Design Challenge: How to optimize and provide efficient use of limited floor space in schools, increase student learning and create a more enjoyable work experience for teachers.
Solution: Create a common “Flex Space” between two classrooms that can be reconfigured for multiple purposes using a NanaWall folding glass door system.
How: When architects from SHW Group, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, met with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the board expressed interest in classroom flexibility for the new elementary schools being built in Texas independent school districts. At the direction of the Curriculum Director, SHW proposed an effective “Flex Space” concept that would give them maximum flexibility while reducing lab installation costs. |
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Flex Space is created by eliminating the common wall between two classrooms and installing two operable 15’ wide opening glass walls by NanaWall. (See Diagram A) Configured in a V, with a laboratory installation at the wide end, the space enclosed by the NanaWalls can be part of either or both classrooms. This third space, or “Flex Space,” is constantly used by the teaching staff for combined classroom activities or to separate students for specific activities. The NanaWall has a horizontal mullion dividing the clear glass upper portion from the obscure lower panel. When the pupils in the NanaWall Flex Space are seated at their desks they are not distracted by the other classrooms or classmates, yet the teacher can stand up and see both classrooms at once.
The teachers at Clinkscale and Kay Granger Elementary Schools still experiment on different ways to effectively use the new NanaWall Flex Space. Each teacher uses the space in his or her own way to make the day easier and more productive for the students. During a recent interview, Clinkscale Elementary School principal, Aaron McWilliams, and teachers gave the NanaWall Flex Space “a grade of A+.”
Kimmie Etherage, principal of the Kay Granger Elementary School, commented, “In the past, schools used garage door-type enclosures for the flex spaces. Kay Granger Elementary was the first to pilot the NanaWall system. It is awesome! It is easy to operate and beautiful, with clear vision into the flex space. We have been very satisfied with the product and plan to use it in other campuses.” The Burleson School District has now used the NanaWall in an additional eight schools.
Architects and school designers nationwide use NanaWall between classrooms and corridors to create a multifunctional space. With 20 different NanaWall systems, the possibilities are endless. Customizable configurations, materials, glazing, as well as swing door features and different track options allow the designer to create the exact, design-specific, NanaWall Flex Space needed for the project.
Architects and School Designers determined to bring great design to their educational projects look for features that enhance a positive place for learning. The NanaWall folding or sliding system is appearing in more school projects such as classrooms, fitness rooms, cafeterias, performance halls, natatoriums, student union centers, and stadiums.
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NanaWall Flex Space Features:
- Excellent sound-dampening qualities
- Incorporated swing door option for easy access
- Smaller overall building footprint
- Separate space for teachers to engage in Response Intervention
- Monitored separate space for makeup exams
- One lab space for a shared program or individual class needs
- Safe zone during school lockdowns with limited visibility from corridor
- Both classrooms visible from flex space
- Story telling for both rooms using one teacher from flex space
- Food serving area for events (parent teacher conferences) with single clean up area
- One lab sink and cabinetry area provided for both classrooms saving construction costs
- Single storage area for both rooms
- White board option for lower panel
Conclusion:
Principals, Teachers, and Students all agree on the effectiveness of the NanaWall Flex Space to enhance the learning environment. School Boards appreciate the cost savings incurred by dual use of resources installed in the NanaWall Flex Space. Konrad Judd, with SHW Group, defines his experience with the NanaWall Flex Space in the Burleson School District and his vision for the future of school design as “education delivery into the 21st century with a more flexible learning model.”
NanaWall can be an integral part of the flex space solution.
"The multi-use space that we designed to adjoin two classrooms needed great visibility and flexibility, with good acoustic separation. The NanaWall maximizes the view and flexibility of the space when closed or open. It is also a very elegant and simple system that is safe and easy for teachers and students to use."
Konrad Judd, AIA
Lead Designer
SHW Group Inc.
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