FEATURE FOCUS: INTELLIGENT CLASSROOM DESIGN
than one sense at a time) that the school can use to further support its students.
Colour selection
Colour is crucial to the successful design of learning environments – and this is especially true for students with special educational needs and disabilities. For multi-sensory classrooms to work effectively, it is important to create a calming and relaxing space that eliminates distraction and can be easily adapted to suit the needs of every pupil. The Dulux Trade team of expert colour consultants created bespoke colour palettes for the classrooms. They used their expertise in the education sector and extensive research into the school and needs of the students, to identify tones that would work in both classrooms. To make the multi-sensory classrooms a comfortable environment for all, it was important to avoid colours used in traditional classroom settings such as brilliant whites and bold reds, yellows and oranges as they can be overwhelming and distracting. Instead, the Dulux Trade team looked to softer tones to create a tranquil and calming space such as warm neutrals, pinks, deep blues, and greens. It is also important to consider how different tones can be used to enhance wellbeing. For example, at Firwood High School, critical surfaces (walls, floors and doors) were all painted in contrasting colours to aid wayfinding and promote familiarity and independence. Using gentle tones like 30YY 78/018, 10RR 53/087 or 30GY 62/159 for the walls and bolder shades like Midnight around door and window frames made these elements stand out to help students to navigate around the space more easily. In addition, using a stronger hue like 10RR 21/235 and 90GG 39/220 for the teaching wall draws the eye and boost pupils’ focus.
Thinking about external factors The Dulux Trade team also had to carefully consider how natural light could affect the colours chosen. Using cooler tones in southerly
sunny rooms and warmer shades in northerly, shadier, rooms can help make the space feel more comfortable – and mid and deeper tones help to absorb sensitive glare in bright areas. With both classrooms facing northwest, Dulux Trade selected warm pinks and violets in the KS3 classroom to create a harmonious scheme – and calm greens and blues in the PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties) classroom to bring light and balance.
Product choice
Dulux Trade also wanted to ensure a long-lasting, easy to maintain finish that could withstand the high foot traffic of the school environment. As such, the Dulux Trade Scuffshield range was applied (by the team at Bagnalls Painting Contractors), as it has been designed to protect walls against scuff marks from items like shoes and bags. It is also cleanable, so any marks can be easily removed, and the professional finish maintained for longer. This will reduce the need for re-application, keeping disruption and ongoing maintenance costs to a minimum. Dulux Trade Scuffshield is also a sustainable choice, as it contains low VOC levels. This is
a huge benefit as it reduces impact on the environment – and ensures the health and safety of staff and students. Its water-based formula also made it quick and easy for the Bagnalls Painting Contractors team to apply. The paint dried in just 4-6 hours, enabling them to adhere to tight timescales and deliver the project in time for the new school year.
In summary, schools, colleges and universities are unique places that must support students’ learning and be able to withstand a constant flow of daily use – which makes the correct product and colour choices so key. To support on your next project, the Dulux Trade Commercial Colour Consultants are on hand to provide bespoke advice and support when creating the perfect palettes for the setting. Alternatively, the Dulux Trade Colour Schemer offers ready-made colour schemes that can be used for inspiration.
To find out more about the Firwood High School project visit:
https://youtu.be/kVVDRrshSXQ
To find out more about Dulux Trade and its products visit:
https://www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en
February 2024
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