Designing with Color: Supporting Neurodivergence in Learning Spaces Color plays a powerful role in shaping how students experience their environment. For neurodivergent learners, who may process sensory input differently, the right color choices can make the difference between a supportive, calming classroom and one that feels overwhelming or distracting. As schools and architects work to...

Collegedale Academy: A Tradition of Education Meets a Future-Focused Design Collegedale Academy, a private school outside Chattanooga, had outgrown its historic elementary building—an aging facility in need of costly repairs despite its deep family ties. At the same time, Southern Adventist University—on whose land the school sat—needed the space for expansion. Rather than invest in...

Designing for Movement: Why Dynamic Seating Belongs in Every K-12 Classroom Today’s classrooms are spaces where students collaborate, problem-solve, and move through active learning activities throughout the day. These creative and diverse learners demand environments as dynamic as they are. That’s why more schools are rethinking their classroom furniture choices and turning to dynamic seating—furniture...

MiEN at EDspaces 2025: Booth 1301, Sessions, EDfest, and Rising Stars EDspaces lands in Columbus, OH, November 5–7, bringing together educators, facilities leaders, A&D pros, and industry partners for 60+ sessions on research-driven, future-ready learning environments. MiEN will be there all week at Booth 1301, speaking, celebrating our people, and cheering on product innovation. Where...

Why Perching Stools Belong in Every Learning Space: The Benefits of the RKR Adjustable Stool Today’s most effective learning spaces are centered around people—both learners and educators—nurturing comfort and adaptability to create environments where everyone feels engaged and supported. Traditional rows of desks and chairs are giving way to dynamic, flexible learning spaces that better...

Hallways to Homerooms: Using Every Inch of Space This School Year Every square foot of your school building can be a thriving space for learning, whether it’s the high-tech computer lab or a humble flex-space tucked away in an underused corner. Your educational facilities hold countless opportunities to create dynamic learning environments––beyond just classrooms. Through...

Supporting Self-Regulation Through Environment Design In today's classrooms, educators are increasingly focused on helping students develop the tools they need not only to learn but to regulate their emotions, behavior, and attention. This ability—known as self-regulation—is essential for academic success and lifelong well-being. But while curricula and teaching strategies play a vital role, so too...

Fall K-12 Classroom Furniture Trends: What’s In and What’s Out For 2025 Fall is the season of new beginnings, and your classroom is a great place to start! As the seasons change, it’s an ideal time to reimagine how learning spaces can better support classroom priorities and student needs. Whether you’re designing a new building...

Welcoming Spaces: Designing Classrooms Centered Around a Sense of Belonging From the moment students step into your classroom, their mindset, engagement, and sense of security are shaped by the space that greets them. When it comes to learning spaces, first impressions aren’t just about appearances, but rather the overall atmosphere and energy emanating from your...

Back-to-School Classroom Setup Checklist: Quick Guide for Teachers This back-to-school classroom setup checklist helps you get your room ready fast. It covers layout, learning zones, seating, storage, tech, safety, and routines. Use it start to finish or jump to what you need. The goal is simple: a calm room that supports learning on day one....

Designing Computer Labs for STEM: Building Future-Ready Learning Spaces As schools and universities expand their focus on STEM education, many are rethinking how physical spaces support student learning. Computer labs, once filled with rows of desktop stations, are evolving into dynamic environments built for collaboration, coding, content creation, and real-world problem solving. Transforming an outdated...

Sherman Inspire Academy: New K-12 Public Charter School Designed for Intentional Learning What started 25 years ago as a single campus in San Antonio has now expanded into a network of public and early childhood schools across Texas. Following the success of its initial open-enrollment public middle school, an elementary and high school were added...

5 Keys to Designing Career-Ready Learning Spaces As today’s workforce is transformed by emerging technologies, flexible work models, and a growing emphasis on collaboration and innovation, modern work spaces are evolving. To prepare students for successful careers in these dynamic environments, high schools must rethink traditional classroom design and create spaces that reflect the real-world...

Designing Sustainable Inclusive Learning Environments: A Guide for Educational Leaders Learning spaces shape how students engage, collaborate, and grow. A well‑designed campus can cut energy use, support all learners, and spark creativity. We explore how to build sustainable inclusive learning environments that pair green design with universal access. Sustainability in schools, K-12 to Higher Education,...

5 Steps to Designing a Truly Flexible Learning Environment From an engaging curriculum to a positive school culture to talented teachers, there are many elements that contribute to a welcoming school environment that students want to come to every day. But even the best teachers can’t succeed unless their learning space is able to adapt...

Designing Inclusive Esports Spaces Where All Students Can Thrive In athletic sports, teams are traditionally categorized by physical ability, gender, and age. But scholastic esports changes the game by breaking down these barriers and welcoming students of all abilities to compete on a level playing field. For students who have physical disabilities, sensory processing challenges,...

Redefining Convention Spaces: A Human-Centered Transformation at DeVos PlaceDesigning for the Human Experience Situated along the scenic Grand River in Grand Rapids, Mich., DeVos Place is a multipurpose convention center that has served as a dynamic hub for community and culture since opening in 2003. Today, it hosts everything from large-scale conventions and trade shows...

MiEN Heads to Key Education Conferences to Close Out 2025 As the year draws to a close, MiEN continues its national tradeshow tour, bringing our innovative, future-ready educational furniture solutions to districts, designers, and decision-makers across the country. This fall and winter, we’re exhibiting at some of the most influential events in education and design,...

How Collaboration Can Transform Special Education Classrooms Special education teachers and paraprofessionals have a shared purpose: creating nurturing and effective learning environments that support student needs and help learners reach their personal and academic goals. Together, special education teachers and paraprofessionals form a powerful duo. By collaborating with one another and cultivating positive relationships, these...

5 Key Considerations for Designing Student-Centered Learning Environments: Promote Collaboration, Connection, and Engagement Learning spaces serve as more than just physical environments––they play an important part in shaping student engagement, collaboration, and social development. When designed thoughtfully, educational environments can support the diverse needs of learners while also fostering a sense of belonging and connection....

Universal Design Principles for Schools Every student learns in a different way. Universal design principles for schools set clear rules to make classrooms work for all learners. These principles use flexible furniture, varied materials, and thoughtful layouts to support students with and without disabilities. Addressing the needs of both physical spaces and learning spaces, universal...

Designing Real-World Learning Spaces for Career-Ready Students Students need skills they can use on day one of a job. Yet many classrooms still look like rows of desks and static labs. Real-world learning spaces bridge that gap. They give learners hands-on practice with tools, tech, and workflows they will see in the workplace. Increasingly, these...

Designing Classrooms for Generation Alpha Generation Alpha, children born from 2010 onward, now fill our elementary and middle schools. They grew up with touchscreens, streaming video, and instant answers. They learn best when lessons feel visual, hands-on, and social. Traditional rows of desks no longer match their needs. Designing classrooms for Generation Alpha means blending...

Designing for Every Generation: A Guide to Multigenerational Office Design Today’s workplaces are more dynamic and diverse than ever before. For the first time in history, four generations, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, are working side by side. This blend of experiences, perspectives, and work styles offers incredible opportunities for innovation, but...

Beyond Barriers: Creating a Modern Learning Oasis at Westbrook Academy A charter school serving middle and high school students for the past six years, Westbrook Academy stands as a beacon of opportunity in South Los Angeles. With a student body comprised of nearly 99% Black and Latinx individuals hailing from historically under-resourced communities, the school...

Inclusive Office Furniture Design: Creating Workplaces Where Everyone Thrives The modern office is no longer a sea of matching cubicles. Teams blend remote and on-site days, and every person works in a different way. Inclusive office furniture design answers this change. Inclusive furniture plays a vital role in modern work environments by promoting accessibility, diversity,...

5 Furnishings for Dynamic and Enjoyable Office Environments In recent years, the way we work has changed, inspiring a major shift in the design of office environments. Today’s employees require dynamic workplaces that can adapt to their hybrid schedules, provide opportunities for collaboration, and support their physical and emotional wellbeing. Offices are no longer the...

Bring the Outdoors In: Biophilic Design for Healthy Indoor Spaces For the majority of our history, humans have primarily lived, worked, and socialized in man-made spaces that provide us with the shelter and other amenities we need to survive. Although we spend much of our time in these built environments, the human mind and body...

Where Children Love to Learn: How Erie Elementary Built an Educational Masterpiece The team at the new Erie Elementary School in Erie, Ill., put a lot of time and effort into creating a space that’s not only welcoming and inviting for its Pre-K to 4 students, but also makes them want to learn and come...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Kevin Foote, Regional Sales Director (West Coast) At MiEN Company, creating innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments is central to our mission. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to position MiEN as a leader in learning space design...

MiEN in the News: How Teachers and Paraprofessionals Can Transform Special Education In today's inclusive classrooms, the collaboration between special education teachers and paraprofessionals is more crucial than ever. MiEN's Cecilia Cruse is featured in SmartBrief, offering insights into how intentional partnerships can enhance student outcomes and staff satisfaction. By establishing clear roles, fostering open...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Bill Hillgrove, Learning Environments Specialist (Eastern PA, NJ, and Upstate NY) At MiEN Company, creating innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments is central to our mission. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to position MiEN as a leader...

