kimball-international-education-lookbook

Elevating Education

Through Flexible and Inclusive Design

At Kimball International, we know that well-designed spaces are key to shaping the future of education. As a leading furniture manufacturer, we support the evolving needs of students and educators by fostering academic success and cultivating a sense of belonging. Our versatile and adaptable designs cater to diverse learners, ensuring accessibility and excellence. We create multifunctional spaces that support blended learning and prioritize well-being, while attracting students and staff. By fostering an inclusive environment, everyone can thrive.

SOCIALIZING & COLLABORATING

With digital device usage at an all-time high, personal interactions are often overlooked and crucial opportunities for inclusion and belonging are missed. Socializing and collaborating are essential for positive mental health. Well-designed spaces foster connections where students and educators can meaningfully engage with one another and ensure everyone feels valued.

LEARNING

Flexible solutions that can easily be arranged and rearranged to meet everchanging needs, including flipped classroom arrangements, are essential. This freedom gives instructors the opportunity to create stations for interaction and collaboration, as well as heads down focus areas. This versatility allows for a richer learning experience.

SPACES

Classrooms

Makerspaces Labs

Focus

Learning Commons

CAFÉ & DINING

These environments accommodate everything from enjoying a cup of coffee or a full dining experience to working on collaborative projects. Today’s café and dining spaces are dynamic, multi-use areas. Our adaptable designs ensure these areas support a wide variety of users.

OUTDOOR & ATHLETICS

Designing beautiful, comfortable, and durable outdoor spaces can play a crucial role in attracting and retaining students and faculty. By incorporating diverse areas that support both social interaction and quiet reflection, these environments not only boost productivity, but also help reduce stress.

Embracing biophilia, by incorporating natural elements into the design, enhances well-being and fosters a deeper connection to surroundings.

Integrating school colors and custom logos can amplify school spirit, making a strong statement and cultivating enthusiasm throughout the community.

OUTDOOR SPACES

Dining

ATHLETIC SPACES Team

ADMINISTRATION

Create spaces for focused work, shared activities, and the exchange of ideas. Coming together to enhance experiences for staff, students, and the community is essential for educational facilities. Administrative spaces include private offices, shared workstations, faculty meeting spaces, mailrooms, and more.

Functional and flexible solutions set these spaces up for success. From personalized offices that boost productivity and confidence to shared spaces that accommodate collaboration and spark interaction, administrative spaces provide work zones for maximum efficiency.

SPACES

Private Offices

Shared Workstations

Reception

Meeting Rooms

Workrooms

Trends Shaping the Landscape of Higher Education

The landscape of education is rapidly evolving. To attract new learners and educators, it’s imperative for architects, designers, and institutions to adapt. At Kimball International, we are exploring key trends that are shaping the future of education. We are focused on finding new ways to create supportive environments and innovative design solutions.

The definition of “learner” is evolving. Scholars encompass a broader spectrum, including lifelong learners or “forever students” driven by technological advancements, career shifts, and the necessity for continuous skill development. Businesses and universities must partner together to create programs and shared spaces to enable academic success.

Institutions are catering to a global audience.

Education facilities are embracing technology and innovative teaching methods to transcend geographical barriers, ensuring inclusivity without compromising on standards. Learning spaces must incorporate tech-savvy solutions to support a variety of learners.

One-size-fits-all learning models are fading.

Students are demanding more personalized learning experiences that cater to their individual needs, learning styles, and aspirations. Educational spaces must be flexible and adapt to accommodate this shift. Staff also must flex to new styles of teaching.

Mental health support cannot be overstated for attraction and retention. It’s no longer enough to simply offer strong academic programs. Both students and educators face mounting pressures, making it essential for institutions to prioritize holistic well-being. Integrating amenities such as private courtyards, relaxation lounges, sensory rooms, and counseling services within educational spaces can play a pivotal role in supporting mental health and neurodiversity, fostering a supportive campus community.

MARKERBOARDS & ACCESSORIES

RESOURCES TO CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Idea Starters

Get inspiration and see how our products can be used together to create dynamic and functional spaces.

Success Stories

View installations that showcase our solutions in a variety of environments. Learn how our products helped customers bring their spaces to life.

Quick Delivery

With an extensive offering of seating, lounge, desks, workstations, storage, tables, pods, and accessories, this comprehensive program delivers solutions in 12 days or less.

Alternative Design Podcast

Where we empower creatives to rethink space and how it’s designed by inviting unlikely perspectives to the conversation.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Our CSR mission drives us to respect people, reduce our impacts, and redefine tomorrow, by fostering transparency and empowering our members to do and be better.

Visit Us

Whether in person or virtually, visit our showrooms to experience how our solutions can be utilized to create spaces that inspire.