Perkins Eastman_Santa Rosa_Classroom_Design Recommendations_Presentation_4.24.25

SRCS

Classroom Design Recommendations

Student & teacher insights from surveys and PD Day

Our Approach Listen

Learn

Bu ild

Objectives

1 2 3 4

Classroom Overview

Key insights

Design Recomendations

Next steps

Classroom Overview

Listening to Stakeholders Survey January 30th - March 21st 2025 Students (N=5; 7 total input, 1 incomplete) Teachers (N=51; 38 teachers, 5 staff, 8 incomplete)

PD Day January 31st 2025 Workshops (5 x 1 hour sessions) Participants (60/workshop, 300 in total) Teachers Staff

SUNLIGHT

MOONLIGHT

SUNLIGHT

MOONLIGHT

Palette of warm, energizing colors (reds, oranges, turquoise, warm greys)

Palette of calming, peaceful colors (blues, greens, cool greys)

Hard floor

Carpet floor

Wood elements throughout (wall, floor, furniture)

Floor-to-ceiling whiteboard

Soft seating areas for breakout activities or rest

Soft seating areas for breakout activities or rest

Sound absorbing flooring and felt acoustic wall tiles

Sound absorbing flooring and felt acoustic wall tiles

Petal-shaped individual tables

Rectangular pair tables with different heights

Magnetic Whiteboard Walls

Acou stic Felt Tiles

Acou stic Wood Panels

Shared Featu res

Zoned Flooring

Flexible furnishings for individual or collaborative work

Whiteboard spaces

Patterned acoustics tiles on the wall

Xbrick multifunctional furniture

Open storage

Soft seating furniture

Flip-top whiteboard table

Rollable chairs (with wheels)

Locked storage

Palette of calming, peaceful colors

Acoustic tiles

Rollable chairs with wheels

High table

Xbrick multifunctional furniture

Carpet flooring

MOONLIGHT Shared features

Open storage

Locked storage

Only available in the Moonlight room

Two-person rectangular table

Flip-top whiteboard table Floor to ceiling whiteboard

Wood accents Acou stic tiles Open storage

Locked storage

Rollable chairs with wheels

Individual petalshaped tables

Palette of warm, energizing colors

White board

Cozy corners with soft furniture

Flip-top whiteboard table

Hardfloor

SUNLIGHT Shared features

Only available in the Sunlight room

Xbrick multifunctional furniture - not visible, available in both

r e n n u r t rF on SUNLIGHT

MOONLIGHT

Key ideas and feedback

83% of students & 65% of teachers prefer the sunlight room.

Students

Teachers 35.1%

16.7% 83.3%

64.9%

Moonlight

Sunlight

Teachers

The sunlight classroom is preferred across all categories

Students

Layout & functionality Support for different learning modes Furniture Look & feel Learning & teaching

n/a

r e t t e b l l a r e v e l o b s a k t o r o “It l more comfog.” and welcomin urvey and nt from s e d u t -S

“I like the wood floors and the floo r plugs [THANK YO U - Teacher fr !]” om survey

“I liked the sunlight room m because I loved the wood to ore and the desk design. I also nes real enjoyed the comfy corner.” ly - Student from survey

What makes the sunlight room shine?

“I lo ve the soft s idea of diffe pace to m the corn rent c er eet w ommi - Tea i t cher f ttees. h ” rom s urvey

g n i m l a c s m e e s ” m . o e o l r b a s t i y r h e o T v f r “ d com om su an ent fr d u t S -

What makes the sunlight room shine?

STUDENTS & TEACHERS Brighter More welcoming

TEACHERS Better, warmer color tones Aesthetic and usable space are more appealing More energetic More flexibility to accommodate individuals and modular for group learning in various sizes

More comfortable Prefer the wood tones Prefer hard floor because it is easier to clean, more durable against spills, allow easy furniture movements

STUDENTS Looks better overall Color variation is less cold Has better desk design

Better storage Allows more movement Natural lighting Sound dampening Adjustable and movable furniture Corner soft space is good for talking with students in quieter

, e t t e l a p r o e l h o t c f e out o h t d .” ke e lay i m l o I o r “ ed th e h t I lik oards in m survey b er fro e t i h w Teach -

.” l a t i p s o h a e k y i e l v s r l u e s “Fe cher from - Tea

e m e h c s r lo o c e h t e v d r a o b “I lo e t i h w E G U H e h and t space.” rvey u s m o r f r e - Teach

How did the moonlight room compare? ” . e l b a z i m o t s u c s s e L “ y e v r u s m ro f r e h c a e T -

e r o m d n a r e l o o c s i t s s e “I l o s l a s i t I . g n i m l .” ca s e y e e h t n o g n i n i a y e v str r u s m o r f r e h c a e -T

” . y e r g h c u m o o t t y e v “A bi r u s m o r f r e h c a - Te

Still, the moonlight room has its good qu alities…

Calming colors are less straining on the eyes Better whiteboard: bigger and nicer Bigger tables can accommodate more students

Layout & Functionality “I appreciated the different types of desks like rows and grouped tables in moonlight.”