Esports Shoutcasting: The Voice That Turns Game Play Into a Show The global esports audience will pass 640 million viewers by 2025, and those fans expect live commentary that explains every move and keeps the hype high. The main goal of shoutcasters is to maintain viewer engagement during live commentary. A skilled play-by-play or color-commentary...

The Evolution of a Learning Space: A Montessori School's Renovation Journey Since opening its doors in 2000, Creative Montessori Academy has been providing students with an outstanding education based on the work and observations of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator and innovator who developed her educational approach through scientific observation of children. Located in...

Are You Standing Comfortably? The way students learn is evolving, and so is the furniture that supports them. Sit-to-stand desks, once seen primarily in modern office environments, are now making their way into classrooms across the country. But how do these desks, designed with adult employees in mind, translate to younger learners? And how can...

New MiEN White Paper: Rethinking Learning Space Design at Community Colleges Community colleges have always held a vital role in higher education, providing affordable, accessible, and flexible learning pathways for students to pursue their educational goals. But in the years after the pandemic, shifting student expectations and evolving workforce demands are prompting community colleges to...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Steve Norton, Regional Account Manager (CA and NV) At MiEN Company, creating innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments is central to our mission. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to position MiEN as a leader in learning space...

Explore MiEN's 2025 Tradeshow Lineup MiEN is hitting the road in 2025, bringing our innovative learning space solutions to tradeshows across the country! With 12 events already listed and nearly 40 total scheduled, our Tradeshow Page is your go-to resource for where to find us next. Upcoming Events: March 11-14: PASBO Conference March 19-21: MACUL...

Updating Elementary School Learning Spaces to Promote Collaboration and Engagement: A Modernization Project at Alta Heights Elementary School Alta Heights Elementary School in Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) recently completed a transformative modernization project aimed at updating some of their classrooms and learning spaces. This update to Alta Heights’ facilities focused on creating flexible,...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Create Career-Ready High School Spaces As education shifts to better prepare students for future careers, high school learning spaces must evolve to support collaboration, hands-on learning, and real-world skill development. MiEN is featured in Tech & Learning, offering insights into how intentional design can create career-ready learning environments...

5 Creative Ways to Bring Color Into a Space Color influences mindset and behavior, which both greatly impact an individual’s productivity and overall wellbeing. From educational environments to offices, the spaces we occupy for nearly a third of our waking hours should be engaging, inspiring, and functional. Research in color psychology shows that being exposed...

Transforming Campus Spaces at UMN: 5 Essentials for Upgrading College Learning Environments The modern college student has unique expectations for their higher education experience: flexible and diverse learning opportunities, robust student services, and a campus designed to facilitate connection, social interaction, and networking. As colleges adapt their approach to suit the needs of modern students,...

MiEN in the News: 5 of the Biggest Education Trends for 2025 MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in eSchool News. Our commitment to creating innovative and flexible learning environments ensures that educators have the tools needed to support evolving educational trends. In the latest article, "5...

MiEN in the News: 5 Trends to Watch in Higher Education for 2025 MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in Campus Technology. Our commitment to creating dynamic and adaptable learning environments ensures that institutions can meet the evolving needs of higher education. In the latest article, "5...

MiEN in the News: 6 Ways to Create Engaging Elementary Learning Spaces MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in eSchool News. Our commitment to creating dynamic and engaging learning environments ensures that educators have the tools and spaces needed to support active learning and collaboration. In the...

MiEN Company Releases Thousands of Revit Family Downloads MiEN now offers over 6,000 fully sorted and searchable Revit Family Downloads, making it easier than ever for designers to access the files they need directly from our new Symbols Library page. In addition to our extensive Revit collection, we’ve also introduced the MiEN CET Extension, available...

5 Key Design Trends Shaping the Future of K-12 Cafeterias Historically, school cafeterias have been utilitarian spaces designed to serve one purpose: providing students with a place to eat at school. These food halls were useful, yet they remained largely uninspiring until recent design trends began to transform the function of cafeterias in K-12 schools....

Pantone Color of The Year 2025: Incorporating Mocha Mousse in Learning Environments The Pantone Color of the Year 2025 is Mocha Mousse, a hue Pantone describes as “a warming brown, imbued with richness, nurturing us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, and answering our desire for comfort.” Mocha Mousse is...

Designing Elementary Media Centers to Accommodate Growing Students: A Guide to Choosing the Best Furniture Sizes Media centers are evolving to become versatile hubs for learning, collaboration, and technology. These learning spaces must be flexible to support various activities, from individual reading to large group presentations to dynamic discussions between peers. In elementary schools, media...

Flexible Furniture in Commack High School’s Career-Oriented Literacy Lab At the high school level, Commack Schools focuses on preparing students to make informed and meaningful career decisions. Based in Commack, N.Y., the district recognizes that the best educational experiences lead to optimal career outcomes. Guided by this understanding, Commack Schools diligently prepares its students for...

Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School Engages MiEN to Create New Learning Spaces Many school districts are seeing decreases in enrollment, but Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD)—the largest elementary school district in California—is in the middle of a growth spurt. When it opened a new elementary school for the 2024-25 school year, CVESD set out to...

Empowering Student Learning: Hutto Elementary's Multimodal Media Center As part of its mission to bring more instructional technology into the classroom, Decatur County Schools in Georgia has been exploring multimodal literacy experiences for elementary students. The effort is part of a statewide push to find new ways to deliver literacy instruction across all types of...

Turning an Old School College Dining Hall into a Highly Utilized Student Center Not every college has extra space on campus to experiment with modern designs, furniture and features, but Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) in Middletown, N.Y., just happened to have an aging, underutilized cafeteria that was ripe for an overhaul. The cafeteria...

MiEN’s GROW Nest Wins Association for Learning Environments Industry Partner Award at LearningSCAPES 2024 [October 29, 2024] – MiEN Company proudly announces that our GROW Nest and GROW Series have received the distinguished Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Industry Partner Award at LearningSCAPES 2024. This prestigious accolade celebrates the GROW Series as a transformative solution...

New MiEN White Paper: Redesigning Learning Spaces for Neurodiverse Learners During the 2021-22 school year, nearly 15% of students in U.S. public schools received special education services. Many of these students are considered to be neurodivergent––that is, they experience a neurological or learning disorder such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory processing issues. Neurodiversity...

Providing a Calming Retreat: A Guide to Designing Sensory Spaces in Schools To address the needs of diverse student bodies, many schools are incorporating sensory spaces and quiet zones into their classrooms or buildings as part of Universal Design. Originally designed for students with special needs, more schools are now embracing this inclusive concept of...

Designing Learning Spaces for Neurodivergent Learners: Creating Zones for Success In today’s evolving educational landscape, creating spaces that cater to the diverse needs of neurodivergent learners is essential. Neurodiversity refers to the various ways individuals experience the world and process information, and it includes people with ADHD, autism, and other neurological variations. Designing a learning...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Christian Frank, Midwest Regional Sales Director (IL, MI, WI) At MiEN Company, our mission is to create innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments. We wouldn’t be able to make this vision a reality without the dedicated individuals who work hard to make MiEN a leader in learning...

The Flexible SLICE Student Desk: Collaboration and ADA Compliance All-in-One! At MiEN, we believe that every furniture piece installed in educational and office spaces plays a pivotal role in creating a well-designed and effective environment. We strive to develop innovative furniture solutions that are useful and functional in a variety of different spaces, which has...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Kim Diaz, Regional Director (AL, FL, GA, NC, SC) At MiEN Company, our mission is to create innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments. We wouldn’t be able to make this vision a reality without the dedicated individuals who work hard to make MiEN a leader in learning...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Turn Underused Space into a Vibrant Environment MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in University Business. Our commitment to reimagining learning environments ensures that institutions can transform underutilized spaces into dynamic, engaging hubs for students and educators. In the latest...

Transforming Classrooms: The Power of Flexible Seating for Students with Special Needs Classroom environments are changing rapidly with advancements in assistive technology, an increased focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives. Educators are continuing to focus on inclusion as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education...

Q&A with Tyler Pellerito and Ryanne Lane on Their Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the newest installment of the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where we delve into the preferred selections of MiEN Company's finest. In this edition, we have the pleasure of featuring insights from Tyler Pellerito, Regional Account Manager for the...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Tyler Pellerito, Regional Account Manager (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT) At MiEN Company, our mission is to create innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to position MiEN as a leader...

Reimagining College Spaces to Meet the Needs of Today’s Students Colleges and universities have changed drastically in recent years, pivoting to serve ever-changing bodies of students who are taking diverse approaches to higher education. Reimagining college spaces is essential as many of these institutional changes address the educational and economic needs of learners. Environments on...

Meet Katelyn Forcucci, Chief Education Strategist at emPOWERED PD Powered by MiEN As classrooms evolve, teaching methods must adapt to prepare learners for the dynamic demands of today’s rapidly changing world. Recognizing this need, Professional Development by MiEN delivers emPOWERED PD to equip educators with the skills and pedagogy needed to foster engaged learners. Through...

10 Steps to Integrate Teacher Input into Learning Space Design: Empower Educators to Transform Their Classrooms The thoughtful design of learning environments is key to improving educator satisfaction and fostering student engagement and success. In order to create transformative educational spaces, the design process should consider the needs of both the students and educators who...

