries: More than just books
Libraries are evolving beyond silent study spaces into vibrant hubs of collaboration and research. Comfortable seating, quiet study areas and breakout spaces for group discussions are key. Digital resources are just as important as traditional books, so ensure there are enough charging points and tech-friendly workstations. Warm lighting and soundproofing, as well as planting and biophilia, can also enhance the space and help create an inviting, calming and tranquil environment for focused study.
Social spaces: Encouraging interaction
Students need spaces to relax, connect and recharge. Social areas should be welcoming, with a mix of seating options, from cosy booths to open lounge areas. Think about integrating greenery, natural textures and artwork to create an uplifting atmosphere. These spaces should foster community and engagement, so consider adding multi-use furniture that can be rearranged for different activities.
Canteens: Food for thought
A well-designed canteen is more than just a place to grab lunch, it’s a social hub that encourages healthy eating and conversation. Good layout is crucial to avoid bottlenecks, and a mix of seating styles will cater to different group sizes. Consider space for prep and storage as well as cleaning and recycling. Incorporating sustainable materials and plenty of natural light can also make the space feel fresh and inviting. And don’t forget noise control – a bustling canteen can be overwhelming for some. There are many acoustic solutions that can help reduce noise reverberation, from carpet and flooring to wall panels and furniture.
Event spaces: Versatile and functional
From assemblies to guest lectures, event spaces need to be adaptable. Modular seating, retractable walls, and high-quality AV equipment can make a world of difference. Think about acoustics and sightlines to ensure everyone can see and hear clearly. A welcoming stage area with good lighting can also enhance performances and presentations.
Recreational areas: Promoting wellbeing
Whether it’s an outdoor sports field, a gym or a relaxation area, recreational spaces should be designed with movement and wellbeing in mind. Durable flooring, proper ventilation and safe equipment are key. If space allows, outdoor areas with seating and shade can offer a great escape from indoor environments, helping students and staff recharge.
Bringing it All Together
With years of experience working with leading education organisations, we understand what’s needed to create and shape first-class learning environments, and it’s not all about how a space looks. So apart from having the right spaces and an appealing interior design scheme, what makes a learning environment truly effective? From inclusivity and embracing different learning styles to comfort, layout, technology integration and sustainability, our recent blog discussing the key principles of education design and build covers it all.
Steps to a Successful Education Fit-Out
If you think your space could benefit from a redesign and fit-out, or have an education design and fit-out project in the pipeline, how do you get started?
- Define your goals: Start by setting objectives and being clear about what you are hoping to achieve. Are you aiming to improve the wellbeing of your students? Do you want to modernise your teaching methods and facilities? Are you looking to improve attendance and performance? Identifying and prioritising your goals at the start of your project will help influence design choices and guide budget allocation.
- Set a budget: Next, establish a budget that aligns with your goals and the scope of the fit-out, considering the specific needs of different spaces like classrooms, libraries and recreational areas.
- Collaborate with experts: Engage with a professional fit-out company you can trust to ensure that your design and fit-out aligns with your educational objectives and is executed to the highest standards. They will be able to manage the project from initial concepts through to delivery, utilising their knowledge and expertise to balance design, functionality and cost, to ensure your project is completed to a high standard, on time and within budget.
Why Choose Consensus Workspace For Your Education Fit-Out
With over 40 years of experience, our team combines creativity, passion and industry knowledge to deliver bespoke education fit-out and refurbishment services. We partner with educational organisations of all sizes, from primary schools to higher education facilities, to create exciting and functional learning environments which inspire the next generation of superstars.
Whether you’re upgrading existing facilities or beginning a new project, we’d love to help. Simply get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss your needs, or read more about our comprehensive range of education fit-out services here.