– Student

Teachers

Students

17.2%

20%

17.2% 80%

Moonlight

Sunlight

65.6%

No Preference

KEY INSIGHTS Sunlight Room Preferred: Open, flexible layout supports varied activities and movement.

Moonlight Room Challenges: Less versatile for different learning setups.

Storage Needs: More lockable, covered storage; mobile caddies preferred over individual drawers

RECOMMENDATIONS

Flexible layout for easy reconfiguration (supports group work, individual tasks, and various learning modes).

Ample storage options (mobile, lockable storage caddies, covered/opaque storage for organization).

Counter-height shelving for easy access to materials and supplies.

Easily accessible storage trays for whiteboard markers and other teaching tools.

Open spaces to allow movement and adaptable seating arrangements.

Support for different learning modes “Sunlight seemed to have more variety of spaces.”

– Teacher

RECOMMENDATIONS

Design for flexible learning modes (circle setups, group seating, etc.)

Teachers 27.6% 24.1%

Moonlight

Ensure accessibility 48.3%

Sunlight

No Preference

KEY INSIGHTS Sunlight Room Best Supports varied learning modes (group work, Socratic discussions).

Moonlight Room Limits Flexibility: Not ideal for dynamic learning setups.

Accessibility: Need to accommodate all learners, including those in wheelchairs.

Furniture “Love the soft seating section in the sunlight room it would be a great calming corner.”

RECOMMENDATIONS

– Teacher

Students

Teachers

28.6% 100% 14.3%

Moonlight

Sunlight

57.1%

No Preference

KEY INSIGHTS

Rectangular tables (easier to configure, accommodate right/lefthanded students, more spaceefficient).

Durable furniture with non-rolling chairs for students (soft seating areas are also durable and easy to clean).

Rounded edges on furniture for safety.

Soft seating (comfortable, calming, and supportive for students).

Sunlight Room Preferred: Rectangular tables preferred for flexible setups (right/left-handed students) Dislike Rolling Chairs: Students find them distracting.

Durability Needed: Need easy-to-clean, durable furniture for high-use areas.

Fidget-friendly furniture for kinetic learners (quiet, with back support).

Look & Feel

RECOMMENDATIONS

“I enjoyed the [sunlight] colors of the panels more as well as the hardwood floors.”

– Teacher Students

Teachers 23.1%

20% 80%

Moonlight

Warm, energizing colors (light yellow, soft oranges) for a welcoming atmosphere.

3.8%

73.1%

Sunlight

No Preference

KEY INSIGHTS Sunlight Room: Warm tones, natural wood, inviting and energizing.

Natural wood finishes (smoother, natural wood grain without black speckles).

Hard flooring for easy maintenance and cleanliness (over carpet). Subtle textures and solid color wall tiles (reduce bold patterns that distract).

Inviting lighting with daylighting prioritized and indirect, layered lighting for reduced glare.

More pushpin surfaces for display and interactive learning areas.

Moonlight Room: Too much gray, “hospital-like” feel.

Preferred Colors & Materials: Light yellows, oranges, subtle textures, natural wood grain (no distracting black speckles).

Surface Needs: Hard floors for easy cleaning, need more pushpin surfaces, and movable whiteboard panels.

Movable whiteboard panels to reveal/hide content as needed.

Top Concerns “No rolling chairs for students” “Both provide little to no lockable storage”

Petal-shaped desks not accommodating for lefthanded students

“A bit too much grey”

PD day participant

“No carpet”

Bold patterns were seen as visually cluttered and distracting

“Little less bright so it is not straining on the eyes.”

