Skip to content
Furniture Types
School Spaces
Age Range
Collections
Materials & Finishes
Planning Ideas
Resources + Services
Guides + Resources
Product News + Research
About
Customer Support
Product News + Research
BUZ004-SFX
BUZ004-SFX
BUZ004-SFX
220+
Through bold visual identities and digital platforms, we help progressive organizations advance by setting the standard in exceptional design—creatively, technically, sustainably, and ethically.

Flexible Learning Environments: The Future of School Design in Australia


Flexible Learning Environments The Future of Design | VE Furniture
3:35


The educational system is undergoing rapid change and this is influencing classroom design. Conventional long lines of desks are no longer representative of how a child should learn. Australian schools are incorporating modernised classrooms that promote teamwork, creative thinking and independent thought.

An open space inspires teachers to apply their knowledge to change lessons whenever they want to, while also making their students feel that they own their mode of learning. Furniture design can make schools more functional and inspiring places.

Download our inspiration guide to view examples.

What is a Flexible Learning Environment?

A versatile learning environment is an adaptable space which can change according to both the style of teaching and the size of the class. As opposed to fixed classrooms, these rooms incorporate furniture which is changeable according to whether one wants to study quietly, pair off to talk, etc.

Essential Features

  • Mobile and lightweight furniture

  • Collaboration Zones & Zones of Concentration

  • Integration of Digital Tools

  • Comfortable and ergonomic seating

  • Inclusive and Accessible Design

Wembley Primary School Flexible Learning Environment by VE Furniture

The flexible spaces within these schools enable teacher-led modifications to a class environment within a short time to cater to specific activities.

The Importance of Flexibility within Modern Education

The flexible classroom is part of contemporary educational goals: to promote engagement, teamwork and problem-solving. A classroom where children can freely move and work together is more engaging and effective because they can interact freely.

Benefits to schools and students

  • Promotes teamwork and communication

  • Enhances concentration and motivation of students

  • Adaptable to varying subjects and projects

  • Occupies available space more effectively

  • It prolongs the life span of furniture items

Schedule a free design consultation to discuss how VE Furniture can re-imagine your space.

Creating a Flexible Classroom: The Essential Components

The most functional flexible spaces incorporate both form and function, making it easy for students to feel comfortable and teachers to feel in charge.

Avila College Flexible Classroom by VE Furniture

Case Study - The Transformation of Learning at Wembley Primary School

A collaborative environment is what Wembley Primary School, which is located in Melbourne’s inner west, aimed to achieve when they updated their classrooms’ design as part of their new build. The school joined forces with VE Furniture and AOA Christopher Peck to design such an environment.

  • Before: Static furniture and limited collaboration

  • After: Mobile layouts to enhance teamwork and movement

"We were blown away, not only by the functional and the practical aspects - but also the aesthetics of the space and the opportunity to work in a learning environment that enables 21st century learning."
Vassie Vatsilas-D’Arcangelo
Principal at Wembley Primary School


See the complete project within our Case Study Gallery.

Furniture’s Part within the Aspect of Learning Flexibility

Furniture is more than a visual element. Furniture has a direct impact on learning. Good furniture enables teachers to respond quickly to any kind of learning activity.

Good flexible furniture

  • Allows teachers to immediately rearrange the layout

  • Promotes inclusive participation

  • Enables individual, group and whole-class instruction

  • Embodies school identity and values

Creating More Sustainable and Durable School Facilities

Another aspect to sustainability is flexibility. This is achieved by designing furniture that can adapt to any function, which helps reduce waste because items can change functions whenever they are required.

Sustainable design principles

  • Using recyclable materials and low-VOC finishes

  • Furniture suited to disassembly & reuse

  • Extended warranties to prolong product life

Blog - Laminates

Discover VE Furniture’s Sustainable Range

Creating a Flexible Learning Space: A Starting Point

The needs will differ with each school, but there is a standard procedure to plan.

  1. Assess your current classroom layout and challenges

  2. Define teaching modes such as collaborative or independent learning

  3. Choose furniture that can adapt to multiple activities

  4. Plan zones for focus, teamwork and presentation

  5. Test layouts and involve teachers and students in feedback

  6. Define and understand your school budget

Read our article Flexible Learning Spaces: Inspiring the Next Generation of Classrooms learn more about flexible learning spaces .

VE Furniture: Your Partner for Future-Oriented Learning

For over 20 years, VE Furniture has assisted schools throughout Australia with designing spaces to promote modern learning. The result is a combination of long-lasting, eco-sustainable and clever design to suit every school.

Why partner with VE Furniture

  • Internal design and manufacturing

  • Experience in educational fit outs

  • Customised consultation and planning assistance

  • Green materials and sustainability goals

Book a Free Design Consultation
, , , , ,