Education has been changing in remarkable ways, including teaching styles, physical environments, technology interaction, and an aging clientele. These
changes have brought about many new challenges for facilities and instructional staffs. An entire body of research has focused upon how to best accommodate the new diversity of students, the rapid changes in technology, and the influx of “virtual” campuses. What is often missing from this discussion is furniture!
Why does furniture matter? What is the real effect of furniture on students? How does furniture impact the learning environment for faculty? What is the impact of furniture on the operational budget of an institution?.... How can an institution make effective decisions with so many divergent agendas?
The importance of furniture is largely overlooked. Often furniture is selected after all other building details have been determined, and then only if budget dollars remain. Yet the physical comfort of furniture users has long been associated with retention of content, class disruption, attendance, and long-term physical affects. The effects are similar within all three areas of furniture applications: Academic, Administrative, and Residence Life. A review of
research has shown the correlation between furniture and issues such as the attraction and retention of faculty, staff, and students. This concern alone has a definite bottom line impact, and should be considered in furniture selections.
Other concerns about furniture arise over its lifespan. Issues such as flexibility and mobility as teaching styles change; the
need to accommodate a more diverse student body, with the average age of students creeping toward 30; an increase of technology right to the desktop of students, and the need to accommodate the increasing span of materials on the desktop.
If ever there was a time to contemplate furniture and its role in the success of an educational entity, it is now. The
education market is embarking upon an improvement campaign across all the board, from small local colleges to large international universities, for the first time in many decades. After years of incremental improvements, billions of dollars will be dedicated to bringing some rather outdated facilities into the 21st century.
facility
buys.org--a specialized set of programs under the collegebuys.org umbrella--is currently exploring various concepts regarding these issues. We will be providing ongoing updates and will develop resources to assist with resolving these challenges,
remaining focused on lowering your overall Total Cost of Ownership.
Dovetail Decision Consultants, Inc.
P O BOX 241 WOODACRE, CA 94973
T: 415-488-1196 F: 415-488-1311
www.dovetaildci.com 
