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furnishing the

post-pandemic school

We thrive on human interaction – especially within learning communities across our country. And yet, through the lens of a pandemic, we are compelled to explore how we might respect physical spacing for individual and group-based learning, while upholding active, dynamic and collaborative learning environments.

As we prepare to return to school, we need to consider both short-term and long-term furniture solutions that can help pave the way. With that in mind, our goal is to support your learning institution with ideas and options that:

  • Foster active forms of learning instruction
  • Complement your existing space
  • Support wellness
  • Can be easily incorporated
  • Consider your budget

Through thought-provoking discussion and an empathetic, human-centered design mindset, we can work together to provide a safe physical learning environment for your students, teachers and staff ... now and down the road.

Download Brochure

 


CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE

Classroom and Beyond

It's likely the return to school will begin with fewer students in each space, eventually returning to larger student groupings.

For decades, the focus has been on physical density and in-person collaboration. The two need not be at odds, but the spectrum on the right is worth consideration given the current environment. 

As you plan your return to school, consider the following flexible solutions for the classroom and beyond to help you adapt to the ever-changing situation at hand.

Configurable Classrooms

With solutions that are easy to reorganize, environments can immediately support distanced collaboration as well as distanced testing needs. Eventually, you could combine these two classrooms of furniture when your school community returns to full classroom sizes.

Mobile Classrooms

To immediately achieve spatial distance, use individual student seating anchored by carpet insets, floor graphics or other wayfinding mechanisms to ensure students don't cross boundaries. These individual chairs can eventually flex back to support physical collaboration. 

Communal Environments

In high-traffic areas, dividers can work in the immediate as a means to keep distance. Eventually, screens and dividers can be removed to allow peer-to-peer connection to resume.

Learning Environments

Bringing learning communities back together may mean designing for spatial respect. KI offers several ways to support physical distancing within the learning environment through a variety of screens, mobile desks and flexible seating. Available in a variety of easy-to-clean materials, these products place the emphasis on learning and teaching without sacrificing well-being. 

UNC-Chapel Hill_class_Torsion Air Nesting Chair_crop.jpg

Divider Screens

Divider Screens

Mobile Seating

Mobile Seating

Mobile Storage

Mobile Storage

Communal Environments

As learning institutions look to adapt their communal spaces to support spatial distancing guidelines, the ability to define boundaries and facilitate safe "student traffic flow" is essential. The strategic placement of lounge pieces, tables and mobile screens throughout a space offers a practical and immediate solution.

While not physically "fixed" to the floor, these pieces tend to serve as "anchors" within a space and can play a crucial role in your mitigation strategy. KI offers a broad assortment of options across each of these product categories.

Tables

Tables

Lounge Seating

Lounge Seating

Mobile Screens

Mobile Screens

Administrative Environments

Administrative areas in support of the student experience are essential to learning institutions. To ensure well-being and productivity, KI offers a variety of specialized products that can divide workstations, foster connected separation and, when the time is right, flex back to familiar floorplans and furniture configurations.

Universal Screens

Universal Screens

Architectural Wall

Architectural Wall

Infinity from KI

Sometimes you need something that doesn’t exist. We can help with that. We’re uniquely positioned to bring your vision to life through our Infinity from KI process. Whether you want to modify an existing product or create something from scratch, we can help. Here are a few examples of modified and co-created solutions you may be able to leverage.

Minimum quantities may be required.

Additional Ideas

Be inspired by the following spaces that foster active learning while supporting safety and wellness for students and staff.

Download Ideas Brochure

Let's Prep Together 

Whether you're looking for a short-term solution to provide a safer return-to-school space or a longer-term, more permanent solution for down the road, we're here to help.

Connect with your dedicated KI specialist to begin the discussion!

Contact My KI Specialist

 

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