“Little dots [on the wood floor] make them look dirty”

Quote from survey participant

Yesterday Today

Best and Worst of Both What’s working Flexible layout Ample storage made of metal or solid wood Counter-height shelving Accessible storage trays Open spaces Rectangular tables Durable furniture Rounded edges Soft seating Fidget-friendly furniture Warm colors

What’s not Natural wood finishes Hard flooring Subtle textures Pushpin surfaces Movable whiteboard panels Natural daylighting Dimmable, adjustable lighting Acoustic insulation Customizable soundproofing Flexible seating arrangements Interactive display surfaces Tech integration

Cluttered layouts Limited storage options Rigid seating arrangements Rolling chairs Petal desks Inconsistent furniture materials Backpack hooks at desks Institutional designs Bold patterns Stark colors

Poor acoustics Inflexible layout Lack of interactive tools Inadequate accessibility Carpeted flooring

finding the sweet spot

Best of both

LEADING DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

Flexible Learning Layouts

Durable & Easy to Clean

Lightweight, movable furniture

Hard flooring and nonpatterned surfaces

Mixed table sizes and heights

Smooth and durable tabletops that resist staining and withstand daily use

Rectangular tables for easy configuration, space-efficient, and accommodate rightand left-handed students equally

Durable and easy to clean materials for all classroom surfaces

Accessible, ClutterFree Storage Lockable storage for subject-specific needs Counter-height shelving for frequently-used supplies and materials Closed/opaque storage to conceal clutters, can double as learning surfaces when using whiteboards for the cover Labelled storage trays for classroom tools like whiteboard markers Bigger individual bins for students

Safe & Stimulating Spaces Xbrick or similar multifunctional furniture Cozy corners with soft seating for sensory breaks or private conversations Non-rolling chairs for students Furniture with rounded edges

Inclusive for All Learners

Calm, Focused Visual Design

Quiet, fidget-friendly furniture for kinetic learners

Calming color (i.e., moonlight palette but lighter grey)

Height-adjustable tables

Add some touch of warm color and materials like wood accents

Wide circulation paths Acoustic treatments to control classroom noise and enhance speech clarity

Subtle pattern and solid color acoustic wall tiles Prioritize natural lighting when needed, use indirect and dimmable electric lighting

Appendix

Magic wand upgardes More cozy corners More natural lighting Use moonlight color palette, add a bit of green in some areas, change gray tones to lighter gray.

Less bright color so it is not straining on the eyes Add rectangular tables with sunlight finishes Do not use dots pattern on the floor, which makes it look dirty More regular rectangular tables to create more room for student work Bigger individual bins for students Remove wheels on chairs

Make it less stark and more homey Add a couple of warmer tones Add cozy furniture with brighter color Reduce the grey Add wood accents More variety in textures Mix more individual desks like the ones in sunlight room Add space for students to have quiet time, like in sunlight room Replace carpet with wood flooring

Sunlight Classroom 6

7

Moonlight Classroom 9

6 7

12

2

8 11 11

1

8 4 9

4

10 1

1

Magnetic Whiteboard Walls

12

3

2

3

4

5

Acoustic Felt Tiles

Acoustic Wood Panels

Zoned Flooring

Motion Sensing Lights

6

Dimmable Window Shades

7

Soft Seating

8

9

10

11

12

Active Seating

Movable Storage

Height Adjustable Tables

Flip-Top Tables

Groupable Desks

Sunlight | Craft Your Classroom

Teaching Modes

Hands-On Students are split into two large groups to work together on two larger desks for hands on creating.

TIP: Getting your students involved in shaping the classroom for different lessons and activities sets a positive tone for teamwork and shared responsibility. Try out different seating setups to see what works best for collaboration and focus. Use the cut-out guides to play around with new layouts and make the space work for you!

Group Work Students are grouped together in small clusters, allowing students to work side-by-side in groups for enhanced interaction and teamwork.

Socratic Classroom Students sit in an inner circle to discuss, while students in an outer circle observe and take notes.

Lecture Students are turned to all face the same wall, where a presenter is explaining graphics on the whiteboard and using a monitor.

E-Learning Students have laptops out, independently or working in small groups.

Moonlight | Craft Your Classroom

Teaching Modes

Hands-On Students are split into two large groups to work together on two larger desks for hands on creating.

TIP: Getting your students involved in shaping the classroom for different lessons and activities sets a positive tone for teamwork and shared responsibility. Try out different seating setups to see what works best for collaboration and focus. Use the cut-out guides to play around with new layouts and make the space work for you!

Group Work Students are grouped together in small clusters, allowing students to work side-by-side in groups for enhanced interaction and teamwork.

Socratic Classroom Students sit in an inner circle to discuss, while students in an outer circle observe and take notes.

Lecture Students are turned to all face the same wall, where a presenter is explaining graphics on the whiteboard and using a monitor.

E-Learning Students have laptops out, independently or working in small groups.

Warm Room

A Day in the Life 6

2. Getting Situated

3. Whiteboard Lesson

4. Group Workshop

5. Corner Chat

6. Grading

Before first period begins, Bella and James gather to lesson plan for the week at Bella’s desk.

Bella greets her students as they file in. Amy, Grace, and Andrea choose to sit in a group.

1.

