The idea behind the project was to design a range of classroom furniture which would, along with its culture, highlight the students’ identities as learners and create an environment that makes students feel comfortable, relaxed and safe throughout the working hours. I also wanted to explore a single system that could serve different standards making the production and installation process easier, giving more flexibility to the school authorities. Designing for small feet was no small feat. The project dealt with learning spaces, making the schools one of the most enjoyable places for children in the near future.
After defining the brief, all the trails just followed in smoothly– going to schools, observing students and teachers and their activities in classrooms, spending time with children to understand them a little better, meeting teachers and professionals from the educational system. Getting a thorough understanding about the users and their environment led me to study the present market, and the place of institutional furniture in it. This involved observing the ergonomics, materials, prices, etc.
With all the case studies and analysis in place, the second major trail that followed was concept development. After analyzing all the explored concepts, the selected concept was refined and detailed out. With the production process and other industrial restrictions, the design had to revolve around many issues and the final design was decided keeping all these concerns in mind.
The whole process I went through to make my project successful was awe-inspiring. The design process enabled me to take an idea from paper to prototype, from basic forms of expression like drawing articulation and criticism, to translating the form of a two dimensional concept into a three dimensional statement.
