Wayne State University

Detroit, MI

Revitalizing State Hall: A Collaboration to Create Flexible Learning Spaces

M. Roy Wilson State Hall was the first new purpose-built facility constructed by Wayne State University in 1947. University leaders recently collaborated with KI to provide flexible and long-lasting furniture solutions for a $70 million renovation of the building.

A Hub of Student Engagement

Nearly 75 percent of students at Wayne State University use State Hall each semester, and faculty and staff from every college or school on campus use the space.

Flexibility and longevity were critical considerations during the renovation. University leaders needed spaces that would respond to the needs of faculty and students now and in the future.

“Space plays a huge role in preparing our students to move on and have a global impact,” said Ashley Flintoff, director of planning and space management at Wayne State University. “We need spaces that are multi-functional and flexible for when pedagogy changes as well as how students learn and collaborate over time.”

The university formed an advisory group of students and academic staff and involved them from the beginning of the planning and design process.

“We look to the students to tell us what they need in a space and how they need a space to perform,” said Flintoff. “Visually we want to offer spaces that look and feel comfortable and welcoming. KI brings in well-designed furniture that looks good, performs well, and allows us to really engage with students.”

Several classrooms feature vibrant LimeLite stack chairs paired with fixed and height-adjustable Pirouette nesting tables – all on casters, making it easy to rearrange the space to fit specific needs.

In other classrooms, the LimeLite chairs were paired with Pillar post-leg tables with a unique sprocket-shaped top, providing a more interactive and collaborative learning space. New gathering halls were outfitted with comfortable Diem task chairs and stools.

“We have a lot of versatility here,” said Mark Gibbons, construction project manager at Wayne State University. “Everything’s on casters and can be moved around to accommodate large or small classrooms or groups. Collaboration is big in this building.”

To accommodate another classroom in the building, Wayne State turned to the Infinity From KI team to modify Learn2 seating. The same vibrant LimeLite shell was selected and a custom textured paint was applied to the frame to achieve design consistency.

Learn2’s accessory rack with a cupholder underneath the shell provides a convenient way for students to store belongings, keeping them out of the way.

Flintoff and her team wanted this building to include open study lounge areas where students could gather or study outside the classroom. Elegant Calida lounge chairs on casters, paired with the large rectangular C-Table Max, provide students with comfortable touch-down points and areas for extended independent study, reading, or respite.

“The students are the ones who are spending all the time in these spaces, so it’s really important to us that they feel comfortable, they feel welcome, and they feel like they can do their best here,” said Flintoff. “When we put KI in, it’s furniture that’s attractive. It’s furniture that’s comfortable. It’s furniture that students can see themselves learning in.”

We really look to the students to tell us what they need in a space and how they need a space to perform.

Ashley Flintoff, director of planning and space management at Wayne State University

Enhancing Campus Sustainability

The furniture in these spaces isn’t just beautiful, bright, and inviting. It also has a great sustainability story that resonates with students and aligns well with the university’s environmental stewardship goals.

KI products are built to last, keeping furniture newer for longer – without the need for constant replacements. Manufactured with renewable and recyclable materials, KI furniture is extremely durable and can be repurposed for years throughout several buildings across the campus.

“Materials matter,” said Rachel John, Wayne State University sophomore and student senate member at large. “I can tell this material is going to last 20, 30, 40 years. Knowing that the company prioritizes sustainability is just a mental comfort. I want to be at a university that prioritizes these things and actively partners with companies that also keep those goals in mind.”

A Longstanding, Trusted Partner

KI has been a trusted partner of Wayne State University for many years.

“We know that KI has a finger on the pulse of the trends in higher education,” said Flintoff. “This partnership, and the history we have with KI, has made this project and all our projects successful because we’ve built a strong relationship with their team,” Flintoff said. “We know we can trust them and depend on them.”

The university has already gathered feedback on the new spaces. Faculty and students alike love the way they can easily move the furniture around to meet their needs.

Flintoff also teaches at the University and has seen a noticeable difference in the impact on her students.

“They can pay attention to what is going on in class, not on how the furniture is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit,” she said. “Faculty can focus on teaching because they’re not distracted by students moving around.”

State Hall is just the beginning of similar design projects taking place at Wayne State University. They are using this project to set the standards for classroom design and furnishings as well as how they will continue to meet the needs of students and faculty throughout the campus.

The students are the ones who are spending all the time in these spaces, so it’s really important to us that they feel comfortable, they feel welcome, and they feel like they can do their best here.