Designing Versatile K-12 Media Centers for Diverse Instructional Approaches In recent decades, the role of K-12 media centers have evolved from merely collections of books to dynamic, multi-functional spaces that support various instructional methods. Gone are the days when the main focus of libraries was the content and resources they provided; now media center spaces...

Safety and Support in Schools: Trauma-Informed Design in K-12 Educational Spaces In the pursuit of creating learning environments that prioritize safety and support in schools, it is critical to design spaces that address the diverse needs of students, enhancing their mental health and education. We have discussed the importance of creating accessible spaces for students...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Transform Multiple Media Centers into STEM Learning Hubs MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in The Learning Counsel. Our commitment to creating future-ready learning environments helps schools and institutions reimagine traditional media centers into dynamic STEM hubs that foster innovation...

Bartow County School System Learning Hubs: A Transformation into Modern Media Center Spaces Bartow County School System - Cartersville, GA 14,000 students 12 elementary schools 4 middle schools 3 high schools District Transforms 19 Different Media Centers into Innovative Learning Hubs Taking a single media center and transforming it into a modern learning hub can...

Creating an Ergonomic Learning Environment: A Guide to Choosing the Best Furniture Sizes for Educational Spaces In ergonomic learning environments, both the physical environment and the furnishings within it play a pivotal role in fostering learning and wellbeing. While much of the focus of learning space design is placed on the layout and function of...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Rethink Classroom Design for Collaborative Space MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in SmartBrief. Our dedication to designing flexible and student-centered learning environments helps educators create collaborative spaces that foster engagement and active learning. In the latest article, "5 Ways...

Transforming Oregon State University Residential Hall Spaces with MiEN Furniture In 2022, Oregon State University (OSU) was seeking a furniture partner to help them transform the social spaces in four residence halls on campus: Poling Hall, Cauthorn Hall, Halsell Hall, and McNary Hall. By updating these spaces, OSU aimed to foster a sense of community...

Hampton University Classroom Modernization: Redefining the College Experience for Collaboration, Engagement, and Comfort With roots that reach deeply into U.S. history and the African American experience, Hampton University in Virginia has its sights set squarely on the horizons of the global community of the 21st century. Along with being one of the top historically-Black universities...

Furniture Designed to Last: Promoting Sustainability with High-Quality Furnishings In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the environmental problem of “fast furniture,” which refers to the disposable nature of many modern furniture products. “Fast furniture” is a fairly new term, describing the inexpensive, trendy furniture pieces that are often mass-produced with low-quality...

Designing Better Learning Spaces: Drew Wodarski, ECLPS Learning Environment Specialist helping school districts across AZ, CO, NM, UT, and WY plan modern, effective classrooms. Before a school district makes a single furniture purchasing decision, Drew works directly with facilities teams, educators, and leadership to translate their teaching goals into actionable space planning. As an EDmarket...

MiEN in the News: 5 of the Biggest Trends in Higher Education MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in eCampus News. Our commitment to creating adaptable, future-ready learning environments ensures that higher education institutions can meet the evolving needs of students and educators. In the latest article,...

MiEN in the News: Create Engaging Multipurpose Learning Spaces MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in eSchool News. Our commitment to designing adaptable and student-centered environments ensures that schools can maximize space efficiency while fostering collaboration and engagement. In the latest article, "Create Engaging Multipurpose Learning Spaces,"...

MiEN in the News: Wiggle, Wobble, Learn – The Power of Flexible Furniture As learning environments continue to evolve, so does the furniture that supports them. MiEN is once again at the forefront of the conversation, featured in Spaces4Learning for our commitment to dynamic, student-centered spaces. By embracing movement-friendly and adaptable designs, we help schools...

Pantone Color of The Year 2024: Incorporating Peach Fuzz in Learning Environments As we enter a new year, new color trends are on the horizon. The Pantone color of the year 2024 is Peach Fuzz, a color Pantone describes as "a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. . .that resonates with compassion, offers a...

5 Education Trends for 2024: A Look Into K-12 Education Unleashed As we welcome the new year, educators and industry leaders are anticipating the top education trends for 2024. In recent years, the education industry has seen a rapid transformation, marked by new ideas and emerging technologies. In 2024, this momentum will continue, bringing forth...

A Year in Review: 2023 at MiEN Company Each year as we enter the New Year, we like to look back upon all that we’ve been able to accomplish throughout the year. 2023 at MiEN Company has been a vibrant and transformative year––from emerging educational technology trends to inspiring learning space designs. Reflecting on 2023,...

Echo Trail Middle School: Innovation Through Intentional Design Echo Trail Middle School, located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, strives to inspire its students to reach their full potential through an innovative space through intentional design that provides a hands-on, collaborative learning experience. In an interview with Dr. Kara Ammerman, the principal of Echo Trail, we explored...

New Northeast Lakeview College STEM Facility Prepares Students for High-Demand Careers Located in one of the fastest-growing areas of the state, Northeast Lakeview College (NLC), in Universal City, TX, is one of five Alamo Colleges and was born out of need to serve a region that was welcoming a high volume of new residents and...

Holy Trinity Catholic School Creates Multipurpose Space That Caters to Student Testing Student test performance is a hot topic in educational circles, where there is continued debate over whether some students will test better in informal, comfortable environments. Holy Trinity Catholic School in Louisville, Kentucky is betting on the fact that environmental factors do indeed...

Hudson Middle School: Empowering Students and Engaging the Community Hudson Middle School, located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, is a community-focused middle school that is self-described as the “School for the People.” Hudson is the first middle school in West Louisville to be built in 91 years and welcomes every student from the area regardless of...

MiEN in the News: 6 Tips for Designing an Esports Space Esports is rapidly becoming a core part of modern education, bridging the gap between technology, teamwork, and career readiness. MiEN is proud to be featured in SmartBrief, sharing insights on how intentional design can create esports spaces that enhance student engagement, collaboration, and competitive...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Jonathan Gossom, Regional Director (KY, TN, IN, OH, WV) At the MiEN Company, our mission is to create innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning spaces. We take pride in the dedicated individuals who make our vision a reality. Today, we’re highlighting Jonathan Gossom, MiEN's Regional Director overseeing Kentucky,...

EDspaces 2023: Discover Esports Innovation with MiEN Environments The EDspaces 2023 conference and exhibit is drawing near, and we can’t wait to gather once again to share and discover the latest innovation in education design. At EDspaces 2023, discover esports innovation with MiEN’s expansive booth at the exhibition. Join us for enriching presentations, and immerse...

4 Tips to Design Learning Spaces for Middle School Students Middle school is a transitional phase in students’ academic careers, ushering students from elementary school into high school––and beyond. In middle school, students are often presented with a new schedule, different approaches to learning, and faster rates of acquiring new academic content. During their middle...

Design Considerations to Support Neurodiversity in the Workplace As the workplace has transformed over the past few years, companies have come to understand that employee wellbeing is one of their greatest assets. The foundation of a positive employee experience is cultivating a diverse workplace that is accommodating and inclusive of all individuals’ needs. Promoting a...

MiEN Company Releases White Paper on Use of Teacher Spaces to Stop Teacher Burnout and Turnover New paper explains how investing in teacher lounges and workrooms can reduce stress, increase retention, boost academic outcomes and attract new teachers GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Oct. 10, 2023 – Addressing the increased rates of teacher burnout and resignations...

Transforming School Leadership: The Power of Mobile Teaching Stations In the classroom and beyond, principals, administrators, and other school leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the learning environment for students and educators alike. Gone are the days when administrators were confined to their offices, detached from the daily rhythms of school life. Today, forward-thinking...

MiEN in the News: 4 Signs That Your School Needs a Media Center Upgrade As learning environments evolve, so should the spaces that support them. MiEN is featured in District Administration, offering insights into how modernizing media centers can enhance student engagement, collaboration, and digital literacy. By integrating flexible furniture, technology-driven workstations, and adaptable layouts,...

MiEN in the News: Schools in the Office – How Non-Traditional Spaces Can Transform Education The way students learn is evolving, and so are the spaces where learning happens. MiEN is featured in The Learning Counsel, offering insights into how non-traditional learning environments, including office spaces, coworking hubs, and community centers, can be transformed into...

Designing Active Learning Spaces for Higher Education: 5 Tips to Foster Engagement and Collaboration In recent years, greater use of technology and remote learning in higher education has led to a shift in how learners interact within a classroom environment. Traditional lecture-style classrooms are gradually giving way to more dynamic and engaging learning spaces. The...

Big Picture High School's Innovative Learning Spaces: From Office Space to Classroom Big Picture Learning activates learning opportunities through its community of more than 275 global schools and a suite of initiatives. Through its multiple fellowships; outside-of-school learning opportunities; and healthy living and learning partnerships, the organization also serves as an “incubator” for the next...

How Burke County Schools Are Modernizing Media Centers for the 21st Century Two years ago, Burke County Schools in Morganton, N.C., received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding earmarked for helping the 12,000-student district manage the negative impacts of the COVID pandemic. The 1:1 district has 27 schools, many of which featured aging...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Update Media Centers for Modern Learning As education evolves, so must the spaces that support it. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering expert insights on how schools can transform traditional media centers into dynamic, multi-functional learning hubs. By integrating flexible furniture, technology-driven workstations, and collaborative zones, educators...

