Gratnells Learning Rooms – embracing the
full spectrum of the school environment
The interdependence of school
architecture with teaching methods, the
role of digital media and the smart use of
available space, not merely to facilitate the
learning process but to stimulate it, are
now part of the education landscape.
In the classroom, outdoors, in communal
areas and in spaces where flexibility of
use is paramount, there is a balance to
be achieved between inspiration and
good order. With its ‘Learning Rooms’
philosophy, Gratnells offers architects
and planners both an innovative approach
to the best use of space and a practical
set of solutions to store, display, archive,
present and protect teaching and
learning materials.
In Science subjects, for example, teachers
cannot work without a good prep room.
Separate zones may be needed to cope
with the range of activities involved,
including handling of dangerous
chemicals and volatile materials. At the
very simplest level, with some 30 basic
colours of storage trays and the ability
to produce to any recognised Pantone
reference, Gratnells offers high visibility
colour coding options to identify and
locate hazardous materials.
As more sop histicated requirements
become apparent, the company can offer
software-based planning tools to facilitate
design and layout of prep rooms and
laboratories including the application of
integral frames, trolleys, trays and inserts
Photo credit:-VS Vereinigte Spezialmöbelfabriken GmbH & Co KG
to create good order for learners and a
lesson-ready infrastructure for teachers.
As a report from the Association
for Science Education made clear
“Communication between architects,
designers and manufacturers on the one
hand and science teachers on the other is
essential for developing science provision
for the highest standards of teaching
and learning.”
With the ubiquitous availability of digital
technology in schools, accelerated by the
launch of the iPad in 2010, new challenges
have arisen for the safe storage and ready
availability of devices. There now exists
a permanent requirement to manage,
control, safeguard and identify the
learning media.
which merge seamlessly into the storage
system, whilst offering an efficient
charging regimen ensuring that devices
are always work-ready.
A 2015 report entitled ‘Innovative Schools:
Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age’
from the Directorate-General for Internal
Policies of the European Parliament
contained this statement
“The digital revolution is… transforming
the way children play, access information,
communicate and learn. We need to take
care of our future by designing innovative
and engaging learning environments”.
Smart design from Gratnells has produced
a series of charging trays and trolleys
Gratnells Learning Rooms offers a mix
of ideas, advice and content for the
education sector which seeks to be
both practical and visionary, working
in common cause with designers and
architects to create a better environment
– and better outcomes for learners and
teachers alike.