Local education authorities and schools face some tough choices this year.
The Education Secretary’s announcement that £2bn needs to be saved from budgets means school refurbishments and new builds are bound to be affected.
Experts in the design, manufacture and installation of furniture for schools are concerned that desks, chairs and other essential pieces of equipment will be first in the firing line as architects and contractors seek to shave costs from their projects.
That prospect, says Carleton, could undo many advances in the ergonomics and aesthetics of classrooms made over the last decade.
Richard Fitzmaurice, of Carleton, says: “If costs for projects are over-running or designers are having a re-think about new projects in the light of spending restrictions, furniture can be an option to cut back on due to it being procured towards the end of the build programme.
“Design and build quality, in both ergonomic and visual senses, could well end up being compromised.”
The consequences for students can extend beyond missing out on a modern and attractive space in which to learn.
Campaigners, notably the Furniture Industry Research Association, have been advocating greater co-operation between manufacturers and educationalists to ensure school furniture supports children physical as well as intellectual growth.
Figures show that by the age of 14, around 15% of schoolchildren will have experienced serious back pain.
“There’s no need to cut back on the quality of design and build with school furniture because budgets are being tightened” says Mr Fitzmaurice.
“Architects and interior designers can source bespoke solutions when building new schools or refurbishing old ones”.
“Involving designers and manufacturers early in projects means costs can potentially be managed out and expertise can be deployed to keep to budgets without compromising on aesthetics or functional appeal.”
Selecting the desks, chairs, stools and tables which are used day in day out by school children can often be left too late in the project when the opportunity to maximise use of design services and experience from manufacturers like Carleton can be missed.
Chris Hemsley, at Carleton, argues the visual appeal and build quality of school furniture is integral to the success of a new school and the wider community.
He says: “Schools are used for many more purposes nowadays than in the past.
“They offer a great opportunity to involve the wider community in education activities which can in turn help regenerate the local and surrounding area.
“Working smartly with furniture designers and manufacturers will give architects and contractors the best chance of delivering inspiring buildings that can withstand constant use.”
Small design elements, such as the careful selection of two complimentary colours for chair coverings, can turn a room into a much more attractive learning space without increased cost.
“Furniture designers and manufacturers have a vital role to play in schools” says Mr Hemsley .
“In times of financial restraint, our ability to deliver bespoke solutions to time and budget is more important than ever.”
We are exhibiting at the British Schools and Education Conference (BSEC 2010) on 24th and 25th February at Excel London – stand 366, hall S14.