Megan Cope Elementary’s Media Center Gets a Modern Facelift When Emily Price, Ed.D., came onboard as Megan Cope Elementary School’s new principal in 2021, she quickly learned that the San Jacinto, Calif.-based school’s library was in need of a media center modernization. After speaking with Renee Moore, the school’s library media tech specialist, about some...

4 Transformative K-12 Learning Spaces to Nurture SEL When implementing a social emotional learning program in your school, choosing a quality curriculum isn’t the only consideration for creating an effective program––developing K-12 learning spaces to nurture SEL is also a key part of advancing students’ learning and development. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has gained...

5 Ways to Organize Your Classroom for Back-to-School As summer ends, teachers and students eagerly prepare for the new school year ahead. Before learning takes off at full speed, it’s important to organize your classroom to create a successful learning environment for students and teachers alike! A well-organized learning environment fosters a positive atmosphere for...

5 MiEN Educational Products Going Viral If you’re searching for the latest trends in furniture design, you’ve come to the right place. Prepare to be inspired by these five MiEN educational products that are going viral! Here at MiEN, we offer a diverse range of educational furniture products that meet the needs of schools and...

6 Essential Library Spaces: Beyond the Books With the new function of media centers, there are a lot more zones to consider to meet all student and faculty needs. These six essential spaces created with MiEN products can help you create a 21st century library that provides function and comfort for all who use it!...

4 Tips for Designing a Student-Centered Library In modern library spaces, the design is no longer centered around books and other reading materials. While these media still require a home in the library, a modern media center holds more functions, acting as a hub for students to engage in a variety of social and academic...

4 Key Factors to Starting an Elementary Esports Program The benefits of scholastic esports make a compelling case for starting a program, and many schools have done just that to enhance students’ learning experience and future opportunities. Starting an esports program is beneficial to learners of all ages: Research shows that students who participate in esports experience social and emotional benefits,...

Designing Learning Spaces for Developmentally Appropriate Practice In order to provide students with an effective education, early childhood educators need to utilize developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) to teach children. This teaching strategy acknowledges what children know and what they can do, while also setting reasonable goals for learning and development. Younger learners have different abilities...

How to Design a Montessori Learning EnvironmentNurture children’s independence and natural motivation by designing a Montessori learning environment equipped to support their learning! Montessori is an alternative form of education––primarily used with early childhood and elementary students––that is built around supporting children’s natural behaviors and instincts. This learning method is known for its child-centered approach...

MiEN in the News: 4 Tips for Starting an Elementary Esports Program Esports is making its way into elementary education, offering young students opportunities to build teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, providing insights into how schools can design esports spaces that foster engagement and support the unique needs...

MiEN in the News: Aligning Learning Space Design with NAEYC Standards Early childhood learning environments play a crucial role in shaping a child’s educational experience. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering insights into how intentional learning space design can align with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. By prioritizing flexibility,...

Designing Accessible Learning Spaces: Furnishing Classrooms to Meet ADA Requirements The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires schools to provide accessible and inclusive learning spaces for students, parents, and employees who have a physical or mental impairment or disability of any level of severity. To meet ADA requirements, schools must meet a minimum standard of accessibility for...

5 Steps to Take When Building a 21st Century Media Center When Voorhees School District decided to give all of its media centers makeovers, Osage Elementary School was one of four elementary schools that was more than ready for the experience. Its 600-student school would become the first in the district to use MiEN furniture...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Create a More Functional and Inviting Teachers’ Lounge Educators dedicate their time to shaping the future, and their spaces should support their well-being just as much as student learning environments. MiEN is featured in District Administration, offering insights on how schools can design teachers’ lounges that are both...

Funding for Private Schools: Upgrade Your Learning Spaces with EANS Funds The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are still greatly impacting schools today, and federal funds from pandemic relief programs can be the key to recovery. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund allocated roughly $190 billion to K-12 schools across the country, with a...

5 Ways to Use ESSER Funding to Transform Learning Spaces The September 2023 deadline to allocate ESSER II funding provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act is quickly approaching––here’s a reminder of the five ways to use ESSER funding to transform learning spaces in your school or district! Since March 2020, the federal government...

Vertical Whiteboards Make for a Collaborative, Engaging Discovery Lab While Mindy Collier was reading Peter Liljedahl’s book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning, a lightbulb went on over her head. A third-grade teacher at North Huron Elementary in Kinde, Mich., Collier wanted to create a “discovery lab” for students...

Creating a Modern Space Where Teachers and Staff Eat, Relax and Socialize Since 2007, Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) in Mays Landing, N.J., has been providing a comprehensive high school education that incorporates all academic courses, advanced placement (AP) courses and vocational-technical opportunities. Serving about 1,700 students—a number that will soon increase to 2,000—the...

Elementary School Creates a Modern Media Center from a Blank Slate When Voorhees Township Public Schools in Voorhees, N.J., decided to give all of its media centers makeovers, Osage Elementary School was one of four elementary schools that was more than ready for the experience. The 600-student school would become the first in the district...

3 Key Components of Early Childhood Learning Environments Deciding what to include in an early childhood learning environment may seem like just choosing what color to paint the room and which chairs to buy, but there’s so much more to consider below the surface. The building blocks of effective early childhood classrooms do include the physical components...

Pantone Color of The Year 2023: Incorporating Viva Magenta in Learning Environments The Pantone color of 2023 is Viva Magenta, a color Pantone describes as “a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement.” Viva Magenta is...

MiEN in the News: 5 of the Biggest Education Trends in 2023 The education landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends shaping the way students learn and educators teach. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering insights into the biggest shifts in education for 2023. From flexible learning environments to technology integration, schools are embracing...

6 Modern Ideas for Innovative K-12 Learning Spaces Classrooms aren’t the only place for innovative design––more and more schools are coming up with modern ideas for innovative K-12 learning spaces. From media centers and cafeterias to STEM labs and English literacy spaces, schools are approaching learning space design with flexibility, collaboration, and multi-functionality in mind....

5 of the Biggest Education Trends for 2023 With the start of a new year and education conference season just beginning, educators and industry leaders are discovering the biggest education trends for 2023. The past few years have seen a significant transformation for education and edtech, and 2023 will continue to bring new ideas and...

MiEN in the News: Creating Modern Collaborative Learning Spaces Collaboration is at the heart of 21st-century learning, and the design of learning environments plays a crucial role in fostering engagement and teamwork. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, sharing insights on how modern classroom design can support student interaction, flexibility, and active learning. By incorporating adaptable...

Collaborative Learning Spaces Designed Nationwide by the MiEN Company GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jan. 4, 2023 – A growing number of schools chose MiEN to support learning and collaboration in their schools and districts. Twelve schools and one district-wide project are a few of the most recent educational institutions to make MiEN Company their furnishing and...

New Arizona High School Blends Functionality with Comfort in its Common Areas When Crismon High School in Queen Creek, Ariz., opened its doors for the first time for the 2022-23 school year, the school welcomed more than 1,000 students into its new facility. Its administrators had spent an entire year planning out the new school,...

4 Ideas for Designing Collaborative Learning Spaces Designing collaborative learning spaces in your school is a great way to expand learning opportunities and enable teachers to engage students in new ways. These spaces are usually designed to meet the needs of a variety of different subjects or activities and are an effective way to encourage students...

4 Easy Ideas for Social Spaces that Encourage Student Connection Schools are not just a place for learning––they are also hubs for community and connection. After spending much of the past two years learning remotely and separated from their peers, students are excited that things at school have returned to normal. One of the primary...

Students Are Bored: Engage Them With Innovative Learning Spaces Students are becoming increasingly bored at school but creating innovative learning spaces may help to re-engage them in their learning. Research suggests that students become less engaged the more time they spend in school, moving up each grade level. According to a 2013 Gallup poll of students in...

MiEN in the News: MiEN’s New KIO Tinker Table Quickly Switches from a Bookcase to a Workstation and More Innovation meets adaptability with MiEN’s latest addition to its dynamic learning furniture lineup—the KIO Tinker Table. Featured in The Learning Counsel, this multi-functional solution redefines flexibility in educational spaces, allowing educators and students to seamlessly transition...

Stay Ahead of the Curve with MiEN Curved Bookcases Stay ahead of the curve with some of MiEN’s most popular curved bookcase products: KIO Class Curved Shelving and KIO Curved Bookcases. With our modular, curved KIO shelving systems, you can establish pathways through learning spaces, define different learning areas, and create quiet breakaway or reading...

MiEN Company Announces New and Pending Patents GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Oct. 31, 2022 – MiEN Company announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued patents for three of MiEN Company’s furnishing designs: the MUST+ Sit-2-Stand Table & Lectern, FFL chair series and FLEX Steps modular lounge and seating unit. Four other products...

MiEN in the News: MiEN Company Announces New and Pending Patents As a leader in innovative learning space design, MiEN took center stage at EDspaces 2022, where we had the opportunity to shape an immersive educational environment. Featured in Education Writers Association (EWA), this highlight showcases MiEN’s role in designing dynamic spaces that foster collaboration,...

Q&A with Kara and Mary: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN Company top 5 products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why...

