Reimagining Learning Environments: Before and After

A modern classroom is more than tables and chairs — it’s a tool for learning. Yet, too often, educational spaces are designed around convenience, not cognition. What happens when we flip that approach? Here’s how five essential zones in a school can go from functional to transformational, backed by data, best practices, and design thinking.

1. The Traditional Classroom → The Responsive Learning Zone

Before: Rows of static desks, minimal movement, one-size-fits-all seating.
The Problem: According to the World Health Organisation, 60% of teens experience chronic back pain before age 18. Rigid furniture can also reduce concentration by up to 20% after just 30 minutes of poor posture (Cornell University).
After: Adjustable chairs, collaborative tables, and mobile storage. A flexible space that adapts to group work, solo focus, or tech-integrated lessons.

Best Practice Insight: Furniture with adjustable heights and ergonomic back support can improve academic engagement and reduce fatigue.

We recommend:

2. The Hallway Nook → The Learning Extension

Before: Underused transitional areas with foot traffic and little function.
The Problem: Students need quiet zones and soft spaces between high-focus lessons — especially neurodivergent learners.
After: Add curved ottomans, acoustic screens, and writable walls. These spaces can become powerful breakout or decompression zones.

Design Tip: Soft furnishings with noise-reducing properties enhance inclusion for neurodiverse students and encourage calm, reflective learning.

We recommend:

3. The Teacher’s Desk → The Agile Teaching Hub

Before: A fixed desk at the front of the room.
The Problem: Teachers are anchored in place, limiting classroom flow.
After: Use mobile podiums, integrated tech trolleys, and perimeter seating. Teachers gain flexibility to move, observe, and connect.

Evidence-Based Approach: Active teaching correlates with increased student performance and reduced classroom behavioural incidents.

We recommend:

4. The Breakout Space → The Innovation Lab

Before: A corner with mismatched furniture and no purpose.
The Problem: STEM and project-based learning demand dedicated, modular environments.
After: Mobile benches, writable tabletops, and height-adjustable seating create a space for experimentation, coding, and hands-on learning.

Tip: According to the OECD, classrooms designed for collaboration and exploration improve problem-solving by up to 30%.

We recommend:

5. The Library → The Curated Curiosity Hub

Before: Static shelves, traditional desks, and a "quiet-only" rule.
The Problem: Libraries are no longer just about books — they’re creative, multi-modal spaces.
After: Incorporate lounge seating, small-group zones, and power-integrated tables for laptops and tablets.

Student-Centred Learning: Comfortable, tech-integrated library spaces support both independent learning and digital literacy.

We recommend:

Designing Sensory-Friendly Classrooms

In today’s classrooms, education is evolving to accommodate diverse learning needs. However, many students—especially those who are neurodivergent—face daily challenges due to classroom environments that are not designed with sensory needs in mind. Sensory overload can significantly impact learning, focus, and emotional well-being. So, how can schools create sensory-friendly spaces that support all students? Let’s explore.

Understanding Sensory Overload in the Classroom

Sensory overload occurs when an individual receives more sensory input than their brain can process effectively. Students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing differences may struggle to focus in traditional learning environments due to excessive noise, bright lights, and rigid seating arrangements. These environmental factors can lead to anxiety, stress, and reduced academic performance.

How to Design a Sensory-Friendly Classroom

Creating an inclusive classroom doesn’t require a complete redesign—it starts with small, evidence-based adjustments. Schools implementing flexible design elements report higher engagement, reduced anxiety, and improved student well-being. Here’s how:

1. Introduce Flexible Seating

Traditional desks and chairs can be restrictive, preventing students from moving in ways that help them self-regulate. Consider incorporating:

• Wobble stools and standing desks for movement-friendly seating

• Bean bags and cushioned chairs for comfort and sensory regulation

• Adjustable desks to accommodate different heights and seating preferences

2. Reduce Auditory Distractions

Loud, echoing spaces can be overwhelming for neurodivergent students. To create a calmer learning environment:

• Use acoustic panels and soft furnishings to absorb sound

• Arrange quiet zones where students can take sensory breaks

• Provide noise-cancelling headphones for students who need them

3. Optimise Lighting for Comfort

Fluorescent lighting can be too harsh for students with sensory sensitivities. Instead, try:

• Natural light whenever possible

• Dimmable LED lights to allow for adjustments based on student needs

• Warm, soft lighting to create a more calming atmosphere

4. Create Structured & Flexible Spaces

A balance between structure and flexibility helps students feel safe while allowing for adaptability:

• Designate quiet areas for individual work or relaxation

• Implement modular classroom layouts that allow for different learning styles

• Use visual schedules and clear labelling to provide predictability

At Office Line, we specialize in designing ergonomic, adaptable, and inclusive learning spaces that support all students. By making thoughtful changes to classroom design, schools can create an environment where neurodivergent students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today to explore sensory-friendly furniture solutions for your school.

