FF&E Specifier

By Marjie O'Connor

 

In building a brand new school, officials at East Ridge High School, Woodbury, MN, wanted to create an A+ environment in every aspect from the academic programs offered to the building's physical architecture and interior design. East Ridge officials and faculty knew that the design and furnishings inside the 372,000-sq.-ft. space would play a pivotal role in how students interacted, worked, and socialized.

 

With the architectural design planning already underway, the school's staff had a vision for the type of environment they wanted to create: a university-like setting that promoted collaboration, camaraderie, learning, and a strong sense of pride among the 1,600 students and 115 faculty members.

 

"We weren't just building a school; we were building a community," said Aaron Harper, principal of the school. "Ultimately, the students create the culture, but we wanted a foundation where academics and friendships could co-exist."

 

A lesson from experts

 

The school partnered with Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples Inc. The furniture and interior-design business of Staples Advantage, Business Interiors by Staples, worked with school officials to integrate East Ridge's collaborative vision across the school-in student common areas, classrooms, the cafeteria, learning resource and media centers, teacher resource centers, casual "touchdown" areas, and more.

 

Business Interiors conducted extensive research on the latest educational furniture, equipment, and décor. The team incorporated recommended furnishings into CAD-produced renderings to show how different elements would be used, coordinated, and installed. Furniture from several different vendors, as well as custom-made items, combined to create to an engaging and attractive environment that facilitates high-level learning with a consistent look, feel, and functionality.

 

Design elements

 

Business Interiors by Staples worked closely with Harper, along with the school's architectural planning and design firm, Rego + Youngquist Inc., St. Louis Park, MN, to ensure that all furnishings maximized design elements, such as the use of natural light. In addition, the concept of a "Main Street" provides a central route to classrooms, learning areas, and meeting spaces, while maintaining an efficient student flow before and after classes.

 

Longevity, durability, flexibility, and mobility were essential considerations in furniture selections. The furnishings needed to withstand ongoing wear and tear, while also supporting any future expansions and growth, as well as technology advances. On the technology side, East Ridge had specific requirements that needed to be met, in particular in multi-purpose learning-resource centers that included open classroom space, small-group meeting areas, computer stations, and lab space. To accommodate the use of laptops in East Ridge's wireless environment and leverage its technology investments, Business Interiors by Staples provided furniture that incorporated power and data access.

 

Learning the green way

 

The company also worked with East Ridge to incorporate environmentally preferable solutions, including Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)-certified and Greenguard-certified products to ensure optimal indoor-air quality. Product selections were based on high content of pre- and post-consumer waste to meet green/sustainability concerns. The use of lower-height equipment also helped take advantage of natural light, while colors and fabrics were selected to bring the "outside" into the facility. In addition, special care was taken to select appropriate casters and glides to protect and enhance the longevity of the Marmoleum flooring, made from all-natural and raw materials by Forbo, Hazleton, PA.

 

Since its completion, East Ridge High School has surpassed the expectations of the staff and the students. The space is inviting and collaborative-a place where students and faculty enjoy spending their time. Last spring, the school saw its first class of graduating seniors, well-prepared for their next endeavors by a facility that maximized their learning experiences and interactions.

 

"Business Interiors by Staples cared about getting every detail right," Harper said. "We've created a stimulating environment where every space maximizes opportunities for natural learning interactions, boosting student motivation and engagement. We've been thrilled with the end result: a place we can proudly call home."