4

5

1. Planning

2

Bella teaches today’s materials on the whiteboard wall, with help from her student volunteers.

Bella has the class group up and collaborate on a workshop, while she walks around to check in and help out.

3

Bella catches up with Avery at their standing desk to give guidance on this week’s project.

Bella relaxes in the soft corner during her break period to sip a coffee and grade some papers.

Cool Room

A Day in the Life

2. Facilitating Activities

3. Group Work

4. TA Touch Base

5. Handing Out Papers

6. One On One Guidance

James arrives at his desk in the morning and begins to set up materials for today’s class.

James explains today’s activity to the class, sketching concepts on a flip-top whiteboard.

4

1.

6

1. Classroom Preparation

5

2

3

James goes around the room checking in with each group as they work on today’s activity. The students collaborate in groups of three to four.

James hands out the graded papers at the end of class.

Ana is excited that she got an A+!

James is called over by his TA Skyler to go over the last round of graded assignments.

In study period, James answers Becca’s questions on their latest assignment at the soft seating corner.

A Closer Look

Magnetic Whiteboard Walls

Soft Seating

Whiteboard walls offer a versatile surface that is magnetic, projectable, and writable, making them ideal for collaboration and presentations. Large expanses of whiteboard wall provide space for many students to work at once, and surface to magnetize teaching materials to.

The room includes soft, rocking seating perfect for quiet time or pull out discussions between students or teachers. Gentle rocking motion provides comfort and focus, offering a relaxing space for individual tasks or moments of rest.

Acoustic Felt Tiles

Active Seating

Felt tiles along the walls absorb sound and add color while providing a pinnable surface. Made from 50% recycled materials, these tiles combine sustainability with performance, featuring a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.35 to help reduce sound reflections and improve acoustics in the space.

All chairs are either height adjustable, on wheels, or rockable, allowing for easy movement and flexibility. This design supports a variety of seating preferences, encouraging natural motion and comfort throughout the day.

Acoustic Wood Panels

Movable Storage

Acoustic wood wall slats enhance sound quality and bring in natural materials, fostering a connection to nature. They absorb sound, reduce echoes, and add warmth to the space.

The storage units are on wheels, making them easy to move and reconfigure. Some storage units can also double as desks, providing versatile, flexible workspaces that adapt to different needs.

Zoned Flooring

Height Adjustable Tables

Flooring varies to inform use of space. In each room there are two flooring finishes that can be used to define active and static spaces. All flooring has sound absorption qualities, either carpet or sound absorbing LVT.

Some of the tables are height adjustable, making them perfect for standing while working. This flexibility supports different work styles and encourages movement throughout the day.

Dimmable Lighting

Flip-Top Tables

Dimmable lighting allows lighting levels to be customized to suit different teaching modes, enhancing flexibility and comfort in the classroom.

Some tables feature a flip-top design with a built-in whiteboard, offering a flexible surface for writing, brainstorming, or interactive activities during lessons or group work.

Dimmable Window Shades

Groupable Desks

The rooms feature dimmable window shades to control over natural light.

Close the curtains to block out light for glare control or open them to in to allow in natural light.

The petal desks can be configured as single desks, traditional rows, or grouped together to form a flower shape of five, promoting collaboration, offering flexible arrangements to suit different activities. Wheeled casters provide easy movemnet for reconfiguration.

Active Minds, Active Spaces Concentration drops 50% after 20 minutes of inactivity, so movement in the classroom enhances focus and comfort, especially for neurodiverse learners. Flexible seating allows students to move, adjust their height, and change positions, supporting natural movement and focus. Writable surfaces encourage dynamic tasks, while tackable surfaces support more static activities. The classrooms offer areas for group work, quiet focus, and hands-on exploration, helping everyone learn in their own way.

Flexibility Your classroom is designed to be a fluid space that you can reconfigure to meet the needs of any activity. Your furniture is lightweight and on lockable castors that can roll or lock in place to reconfigure as needed. Varying the space can keep your class engaged and cater to the needs of different students and lesson types.

Sensory-Driven Design Your classroom is designed to help you feel calm, focused, and inspired by using colors, textures, and sustainable materials.

Neutral tones create a soothing base, while accent colors are carefully chosen to support different activities. Blue encourages focus and calm thinking, and orange sparks energy and creativity for group work or projects. Soft and natural textures are included to make the space feel familiar, comforting, and welcoming.

Biophilia and Site Context Your classroom is designed to be a welcoming space that reflects the local community and celebrates its unique culture and environment through visuals, activities, and connections to nature. By including natural materials like wood and calming colors like blue, the space feels welcoming, comfortable, and supportive of well-being.