Active Learning Classroom Furniture Design Transforms Tallahassee School
With a mission of creating community and a sense of belonging for students, Maclay School aims to cultivate an educational system that embraces diverse ways of learning and a fluid culture where students can fully develop their inherent abilities. For this environment to thrive, a flexible landscape that promotes active learning and engagement is a compatible solution for the school’s goal.
Maclay School partnered with Perdue, Northeast Florida’s leading furniture provider with extensive experience creating classrooms and extracurricular spaces that excite. Divided in two phases, Perdue was tasked with crafting a flexible furniture solution conducive to a learning environment that enables critical thinking, encourages students to apply concepts, evaluate ideas, and enhance their knowledge.
As the premier Steelcase partner and classroom furniture dealer, Perdue partnered BKJ Architecture, a full-service architectural firm, to help uncover the best products that encourage student collaboration and engagement throughout interactive activities.
“With our most recent project in the Beck Family Center for Academic Excellence, their products created a vibrant, flexible space, that is exciting for students to visit and utilize,” said Morgan Lewis, Director of Advancement for Maclay School. “We are so thrilled about how they were able to incorporate new color options to complement what we have used in other areas of campus and help this space feel distinctive and fresh.”
Phase I involved integrating flexible products into classrooms, such as Steelcase Node classroom chairs. This dynamic chair supports mobility and all the ways students learn, offering quick, easy transitions in the classroom through various learning modes. Smith System’s Cascade school desk is another complimenting product that enables more versality for teachers to remain organized and easily customize workspaces.
Phase II produced creative, engaging in-between spaces where students can acquire additional learning, collaborate with others, and relax during downtime. These transitional spaces feature Steelcase Verlay collaborative tables, a modern aesthetic that supports team engagement, and BuzziCactus, a charming room divider that absorbs sound to help reduce unwanted noise. Plus, Steelcase Flex Active Frames offers customizable storage to help maximize space and functionality within Maclay’s unique floorplan.
“Perdue is always not only a pleasure to work with but an incredible resource for creative ideas and solutions to our ever-changing needs on campus. Together with their remarkable staff, we have been able to reimagine spaces for our students and faculty to learn and flourish. The facility has turned into a true hub for learning and collaboration not only for students but for faculty as well and we are delighted with the outcome and so thankful for their support, guidance, and expertise.”