EDspaces 2022: Come See MiEN’s Innovative, Patented Furnishings The EDspaces 2022 conference and exhibit is right around the corner, and it’s one of our favorite places to gather each year to share and discover the latest innovation in education design. Come visit us at the exhibition to learn about our top patented furnishing products and creative ideas...

3 Types of Modern Media Shelving: Curved Bookcases, KIO Tinker, & DIVIDE Storage For a long time, the only storage option available for K-12 media centers was lining up rows and rows of traditional bookshelves. While we still love to see a row or two of traditional straight bookcases for vertical organization of reading materials in a...

Florida High School Infuses Collaborative Learning into the Curriculum Like many schools in the U.S.—where at last count the average public school building was 55+ years old—Mulberry High School in Florida was working from a facility that was built almost 70 years ago. Ready for an overhaul and equipped with funding from a local sales...

MiEN in the News: Five Ways to Turn an Existing Media Center into a Multipurpose, Collaborative Space Modern learning environments require spaces that evolve alongside educational needs. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, highlighting the transformation of St. Stephen’s media center into a dynamic, technology-driven learning hub. By reimagining traditional library spaces with flexible furniture and...

Modernization Project - H.B. Whitehorne Middle School Verona, NJ As STEM became more popular in Verona schools over the years, it was apparent that one thing was missing at H.B, Whitehorne Middle School (HBW): a STEM lab learning space. Over the winter of 2021, Technology, Engineering and Design teacher Julia Zambrano began working with colleagues...

How Teaching Gaming & Esports will Boost Student's STEM & 21st Century Learning Skills Here are Martin Fritzen's three ways schools and universities can work with gaming and esports to increase the students’ STEM and 21st century learning skills. The 3 Foci1 Focus on Learning As a teacher: when teaching students, focus on developing their skills,...

Q&A with Scott and Mary: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

5 Tips for Designing Accommodating Learning Spaces for Students with Sensory Needs As the number of students with special needs, students with sensory sensitivities, and students with other support needs increases nationwide, educators are finding ways to design accommodating classrooms that support positive student behavior and academic performance. Today’s students are increasingly being bombarded with...

Making a School Media Center a Collaborative and Fun Learning Space With about 275 students in grades pre-K through 8, St. Stephen Catholic School in Riverview, Fla., is well aware of the tectonic shifts that have taken place in the educational sector over the last two decades. And while the 21-year-old school is considered “young”...

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation's Learning Space Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation's (KRAI) learning space is Pasco County’s newest public magnet high school, opening its doors for the 2022-23 school year to 9th and 10th graders. In the coming two years, the Wesley Chapel campus will add students to grades 11 and 12 to round...

3 Reasons to Use Sit-to-Stand Desks in the Classroom So long to a classroom full of stationary, seated desks that keep students sedentary all day––the future holds flexible, student-centered sit-to-stand desks that promote student choice and engagement! Sit-to-stand desks have become common in the workplace and home offices as an option that allows flexibility, encourages...

MiEN in the News: What Goes Into Designing a Student Union? Student unions serve as the heartbeat of a campus, providing a space where students can gather, collaborate, and recharge. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering insights into how intentional design can create dynamic, inclusive, and engaging student union spaces that foster both community and...

4 Ideas for Innovative Teacher Stations For decades, teachers have sat in the front of the classroom behind a bulky, stationary desk. While this approach works for many educators, these teacher stations have always left something to be desired. At MiEN, we’ve created the THX Double Pedestal Teacher Station, a traditional-style desk with storage that solves...

High School Designs with MiEN Furniture a Flexible, Collaborative, College-like Student Union Josh LeSage, High School Principal at Valley Christian Schools in Chandler, Ariz., recently turned to MiEN for help designing and furnishing its student union space with MiEN collaborative and flexible furniture. With nearly 1,100 K-12 students, including 485 high schoolers, the school is...

5 Tips for Back-to-School Classroom Organization It’s once again time to head back to school and putting a focus on your classroom organization now can set you up for a smooth and efficient school year. With the right organization tools and classroom furnishings, you can create a well-organized learning space that both you and your...

Five Elementary Classroom Design Tips for Engagement and Success Gone are the elementary classrooms of the past––where students were confined to their desks for all day lectures––make your early childhood classrooms a welcoming space where students are engaged and excited to learn! The classroom environment is an essential part of learning for elementary students, as...

Q&A with Eliza and Hannah: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

5 Design Tips for an Elementary Media Center Away with dark and boring brown school libraries! Make your library a place kids love to visit and learn skills to prepare them for the future at the same time! The media center is an important place for learning, discovery, and collaboration, especially for elementary school students who...

MiEN in the News: Five Steps to Creating a Winning Esports Space At Any School Esports is rapidly becoming an essential part of modern education, offering students opportunities to develop teamwork, strategic thinking, and career-ready skills. MiEN is featured in The Journal, sharing expert insights on designing esports spaces that enhance engagement, collaboration, and competitive...

MiEN Company Appoints Krzysztof Skrzypek as VP of FinanceMiEN strengthens executive leadership team with new VP of Finance hire GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – July 5, 2022 – MiEN Company has announced that Krzysztof (Chris) Skrzypek is joining the company as its VP of Finance. In his new role, Skrzypek will coordinate with MiEN’s business units, vendors and sales teams...

Designing Elementary Learning Spaces to Encourage Movement in the Classroom Incorporating movement into elementary learning spaces offers benefits to students’ physical health, social and emotional wellbeing, and academic success. Physical activity is a powerful tool for improving learning and focus, increasing engagement, and reducing classroom management challenges. Research suggests that increased physical activity in schools can...

How Cooperative Purchasing Can Simplify the Buying Process and Increase Your Purchasing Power When you’re searching for the best furniture for your facilities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with comprehensively reviewing and vetting all the different furniture partners you want to consider. However, it’s important that suppliers are going to be able to meet all...

New MiEN K-12 Esports White Paper Available: Creating an Esports Space That Supports Academic Success and SEL K-12 esports, or competitive online video gaming is a rapidly growing and trending industry projected to surpass $1.8 billion in 2022. The growing popularity of esports as a school extracurricular is supported by the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), which aims...

MiEN in the News: MiEN Releases White Paper on Creating a Scholastic Esports Program Esports is transforming the educational landscape, providing students with opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and career development. MiEN is featured in eCampus News, spotlighting the release of our white paper on Creating a Scholastic Esports Program. This comprehensive guide explores best practices...

6 Key Ideas for Designing an Esports Space Academic esports, or a competitive school video-gaming team, is the next big extracurricular opportunity for today’s students. Esports offers the same social and emotional learning benefits as traditional athletics and can also provide a pathway to teach topics like literacy, STEM, and career and technical education. Currently,...

MiEN Company Releases White Paper on Creating a Scholastic Esports Program New paper covers curriculums, career pathways, funding, planning and effective space design for competitive gaming  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – June 9, 2022 – An increasing number of schools are finding that scholastic esports – competitive online video gaming between schools – provide the same social and emotional learning...

Power Up and Press Play with Esports Spaces The rise of esports is paving the way for schools to embrace structured esports programs spaces as an extracurricular sport alongside traditional competitive sports programs. School leaders understand that esports offers the same valuable lessons and skills that traditional sports do, making these programs key to engaging...

4 Key Factors to Creating a Modern Library Space As technology in the classroom has transformed over the past few years––particularly in response to the pandemic––more and more schools have attained a 1:1 personal device system. When every student has a device, there is a lesser need for bulky desktop computers and computer labs throughout...

Giving Educators a Contemporary Teacher Space to Decompress When Voorhees Township Public Schools approached MiEN to help design six teacher space lounges, the district’s primary goal was to create contemporary teacher spaces where educators could have lunch, socialize and decompress. In addition, some of the spaces were intended to support teacher collaboration, common planning, and...

Transforming an Aging High School Library into a Modern, Collaboration Lab As a public high school that offers a rigorous college prep curriculum, University High School (UHS) serves students in grades 9-12 who are committed to success in high school and beyond. Through a partnership with Wayne State University, all of UHS’ seniors attend class...

3 Key Factors in Designing Sustainable Buildings When creating new schools and workplaces of the future, designing sustainable buildings should be a top consideration for architects, designers, and building planners. Sustainable design emphasizes the needs of infrastructure, efficient energy consumption, durability, and air quality to ensure environmental sustainability and the health of those who use the...

How to Build and Fund Gaming and Esports Facilities at K-12 Schools, Community Colleges and Universities The idea to build gaming and esports programs and facilities at educational institutions can come from different sources. Any stakeholder can ask for it: students, school leaders, local community, or influencers. The research phase No matter where the idea...

Creating Collaborative Spaces for Students Post-Remote Learning When Lamphere High School welcomed its 730 students back on campus for the 2021-22 school year, it wanted every student to have a Chromebook. This would not only eliminate the need for computer labs, but it would also free up physical space in the school’s media center (which...

4 Reasons to Create an Esports Space in the Media Center Academic esports continues to grow in K-12 schools as an extracurricular activity that attracts students of all backgrounds. The benefits of esports in schools are clear: evidence shows that academic esports benefits students’ overall academic performance and social emotional learning––plus, students who are successful in...

