Boost School Potential With Pliable Learning Spaces
The ability to adapt learning spaces to the day鈥檚 needs is a vital function of modern-day schools. Versatility has become a mandatory feature for K-12 school districts and higher education campuses everywhere.
But what can education leaders do to create versatility in their facility if a new construction project or a remodel is not affordable?
When a large-scale project isn鈥檛 an option, Spacesaver Corporation鈥檚 Flexible Shelving units allow schools to maximize the utilization of both existing and new facilities, emphasizing adaptability and multiple functionalities.
For example, what if a facility also needs to serve as a community center or public space after school hours?
The Advantages of Adaptability
Flexible Shelving units offer a tailored solution for school facilities of all shapes and sizes. With the capability of static shelving but with the versatility of moving storage, this fully configurable solution comes in a variety of sizes and shelving types to fit all the items that users need to store.
Maximizing space in any area of a school, Flexible Shelving units are perfect for many tasks, and the best part is that they can be easily moved to different spots as space and use needs change. The units, offered in single-faced and double-faced options and multiple dimensions, are customizable with the style of shelving needed in each location to accommodate a variety of materials while maintaining an attractive display.
Spacesaver鈥檚 Cantilever Flexible Shelving provides a versatile and efficient solution for various storage needs. By harnessing traditional library shelving and a variety of modern options, Cantilever Flexible Shelving provides easy accessibility and organization throughout a school building.
Also available with 4-Post Flexible Shelving, both shelving styles allow educators to create configurable storage spaces for their schools that encourage browsing, provide storage and offer prominent displays. Spacesaver Flexible Shelving units include several choices regarding maneuverability.
At Harper College in Palatine, Ill., for example, the school鈥檚 planning team wanted to provide casual collaboration spaces on the library鈥檚 main level, along with access to popular periodicals, digital media and other materials. Counter-height cantilever shelving contributed to the open feel, allowing natural light from large windows to fill the space. By utilizing Flexible Shelving units, the staff could move them when they needed to repurpose the space.
鈥淲e observed how the students used the spaces. The movable shelving allowed us to reconfigure several areas on the second floor to reduce group seating and mitigate loud conversation, while still promoting collaboration,鈥 said Njambi Kamoche, dean of Resources for Learning, Harper College.
Caster Considerations
A popular option is Flexible Shelving with concealed caster bases, which give the appearance of stationary shelves with the flexibility to relocate these units to make room for other activities. This option seamlessly blends into other design elements and utilizes the weight of stored items to keep units stationary when patrons are browsing. However, they remain agile so that faculty and staff can maneuver them to a new location when necessary.
Flexible Shelving units featuring exposed caster bases with locking mechanisms are an excellent option to ensure shelving is not moved unintentionally, promoting safety in areas such as K-12 school libraries. The shelving units can still be relocated by staff to create space for other activities, including guest speakers, makerspaces projects, collaboration and community events.
Personalize with School Pride
With a sleek finish, the shelves are durable and visually appealing, adding to the aesthetic of any room. Thanks to its functional design for adaptable use, Spacesaver鈥檚 Flexible Shelving offers customizable end-panel finishes such as laminate, wood, acrylic and resin. The ability to personalize end panels or top panels allows school districts to create a cohesive and complementary look that matches their aesthetic preferences.
Connect with Us
Architecture and the creation of highly functional interior spaces have the ability to give schools a top-notch look and ensure students continue to thrive. For more than 50 years, Spacesaver has been a trusted partner in helping higher-education institutions plan and design effective learning spaces. Our network of local distributors offers space planning expertise, product installation, and ongoing service and maintenance by factory-certified technicians.
Visit for more information.