FEATURE: CLASSROOM DESIGN
Is this goodbye to the classroom as we know it? How school interiors are predicted to change as a result of coronavirus
W
ith social distancing in effect, until further notice, schools across the UK
have to adapt. Teachers now have the difficult task of changing the way in which they work and interact with students to adhere to these highly important measures. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that talk has now turned to interior design. Many organisations are now reviewing their classrooms and workspaces to see how they can be adapted to allow for better personal space and hygiene. Across the nation, educational facilities have
begun to put measures in place to protect their staff and students. Revised classroom layouts and one-way systems have been discussed, with some even going one step further with bigger renovation plans to improve school hygiene. In this article, Bob Mortimer, UK & Ireland Sales
Manager at Heckmondwike FB explores some of the ways in which school interiors are predicted to change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hygiene will be paramount Every business should look to prioritise cleanliness. According to the latest research by The New England Journal of Medicine, coronavirus has the ability to live on surfaces for up to 72 hours. If precautions are not taken, this can significantly increase the risk of someone catching and spreading the virus. Short term, there are a number of easy ways to
improve hygiene and safety. In the classroom, teachers have already started to adapt spaces by moving desks, chairs and other furnishings to allow for more space and reduce contact between pupils. More rigorous cleaning regimes have also been put in place to ensure interiors are germ-free. However, in the longer term, schools may
decide to renovate. With the summer holidays close, it’s the ideal time for the education sector to refurbish old interiors. Hygiene will continue to be of the utmost importance to the education sector, a factor which will influence specified materials and furnishings. Studies are starting to show that Covid-19 does not linger as much on porous surfaces such as
carpet. Because carpets and upholstery are considered porous surfaces - just like clothing, wood and similar materials - they are less hospitable to the virus. Therefore, carpet is considered one of the safest and most hygienic flooring solutions.
The rise of the breakout area As of late, there has been a lot of discussion around student wellbeing. Many experts argue that team activities should be prioritised, as soon as it is deemed safe to do so, to benefit the mental health and development of pupils. Though this might not happen until later down the line, schools can certainly start planning.
Breakout areas are a great way to encourage collaborative learning. Often an extension of the classroom itself, breakout areas give students a convenient place to study and work on group projects. As well as being somewhere they can relax and socialise in free periods and break times. The best kind of breakout areas are flexible and
inspire creativity. It should be multi-purpose and encourage learning, which can be achieved with adaptable furniture and stimulating colour schemes. According to recent studies, vivid colours like red, orange and yellow are motivational and can, therefore, improve study performance. Carpet design can help create the perfect
environment. The carpet tiles in our Array range are available in 24 different colours, from subtle greys and blues to more vibrant reds, purples and greens, which easily match corporate colour schemes. With bespoke designs available, upon request, schools can create spaces which inspire and motivate students effortlessly.
Practicality is king Durability will continue to be a top priority for schools, colleges and universities. Despite the popularity of breakout areas, for the most part, the demand will be for practical solutions. In the current climate, commercial interior design will be
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www.education-today.co.uk June 2020
less about what looks great and more about what works. The coronavirus pandemic has caused the
education sector to rethink teaching spaces. Now, many schools are on the hunt for practical solutions which allow for better personal space and protection. As organisations plan summer renovations, it is expected that durable, hardwearing and heavy-duty materials and furnishings will be favourable. In the classroom, flooring is an important
consideration. The challenge for the education sector is finding a solution which is both high- quality and cost-effective. In its lifetime, a carpet will undergo constant wear due to it being walked on every day. This can begin to take its toll on low-quality carpets which can tear, fray and look faded. The latest carpet solutions promise to deliver greater longevity. Our Supacord carpet tiles have been trusted by schools for over 40 years and are regarded as the smart choice for the education sector. With an A+ BREEAM rating and anti-fray qualities, our carpets will continue to look great as the years go by.
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