Our Projects: Creative Arts and Design Centre at St. Mary’s Anglican Girls' School

At Office Line, we are proud to have contributed to the new Creative Arts and Design Centre at St. Mary’s Anglican Girls' School, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of senior students. This three-storey building stands as a testament to St. Mary’s commitment to the arts, providing an innovative and inspiring environment where students can explore and develop their artistic talents.

The Creative Arts and Design Centre comprises specialised areas, including collaborative spaces, galleries, studios, and a modern media centre. Here, students are encouraged to express themselves and work together across disciplines such as visual arts, ceramics, design, 3D construction, fashion, textiles, and wearable art. Each area has been designed to facilitate hands-on learning and creative collaboration.

To ensure that each space met St. Mary’s educational needs, we provided functional, durable, and adaptable furniture solutions. Aligned with the school’s commitment to sustainability, St. Mary’s decided to repurpose and enhance some existing furniture pieces. Office Line integrated these products seamlessly into the final design, supporting an approach that respects the environment.

Some of the selected products include:

• EN Gas Lift Chairs: Ergonomically designed and crafted with high-quality materials, these black-based chairs are ideal for extended work sessions, offering students both comfort and versatility.
• Height-Adjustable Tables: Fitted with a preset controller and available in white or oak finishes, these tables allow students and teachers to adjust their workspaces as needed, promoting both ergonomics and movement.
• Teacher's Pod: Providing a mobile storage solution and teaching hub in one
• Round Eduflex Ottomans and Floor Cushions with Rosie Paine Aboriginal Prints. 

This new centre will not only host rotating exhibitions of students’ work but will also serve as a hub of inspiration and creativity for the entire St. Mary’s community. Galleries and studios allow students to showcase their artwork, while interactions with guest artists enrich their experiences and offer professional insights.

The sustainable approach of repurposing existing furniture highlights our shared commitment to the environment and social responsibility. This decision not only helps reduce environmental impact but also adds a meaningful dimension to the educational experience, demonstrating to students the importance of sustainable practices.

Our Projects: St. Kieran Catholic Primary School

In today's ever-evolving educational landscape, creating classrooms that cater to diverse learning styles and foster a love of learning is paramount. At Office Line, we believe that thoughtfully designed furniture plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. This case study delves into the design and furnishing of a classroom at St. Kieran Primary School, showcasing how we collaborated with the school to create a space that prioritises flexibility, functionality, and aesthetics.

St. Kieran Primary School approached us with a vision for a classroom that could adapt to various learning activities, encourage collaboration, and spark student creativity. Their existing classroom furniture was not able to adapt to the new learning activities and needed a renovation. We understood the need to create a space that catered to the individual needs of students while also fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Enhancing Flexibility:

• Adaptable Seating: We introduced a range of seating options to accommodate different learning styles and activities. The EN One chair, a perennial favorite, provides ergonomic support for developing backs and can be easily stacked for quick classroom reconfiguration. Additionally, the inclusion of Adjusta Stools with their rotating bases encourages active sitting, promoting increased focus and improved blood flow. This combination allows students to choose between traditional seated learning and a more dynamic approach, fostering ownership of their learning experience.

• Mobile Tables: Understanding the importance of collaborative learning, we incorporated Eduflex Classic Flip Tables. Built with sturdy materials and equipped with wheels, these tables empower students to arrange the classroom layout to suit their needs. Whether working in groups on projects or gathered for discussions, these flexible tables allow for a dynamic learning environment.

Encouraging Functionality:

• Play & Store Units: Gone are the days of bulky, static desks. We included Play & Store units, innovative storage solutions that double as comfortable tables. This ingenious design maximises space utilization, fostering organization and reducing clutter. Students can store their personal belongings within the units while enjoying a convenient workspace for individual tasks.

• Writable Tables: Recognizing the importance of fostering creativity, particularly in the early learning stages, we included a set of writable tables. These tables allow students to express themselves freely through drawing and visual thinking, directly engaging with their ideas and fostering a love for exploration. This hands-on approach promotes early learning development and sparks their imagination.

    

Creating a Stimulating Aesthetic:

A classroom environment should be visually engaging and contribute to a positive learning experience. We collaborated with St. Kieran Primary School to develop a vibrant color scheme incorporating green, blue, and red. These colors are known to promote positive emotions, spark creativity, and enhance focus. Studies have shown that a well-designed classroom with a stimulating aesthetic can lead to increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes.

