Transforming an Aging High School Library into a Modern, Collaboration Lab

Made up of one large space plus a few attached breakout rooms, UHS’ collaboration lab space accommodates various learning approaches and is color-coded to help students navigate to the right place. Most of the tables are configured for group work and include both large surface tables that seat 4-6 people and individual tables.

“Right now, they’re configured in a pod of six,” said McNaught, “but since they’re individual tables, they can also be rearranged and repositioned as needed.” The seating arrangements reflect the district’s overall goal of giving students choice and flexibility in how they learn. “Teaching and learning have definitely shifted,” she added, “and that’s supporting the new way of learning.”

The Flex Lite Pac-Man, for example, is colorful modular foam furniture that rests directly on the floor. Lightweight and ultra-configurable, it’s available in many different vinyl fabrics and can be pushed together to form a snake configuration. The furniture helps show a pop of color and ties in with UHS’ school colors. The space also features numerous soft seating pieces, wall-mounted marker boards and mobile marker boards that can be moved around from group to group. These and other elements support UHS’ goal of creating a very collaborative, flexible space.

Because it redid the library flooring as part of the renovation, UHS was able to install floor power outlets throughout its new collaboration lab space. “They wanted to make the space future-proof and were thinking ahead in terms of that power integration,” said McNaught.

By infusing elements like moveable marker boards and split laminate desks into the design, UHS has created a collaboration lab space that reflects the modern workplace. The design is also flexible enough to accommodate the traditional lecture, but can be easily reconfigured to support other, more collaborative activities.

And because no one knows what the educational setup will look like in 10 years, UHS now has a collaboration lab that can be adapted as new trends and opportunities emerge. “We like to give schools multiple different options on how they’re going to teach, which changes from year-to-year and even day-to-day,” said McNaught. “We don’t know what education is going to look like in 2032, but this furniture needs to last until then.”

To schools or districts looking to create more collaborative, modern learning spaces, McNaught said to start by understanding how you want that collaboration lab space to function:

– What do you want it to look and feel like?

– What are your specific needs?

– What style of furniture do you like (e.g., traditional or modern)?

– And, what colors and finishes do you want (basic, neutral, super funky)?

Then, solicit student feedback before buying anything. “This furniture is going to need to last so you want to be sure that the students will like it,” said McNaught, who also tells schools not to be afraid to dream a little during this process. “It never hurts to start with your dream and then you can always pare it back if needed.”