MiEN in the News: Transforming a Dormant Computer Lab into an Engaging, Modern Learning Space As technology continues to shape the way students learn, modern computer labs must evolve to support collaboration, engagement, and digital literacy. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, showcasing the transformation of Lamphere High School’s computer lab into a dynamic, future-ready learning...

Is Polypropylene Safe and Sustainable? Uncovering the Facts About Polypropylene Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer (a type of plastic) that has a wide variety of applications. As one of the most common thermoplastics in the world, uses range from food packaging to medical devices to fabric fibers. Of the variety of commercial plastics available today,...

What is Sustainability? Defining Common Sustainability Terms At MiEN Company, we are driven by environmental sustainability, which is reflected in both the materials and designs we use for our products. By utilizing innovative design and sourcing high-quality raw and recycled materials, we create products that balance durability with comfort and style to ensure a long...

4 Benefits of Flexible Seating: From Floor Learning to Standing Desks Traditional classroom seating was created with traditional learning in mind, but with many schools transitioning to modern, flexible, and active learning practices, classroom design must also transition to support new ways of learning. And while traditional seating approaches still have their function in the...

What It Means to Be a Sustainable Furniture Company: Designing With Sustainability in Mind Schools and workspaces of the future are designed with environmental sustainability in mind for everything from architectural design and creative reuse to the furniture pieces we use in the spaces we create. Design decision-makers in these spaces need to not only...

Q & A with our Founder and CEO Remco Bergsma Ever wondered what Remco is thinking about the business landscape right now or his plans for the future? Or why he started the company in the first place? How his European heritage gives MiEN an edge in the US market? How he sees the future...

6 Workplace Design Tips for Collaboration and Productivity When moving to a new office or remaking your existing space, it’s critical to approach the design process with function in mind. An innovative and engaging workplace design can make the difference when it comes to your company’s productivity and collaboration among your employees. Finding a furniture partner...

5 Tips for Building an Esports Program in Your District A unique opportunity to capitalize on after-school activities and get students involved with extracurricular activities, esports’ competitive, organized video gaming has been gaining in popularity in the K-12 sector. Not only is an esports program a great way to engage students through an activity they...

5 Tips for Building an Esports Program in Your District A unique opportunity to capitalize on after-school activities and get students involved with extracurricular activities, esports’ competitive, organized video gaming has been gaining in popularity in the K-12 sector. Not only is an esports program a great way to engage students through an activity they...

6 Ways to be Environmentally Friendly in the Classroom Whether you’re a teacher or administrator, improving the sustainability of your school can be beneficial. A focus on sustainability can help you create a healthier learning space, as well as engage students in important environmental principles. Educating students to be more eco-friendly gives them a better understanding of...

A Year in Review: 2021 at MiEN Company Every year with the arrival of December, it’s hard to believe the year is actually coming to a close. And this year is no exception. As schools have reopened for in-person learning again in 2021, learning spaces have seen great transformations––from improved technology to better cleaning and disinfection practices...

5 Tips to Design an Active Learning Space When building a new school, it’s important to design a building that not only fits the academic needs of modern learners, teachers, and administrators, but that also is equipped with features to support the school’s mission. Many schools are now focused on incorporating active learning principles into...

4 Steps to Designing Modern Learning Environments Many schools face steep challenges on the road to creating collaborative, modern learning environments that students, teachers, and staff can enjoy and thrive in.  One of the biggest barriers to developing these learning spaces is the state of aging school buildings, which often haven’t been updated and reworked...

MiEN Company’s New KIO Tinker Table Quickly Switches from a Bookcase to a Workstation and More GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Nov. 9, 2021 – Schools’ limited space means that they need furniture that can adapt to multiple situations. For this reason, MiEN Company has created the KIO Tinker table, a 360-degree mobile bookcase that doubles as a workstation...

Introducing the 2021 MiEN Showroom When designing new school and/or office spaces, it’s important to choose furniture solutions that will best serve the people who will use the space. For the designers of these spaces, it can be challenging to imagine exactly how a product will function for a specific purpose or how the materials...

MiEN in the News: 7 Design Tips for Active Learning Spaces Active learning spaces are redefining education by fostering collaboration, engagement, and adaptability. MiEN is featured in SmartBrief, sharing expert insights on how educators can design classrooms that support movement, interaction, and hands-on learning. With intentional layouts, flexible furniture, and technology integration, schools can create...

Benefits of Whiteboards in the Classroom Teachers face the challenge of keeping students engaged every day, but one solution to this problem is one of the simplest learning tools in the classroom: the traditional whiteboard.  Writable surfaces can be easily integrated into the learning space by adding mobile whiteboards, mini handheld whiteboards, whiteboard tabletop surfaces,...

Transforming a Nearly Century-Old School Building into a Modern Learning Space MiEN and Staff at Robert D. Johnson Elementary School transformed a learning space out of a nearly 100-year-old building. Open since 1923, Robert D. Johnson Elementary School of Fort Thomas, Ken., will soon hit its 100-year-old milestone, but not before transforming its aging buildings...

MiEN in the News: Four Tips for Modern Learning Spaces As the educational landscape evolves, so must the spaces where learning happens. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, sharing expert insights on how to design modern learning environments that enhance engagement, flexibility, and collaboration. By incorporating adaptable furniture, intentional layouts, and technology integration, schools can create...

Learning Anyplace, Anytime in Student Centered Spaces! Learning spaces are moving beyond the four walls of the traditional classroom to take advantage of every opportunity for student-centered learning spaces in K-12 and higher education.  As curriculum and instructional delivery models adapt, so does the design of the spaces needed to support learning. Here are 3...

Integrating Tray Storage Systems into Your Classroom Ecosystem Research has found that if a teacher creates a positive learning environment, they also develop an efficient classroom setting alongside an emotional setting that boosts student performance (Bailey, Beasley, & Swafford, 2014). Designing positive learning spaces takes a combination of several furniture and design elements that affect...

MiEN in the News: 4 Ways Active Learning Spaces Support the Modern Educational Environment Education is evolving, and the spaces where learning happens must evolve with it. MiEN is featured in District Administration, offering expert insights into how active learning spaces enhance engagement, collaboration, and adaptability in today’s classrooms. By incorporating flexible furniture, dynamic layouts,...

Cumberland Trace Elementary School Creates Active Teaching & Learning Spaces Working with MiEN, the school outfits its newly-constructed building with seating, tables and fixtures that support active teaching and learning spaces for groups of all sizes. When Cumberland Trace Elementary School in Bowling Green, Ken., set out to construct a new school building this year,...

Inclusive Design to Support Equity and Diversity Diversity in universities is rapidly expanding, and the current generation is known as the most diverse generation in history in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and more. So many of the needs of students have changed over the past couple of decades, with many students being...

3 Reasons Why University Libraries Still Matter Universities have had to innovate to meet student expectations and school needs, and university libraries and learning spaces play a central role. Librarians have been at the forefront of a shift in the usage of university libraries, reimagining libraries to accommodate new technologies, expanded media sources, and multi-use...

4 Reasons Why School Libraries Still Matter From K-12 to higher ed, a shift in school needs and technology has led school libraries to reimagine how they support students and educators in their learning communities. Schools are implementing new learning standards, and many have integrated technology-enabled instruction into their daily curriculum. This has created an...

5 Benefits of Esports in Schools As the esports industry has grown, academic esports teams have also become more common as an extracurricular activity. Students of all backgrounds are attracted to esports for a variety of reasons, but many are drawn in by the chance to compete while playing some of their favorite video games....

5 Functions of Active Learning Classrooms Active learning classrooms are more than just learning spaces outfitted with technology. These engaging and dynamic learning environments support new pedagogy, active learning, and students’ development of essential skills. Implementing active learning spaces puts a greater focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration in schools and supports modern...

Modern Food Court Design Ideas: For Schools, Universities, and Offices Modern food courts and cafeterias in K-12 schools, universities, and office spaces have transformed into places for more than just eating. While these spaces offer quick and convenient meal options for busy students and employees, they also provide practical spaces for socializing, collaborating, and networking....

5 Steps to Establish a Collaborative Learning Environment When Designing New Learning Facilities Not all schools have designated spaces for collaborative learning, so sometimes student collaboration must take place in the hallway, cafeteria, or other makeshift spaces. While finding multiple ways to use a learning space can be great for space efficiency, designing intentional collaborative...

How Modern Learning Environments Prepare Students for the Future Although workplace design has changed vastly over the years, the traditional classroom has remained the standard for many schools. Many of the jobs we’re preparing students for didn’t even exist 20 years ago, which means the learning spaces built prior to the early-2000s are failing to...

MiEN Company Releases New Guide on Creating Active Learning Spaces GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – June 21, 2021 – During the pandemic, schools rapidly adopted technology and flexible learning models so they could better support students. Now, many district administrators are deciding to keep those flexible models when the pandemic ends. To help educators make the most of new teaching...

4 Benefits of Active Learning Environments Traditional classroom design is in transition, with the integration of technology, personalized learning, collaboration, and the implementation of a learner-centered approach being at the core of the conversation. This shift in design mirrors the needs of the modern workplace, helping to prepare students for next-generation careers and empowering them...