The transformed classroom at St. Kieran Primary School exemplifies how thoughtful furniture choices can significantly impact the learning environment. The flexible seating and movable tables empower students to take ownership of their learning space and foster collaboration. The functional storage solutions promote organization and maximize space utilization. Finally, the stimulating aesthetic creates a fun and playful environment that ignites a love for learning.

Our collaboration with St. Kieran Primary School demonstrates our commitment to creating innovative and functional learning spaces. We believe that every child deserves a classroom that inspires them to learn and grow. We are dedicated to working with educators to translate their vision into reality, fostering a love of learning for students of all ages.

Our Projects: The King's College

The Lighthouse Studio at The King’s College was part of their inclusive education upgrade. It was designed to create a safe space for students to be able to retreat and seek assistance without any stigma.

With an understanding of our client's needs, we were able to produce a great result. Our project design lead, Amanda, worked closely with the school team and presented them with layouts and 3D renders so they could visualize how their ideas would look in reality.

We enjoyed transforming this classroom into an educational space that students can feel comfortable and safe in. We know that the right furniture selection and finishes can assist in making a difference in a students' education experience.

At Office Line, we strive to only use furniture and materials made here in Australia. We want every student to have the best possible experience while they're at school, and we believe that starts with the spaces they spend their time in every day. 

Office Line is proud to be part of inclusive projects like this, where the spaces which we help to create, allow students to find their inner greatness.

If you have a space that needs enhancing, give us a call 1800 333 116 or email us info@officeline.com.au

Our experts are ready to assist you on the journey. 

Our Projects: Victoria Park Christian School

Victoria Park Christian School is a unique educational institution committed to offering an outstanding education while embracing the power of nature-inspired learning. With a focus on delivering a holistic education that integrates outdoor classrooms and nature play areas, the school strives to create an inspiring educational environment.

In partnership with Office Line, Victoria Park Christian School undertook a project to furnish its new teaching block, including four General Learning Areas (GLAs) for early learning years and a small admin area. The school sought furniture that not only provided functionality but also aligned with its vision for a natural aesthetic, complementing the nature-play playground in front of the classrooms.

 Project Overview:

The project involved the design and furnishing of the new teaching block at Victoria Park Christian School, in collaboration with Matthews & Scavalli Architects. The facility included four GLAs designed for Pre Primary, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 students, accommodating 24 children per GLA. Additionally, a small administrative area with three workspaces was created. An existing GLA for Kindy students was also part of the project.

To meet the school's vision of a natural aesthetic and durability, Office Line provided a range of furniture and soft furnishings, including:

• Cubs Range: Developed specifically for early learning years, this furniture range was chosen for its practicality and comfort. The range includes many types of furniture, such as tables, chairs, stools and benches – all made from high-quality solid European beech. Each piece has been designed and manufactured with children in mind.  Sharp edges and corners have been removed, and non-toxic raw materials have been used throughout.

• Tetris Lounges: These lounges offer flexible seating options for students and teachers, contributing to a dynamic learning environment.

• Flexistack Units: Versatile and space-efficient, these units facilitate organised storage and seating arrangements in the classrooms. Combining the Gratnells trays and runners with a full melamine cabinet, they are available with various tray combinations, and we even offer a model with a comfortable seat pad to meet the needs of any flexible learning area.

• Teacher's Armchair (Saba): These armchairs, with timber legs and upholstered in Rosie Paine Fabric, provide a comfortable and stylish seating option for educators. Moreover, embrace the Aboriginal culture and teach kids about it from an early age. 

• Heavy-Duty Bean Bags: Designed to withstand daily use, these bean bags offer students a comfortable and flexible seating alternative. They are also a great alternative for neurodiverse kids. 
• Dot Mats: These mats provide a soft and clean surface for various classroom activities.

• Custom Eduflex Square Desks: Three 1500x1500 square desks were customised for Year 1 to allow for group activities and collaborative learning.
• Play and Sensory Furniture: Various play and sensory furniture items, including a Shopping/Theatre Stand, dress-up trolley, and Play Kitchen, were incorporated to enhance interactive and imaginative learning.

The choice of fabric was critical to achieving the desired aesthetic and durability. Combining Rosie Made fabrics and Warwick Key largo in shades like 'Navy,' 'Sky,' 'Atlantic,' 'Marigold,' 'Paprika,' and 'Pumpkin' created a vibrant and cozy atmosphere in the classrooms. Office Line also provided Eduflex Bean Bags in 'Red' and 'Dark Blue' Marine grade vinyl to match the school's colour scheme.

The partnership between Office Line and Victoria Park Christian School resulted in a teaching block seamlessly integrating with the school's commitment to nature-inspired learning. The furniture selected not only met functional requirements but also contributed to a welcoming and nurturing environment. The chosen materials and fabric ensured longevity and ease of maintenance, aligning with the school's vision of providing an outstanding and sustainable educational experience for its students.