the initial space //
The River Oaks Baptist School’s Mosing Middle School Building was originally designed with a traditional classroom layout, but the school wanted to foster a more modern, forward-thinking curriculum. To achieve their objectives, new developments in social-emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and educational psychology had to be considered.
McCoy Rockford hosted a showroom visit with River Oaks Baptist School to understand their objectives while showing how design could support the new vision for the school’s learning environment. The school elected to utilize the Test Drive Program after the design firm presented a detailed layout and the McCoy Rockford team specified products to bring the space to life.
objectives //
- Create an effective space that fosters each child’s unique style of learning
- Enhance classrooms and learning spaces to reflect the school’s modern, research-based curriculum
- Design a space that kids love to learn in
services rendered //
- Design Support
- Project Management
- Installation
Location
River Oaks Baptist School, Mosing Middle School Building, Houston, TX
Size
6 floors
Industry
Education
Featured Manufacturers
Steelcase
Steelcase Partners
the design //
River Oaks Baptist School wanted an academic space that enabled students to receive instruction, discover and collaborate with one another in the learning style that suited them best. A mix of colors, materials, finishes and modern lines were coordinated to stimulate creativity, while transforming a typical classroom into an exciting and energizing space for young minds. Common areas featured a variety of ways for students to sit, lounge, stand and gather to work in small groups, or branch off on their own to work independently.
Versatile classroom spaces allowed for flexible and socially distanced learning. Wheeling chairs, standalone desks and mobile tables that could easily be reconfigured helped to design a functional space that could adapt to each classroom project and group of students. Individual whiteboards stored on a track station gave children the confidence to present individual ideas, while still being portable to carry over into group settings. The overarching theme of the new academic environment was ideal for social connection, individual thought process and dynamic instruction.
Space Features
Library and Lobby Entry
- Living room setup
- Collaboration-driven furniture
- Lounge space for small open meeting areas
- Soft seating
- Tables and high-top tables for writing, studying and laptop work
- Vibrance and variation in color, texture and materials to enhance creativity and energy
Science Lab
- Mobile tables and chairs for ease of reconfiguration
Classrooms
- Dots on floor act as markers for lecture mode to aid with reconfiguration direction
- Mobile desks and chairs for individual, lecture-style, group and partner seating options
- Soft seating at perimeter of room with accompanying mobile desktops
- Individual removable whiteboards from wall storage station
- Single desk-and-chair units for quick and easy mobility
- Mobile teaching station unit
Conference Rooms
- Adjustable seating
- Mobile conference tables
- Individual removable white boards from wall and standalone storage stations
The overarching theme of the new academic environment was ideal for social connection, individual thought process and dynamic instruction.
the furnishings //
The entire space was outfitted with Steelcase furnishings and Steelcase Partner manufacturer products. There was nothing traditional about River Oaks Baptist School, and McCoy Rockford used a myriad of classroom chairs and lounge seating, desks, tables, storage and space division to create a unique space that reflected the values and personality of the school.
featured products //
Steelcase Node School Chair: A modern approach to learning. These chairs are highly mobile- a quality that translates directly into classroom performance. After all, a lesson plan can be carried out more effectively when seating is arranged and rearranged effortlessly.
Verb Whiteboard: The Verb whiteboard easel allows for display, storage and presentation of Verb whiteboards, wherever collaboration might occur in the classroom. Multiple options for wall track and hooks provide even more opportunities for presentation and easy accessibility.
There was nothing traditional about River Oaks Baptist School, and McCoy Rockford used a myriad of classroom chairs and lounge seating, desks, tables, storage and space division to create a unique space that reflected the values and personality of the school.
the results //
Through a deep understanding of current learning trends, McCoy Rockford was able to provide product suggestions that would support the River Oaks Baptist School objectives now and grow with their future needs. The school was extremely happy with their new learning environment and felt prepared to welcome students back to a place they love to learn.