5 Reasons to Implement Active Learning Environments There is a clear shift from traditional pedagogy to a focus on creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning. As the demands of college and careers have also changed, these skills have become critical for students to be successful in their future endeavors. Active learning environments are better...

Level Up Your Learning Space with These 5 MiEN Products Creating future-ready learning spaces that invite students to explore, spark creativity, and engage in learning doesn’t accidentally happen. Warm inviting environments are carefully curated with functional durable products. Level up your learning space with the DIVIDE, EDGE table, 2G2BT Open Face, FLEX Steps, and SLICE...

MiEN in the News: How to Create a Learning Space That Nurtures Tomorrow’s Workforce As the workforce landscape shifts, educational spaces must adapt to equip students with the skills and experiences needed for future careers. MiEN is featured in SmartBrief, offering expert insights on how intentional learning space design fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability—key...

MiEN in the News: 5 Essentials for an Active Learning Classroom Active learning classrooms are designed to promote engagement, collaboration, and flexibility—key elements in modern education. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering expert insights into how intentional classroom design can enhance student participation and support diverse learning styles. By integrating adaptable furniture, technology, and...

How to Furnish Classroom Learning Zones We recently posted a blog about creating classroom learning zones to promote engagement and meet the diverse needs of students. Creating organized zones for students to engage with different learning environments and types of content can support a wide variety of teaching and learning approaches, as well as student voice and...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Infuse Collaboration into Learning Spaces Collaboration is a cornerstone of modern education, and learning environments play a crucial role in fostering meaningful student interactions. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering expert insights into how classroom design can enhance collaboration through adaptable layouts, flexible furniture, and intentional space planning....

5 Ideas for Federal Stimulus Relief Funds to Transform Learning Spaces The Corona Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a set of plans and funds that aim to help schools rebuild with an emphasis on equity, classroom safety, social and emotional well-being, and academic success. The CARES act provides funding for a variety...

JetCo Federal’s New Collaborative Workspace is Inspiring and Motivating Government contractor works with MiEN to design a new collaborative workspace, inviting space for its growing workforce. Founded in 2007, JetCo Federal is a supply chain management and logistics firm that works with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Focused on developing efficient warehouses, the Grand...

3 Key Elements of Future Ready Science Labs Gone are the old, stuffy, and institutional-looking labs of the past, and now in their place are bright and airy future ready spaces that support collaboration and student-centered learning. Students benefit from working in spaces that are designed for their comfort and to support their learning, and––in...

5 Classroom Learning Zones to Promote Engagement When designing a classroom, creating differentiated classroom learning zones is a useful way to personalize the learning environment to meet the diverse needs of students. This strategy can be used with all age levels to organize learning spaces into established zones where students can engage with different learning...

Chicago Middle School Transforms Older Building into a Collaborative Learning Space Working with MiEN, this top-ranking middle school in Illinois turns an older building into a collaborative learning space. Taking older structures and turning them into modern, collaborative learning spaces is no easy task, but some schools are facing the project head-on and achieving their...

A Modern Classroom for the Workforce of the Future MySchool@Kent overhauls its learning space to meet the needs of its learners and help them prepare for success in the workforce of the future. A vital program for the Kent ISD in Grand Rapids, Mich., MySchool@Kent provides an engaging, world-class blended modern classroom that supports all...

Florida Charter School Develops a New, Highly-Collaborative School Building A part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Fla., Literacy Leadership Technology (LLT) Academy was founded in 2005 with the goal of creating a place for middle school students to focus on technology with a highly collaborative school building. It would later add Franklin...

MiEN in the News: Build a model for continuous learning As education continues to evolve, technology plays a crucial role in supporting flexible and continuous learning experiences. MiEN is featured in ACTE Online, sharing insights on how intentional classroom design and technology integration create adaptable spaces that foster engagement and student success. By embracing modern...

4 Office Furniture Trends in 2021 Each year, new office furniture trends arise, and while the past year has been far from ordinary, 2021 will debut unique furniture trends. This year, office design and furniture trends will be centered around health and safety, as well as easing employees back into working in the office on...

5 Office Design Trends for a Post-Pandemic World COVID-19 has changed everything about our lives, from the way we shop, to the way we interact with people, to the way we work. In particular, COVID-19 has ushered in the remote working trend, with some analysts predicting that 25 to 30 percent of the workforce will be...

St. Charles Catholic School Receives New Furniture Donation A Community donor helped transform a classroom for 21st Century learning. Some Students at St. Charles Catholic Schools are learning in a new “state of the art” classroom, thanks to a gift of new furniture. It was donated by MiEN, an educational furniture manufacturer based in Grand...

Q&A with Jonathan and Ryanne: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

Designing Better Learning Environments for Active Learning When designing learning environments, it’s important to consider how spaces can support active learning. Active learning is an approach to learning in which students are engaged as active participants in the learning process through investigation, discussion, problem-solving, and collaboration. The active learning model allows students to be a...

The Effect of Learning Environments on Behavior and Wellbeing Numerous studies show that physical spaces have a direct effect on mood and behavior (Uncapher, 2016).  Factors such as comfort, security, serenity, and levels of distraction all have an impact on how spaces make us feel and how we act in these spaces. In learning environments, the...

MiEN in the News: How to Design Future-Ready Science Labs Science education is evolving, and the spaces where students conduct experiments and collaborate must keep pace. MiEN is featured in Tech & Learning, offering expert insights into designing future-ready science labs that foster exploration, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. By integrating adaptable furniture, advanced technology,...

MiEN in the News: 6 Must-Haves in a Modern Media Center As education continues to evolve, school media centers must transform to meet the needs of today’s students and educators. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering insights on the key elements that make modern media centers dynamic, flexible, and engaging. By integrating adaptable furniture,...

The Effect of Color on Learning: How 4 Different Colors Affect Student Moods and Behaviors Choosing the color palette for a space is important––being exposed to certain colors influences different behaviors, mood, and perceptions (“Color Psychology: How Do Colors Affect Mood & Emotions?”, 2020). That being the case, choosing the color palette for learning environments is...

Repurposing Learning Spaces on College Campuses Over the past few decades, American colleges and universities have grown their campuses and facilities exponentially, many constructing brand new, expensive buildings to attract more new students. While many of these state-of-the-art facilities add significant value to student experience and academic opportunities, universities are discovering that campus expansion at...

Brand New Learning Space Design at Belmont Elementary School With MiEN as its space design partner, Hillsborough County Public Schools creates a modern media center for its brand-new elementary school. When a new subdivision began welcoming residents to the Sun City Center area in early-2020, Hillsborough County Public Schools soon realized that it needed a...

Q&A with Christian and Claire: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

MiEN in the News: 5 Tips for Creating a Future-Ready Science Lab STEM education is evolving, and science labs must keep up with the changing demands of hands-on, technology-driven learning. MiEN is featured in SmartBrief, sharing expert insights on how future-ready science labs can enhance collaboration, adaptability, and student engagement. By integrating flexible furniture, modular...

MiEN in the News: 5 Tips for Modernizing a K–12 Media Center Media centers are no longer just quiet spaces for books—they have evolved into dynamic learning hubs that foster collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering expert insights on how K–12 schools can transform traditional media centers into engaging, future-ready...

MiEN Helps Jasper County Schools Design & Outfit its New CATE Facility From comfortable furniture to vibrant color schemes to charging stations, Jasper County Schools’ new CATE facility is an inviting space that’s durable enough to stand the test of time. A believer in the value of hands-on educational experiences, Jasper County Schools has had...

MiEN in the News: Rethinking the Computer Labs of the Future As digital learning continues to evolve, traditional computer labs must adapt to support collaboration, flexibility, and hands-on learning. MiEN is featured in EDmarket Essentials, offering expert insights on how to design future-ready computer labs that move beyond static rows of desktops to dynamic, multi-functional...

A Year in Review: 2020 at MiEN Company Every year as we come upon the end of December, we like to look back to reflect upon all that we have been able to accomplish throughout the year. 2020 has been a year like no other, with COVID-19, social movements, and a historic election changing daily...

Not Your Typical Science Lab Makeover The living room concept at Deer Path Middle School in the Lake Forest School District created with MiEN, rewrites the playbook on how to build out a modern, collaborative middle school science lab. It’s been nearly three years since a group of administrators and directors at Deer Path Middle...

MiEN Company Releases White Paper on How Flexible Furniture Creates Active Learning Environments GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Dec. 15, 2020 – Districts and schools are increasingly adopting active learning practices in order to address businesses’ demand for employees capable of creative and collaborative work. But one commonly overlooked factor in this transition is classroom design. However, research...

Designing Community Planning Spaces for Educators Collaboration in schools is essential to create rich and productive learning experiences that are inclusive. Collaborating allows both students and teachers alike to learn from one another and build on each other’s ideas to gain deeper understanding of complex subjects and develop creative concepts. When teachers collaborate with each...

Q&A with Kim and Marissa: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

Dare County School Builds Amazing New Media Center After Hurricane Dorian When Cape Hatteras Secondary School’s library was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian, the school turned to MiEN to help it come back even stronger and better. In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian ripped through Dare County, N.C. with a vengeance, leaving behind a trail of destruction...

