Students have been very flexible this year. COVID has forced them to move to college campuses, only to move back home again following outbreaks. To say that it has been a struggle is an understatement. But schools are going to come back and when they do, students will be eager to learn and share on campus again. Designers’ attention to furniture that supports collaborative spaces is the way forward.
1. Furniture that supports focused learning
Focused learning is typically in a place that is quiet – the library. The function of the university library has changed over the years and so has its look. It is now a place of creativity and learning. Gone are the long tables and straight-backed chairs. The furniture for the college library today includes lounge seating and occasional tables. The Brianza Drum End Table by Kwalu can be outfitted with a connectivity grommet so that devices remain fully functioning during long study sessions.
2. Furniture that supports varied learning
Students learn differently – there are times when individual study is appropriate and group or collaborative study makes more sense. Kwalu has education furniture for these spaces. Our furniture is made of high-impact resilient polymer with patented joint construction resulting in beautiful wood-like finishes and optional power features. It stands up to the rigorous lifestyle of college students and can help the student to remain connected. Individual and group study is achieved easily with the Carisio Ottoman. This ottoman allows the user to control the size of the study space. With it, students can design shapes to foster meaningful collaboration.
3. Furniture that supports campus dining options
Dining has always been a time of socialization on campus. Meals are primarily casual. Flexible dining furniture on today’s campus includes bar and counter stools as well as casual dining chairs. Kwalu’s Sciara Bar and Counter Stools are very student-friendly. An optional back handle can be added to the stools for easy positioning. A concealed or visible cleanout make maintenance a breeze.