Creating Flexible Environments in a Learner-Centered Classroom Along with the implementation of technology and new learning approaches, there has also been a shift away from traditional classroom design and toward more flexible learning environments. These flexible environments deviate from the status quo by focusing more on active learning, collaboration, and self-led learning. Research suggests that...

Creating Student Centers Focused on Optimizing Student Success Beyond High School The Education Foundation of Sarasota County works with MiEN to develop innovative student success centers for high school students attending Sarasota County Schools. Focused on supporting Sarasota County Schools’ students, teachers, and schools, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County is a non-profit that works...

What Does a Modern Computer Lab Look Like? The prevalence of personal devices in the classroom has resulted in the computer labs of the past losing much of their value as spaces for digital and online learning. Laptops and tablets have made it possible for students to take digital learning anywhere––both in and out of...

A Seat for Everyone and More: Flexible Seating for Flexible Spaces MiEN offers a wide variety of seating options that can accommodate use in many spaces––from K-12 and higher education classrooms and common areas to corporate and in-home offices. This week, MiEN introduces five new seating options which can be paired with MiEN’s vast range...

MiEN in the News: School Library Design and the Coronavirus Pandemic The role of school libraries has rapidly evolved, especially in response to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. MiEN is featured in SmartBrief, offering insights into how library spaces can be reimagined to support hybrid learning, social distancing, and long-term flexibility. By integrating...

MiEN in the News: How Flexible Classrooms Support Active Learning in Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Workforce The modern workforce demands adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving skills—traits that are best cultivated in active learning environments. MiEN is featured in The Learning Counsel, offering insights into how flexible classroom design supports student engagement, deeper learning, and future career...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways Flexible Learning Environments Boost Student Engagement Student engagement is the foundation of effective learning, and the design of a classroom plays a crucial role in fostering active participation. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering insights into how flexible learning environments create dynamic spaces that enhance focus, collaboration, and...

MiEN in the News: 5 Educational Trends to Watch Right Now Education is constantly evolving, with new trends shaping the way students learn and educators teach. MiEN is featured in EdTech Digest, offering insights into emerging educational trends that are redefining modern learning environments. From flexible classroom design to technology integration, these trends emphasize adaptability,...

Districtwide Modernization Project Transforms Media Centers into Activity Hubs Here’s how one 10-school district in Michigan worked with MiEN to transform its aging media centers into activity hubs that all students are excited to be a part of. Like many school districts, Midland Public Schools in Michigan had to come to terms with the fact...

MiEN in the News: 10 Ways to Create Collaborative, Engaging Classrooms During COVID The pandemic reshaped the way schools approach classroom design, emphasizing the need for flexibility, collaboration, and safety. MiEN is featured in Christian School Products, offering expert insights into how adaptable learning environments can support student engagement while maintaining health-conscious layouts. By integrating...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Redesign a Media Center During COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way schools approach learning environments, including media centers, which have evolved into multi-functional, flexible spaces that support both in-person and hybrid learning. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering insights into how thoughtful design strategies can enhance safety,...

Classroom Design with SEL in Mind Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a critical skill set that all K-12 students should learn and master. SEL competencies include self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills and give students the ability to manage emotions, set and achieve goals, create positive relationships, and more. These skills help students build...

Designing Learning Spaces for Today’s Students with Their Futures in Mind The jobs of the future are much different from what students experience in the classroom on a daily basis. Technology will change and become more complex, working in the office will be a completely different experience after COVID-19, and students will have to be...

Cleaning & Disinfecting to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Learning Spaces As students, faculty, and staff return to school this fall and beyond, there is a new emphasis on the importance of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces throughout schools in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While students and educators will be...

Flexible, Modular Classroom Spaces Designed for Teachers and Scholars Career-based high school in Kentucky pulls out all of the stops when creating modular classroom spaces for its new, 180,000sf facility. Focused on providing education and experience in career fields, Boone County Schools’ Ignite Institute is creating a reality where industry and education work together to...

Five Advantages to a 1:1 Learning Environment Technology is an increasingly important part of a successful learning environment, particularly with the recent expansion of blended learning to K-12 curriculum all over the U.S. While schools have brought technology into the classroom with computer labs and laptop and tablet carts for many years now, it’s becoming...

MiEN in the News: Building Flexible Classrooms to Conform to Learners—Not the Other Way Around Traditional classroom designs often dictate how students learn, but flexible learning spaces empower students to take control of their educational experiences. MiEN is featured in The Learning Counsel, offering insights into how adaptable classroom design supports diverse learning styles, encourages...

5 Ways to Redesign a Media Center During COVID-19 If the global pandemic sidelined your plans for creating a very inviting, collaborative, nurturing media center space, get your vision back on track with these five success tips. As central hubs of school activity, media centers are the places that students, teachers, and staff rely on...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Create a Great Esports Space for Your School Esports is rapidly becoming an essential part of school communities, offering students opportunities to develop teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. MiEN is featured in District Administration, providing expert insights into how intentional design can elevate esports spaces, making them more...

5 Steps to Designing a New Esports Space Academic esports, or competitive video gaming, is a unique extracurricular that has recently taken hold in the K-12 education space. While video games have had a history of bad reputations for distracting children, academic esports have had an amazingly positive impact on students of many ages, benefitting their...

MiEN in the News: How to Keep COVID-19 from Negatively Impacting Learning Space Design The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way schools approach learning environments, emphasizing the need for flexibility, safety, and adaptability. MiEN is featured in Campus Security Today, offering expert insights into how intentional learning space design can maintain student engagement while adhering to...

Active Learning Through Tech-Friendly Spaces Learning can and should happen everywhere in a school––from classrooms to common spaces to the cafeteria––and flexible learning spaces support this objective. But once you’ve created responsive learning spaces through layout and furniture design, what can you do to further support learning throughout your school? One way to support learning is...

Slate Run Elementary Implements Unique, Flexible Furniture in its Brand-New School Building Working with MiEN, this Indiana school took two years to build a brand-new facility that supports collaborative learning, small-group instruction, and project-based learning with flexible furniture. Outfitting an existing school building with modern flexible furniture is one thing, but taking a ground-up approach...

Designing Responsive Learning Spaces Throughout a School To best support learning, classrooms need to be responsive and flexible to fit schools’ changing needs and uses. Responsive learning spaces adapt to the needs of a variety of subjects, grade levels, and students. These flexible learning environments encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, making them an important tool...

Shifting Learning Space Design to Combat COVID-19: 7 Design Tips Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, learning space design has had to adapt and grow to create healthy and functional learning spaces. One of the key components to safe, healthy learning space design is creating flexible learning spaces that can serve multiple purposes. Of course, that means...

New Albany High School Uses Creative Multipurpose Room Design to Maximize its Space This Indiana high school worked with MiEN to create an extremely versatile multipurpose space that teachers and students love. When New Albany High School got the opportunity to transform its existing media center into a multipurpose space, it immediately surveyed all of...

Leveraging the Maker Movement to Build Tech-Savvy Students Ready for the Future Workforce The maker movement is a game changer reinventing the rules for innovation in the world of crafters, hackers, & tinkers! The current generation of students is glued to their phones, iPads, computers, gaming consoles and realistically, we adults are too! These tech-savvy...

MiEN in the News: Five Tips for Creating a Vibrant, Modern Learning Space A well-designed learning space can transform how students engage, collaborate, and succeed. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering expert insights into how modern classroom design fosters creativity, adaptability, and deeper learning. By integrating flexible furniture, multi-purpose layouts, and technology-driven workspaces, schools can...

West Rowan Elementary School Creates Modern, Engaging Learning Spaces When Woodleaf Elementary and Cleveland Elementary consolidated to form West Rowan Elementary School in 2019, both predecessor schools were already proponents of engaging learning space seating as part of the instructional process. Students had various seating options to choose from. “It wasn’t all just desks and...

Georgetown High School Transforms its Media Center Space to be Student-Centric A two-year plan to upgrade an aging media center space culminates into an environment where flexible furniture supports a wide range of academia and social activities on campus. With about 950 students in grades 9-12, Georgetown High School in South Carolina was in the...

Designing for Healthy and Functional Learning Spaces As the 2019-2020 school year wraps up remotely for schools all over the country, district leaders and educators are turning their attention to the fall 2020 semester and what it will look like when students return to the classroom. Schools and districts are focused on creating healthy but...

Technology for Good is Inspiring Kids Across Maker Education This past December in a packed auditorium at Peck Elementary School on Chicago’s southwest side, a caped crusader stood before several hundred 3rd and 4th grade students and asked, “What is your superpower?” She said that hers was the ability to create a hand for a...

How to Create a Makerspace At Home During a Pandemic With the school year wrapping up remotely and many summer camps, daycare centers, and public parks closed due to coronavirus, parents are wondering how to keep their children entertained without resorting to hours and hours of screen time. Encouraging unstructured learning time through creativity and play may...

What is a Makerspace and Why Do They Still Matter Today? Many educators are looking for ways to bring more hands-on experiences to their students to improve STEM skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Often, this goal can be achieved by designing a space in schools where students can explore their creativity through engaging activities. For...

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surface Materials During COVID-19 With only three and half months until many U.S. schools are scheduled to begin a new school year, American students, teachers, and staff are wondering what the new normal will be in classrooms to keep COVID-19 from a resurgence in the fall. Many districts are considering what this...