In November, a team from the University of Lynchburg traveled to the headquarters of Steelcase, an office furniture company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Accompanied by partners from the seating company Barrows and architects Point of View LLC, the team learned about the offerings related to active learning classroom furniture and the impact and offerings for “in-between” spaces, to be utilized in the new residence hall.
“The focus of the new residence hall has been to create intentional and informal learning spaces throughout the building for the residents of the building and for Westover Honors,” Kristen Cooper, director of residence life at Lynchburg, said.
“Steelcase was able to provide a great deal of insight into how furniture placement and selection can organically assist in the development of these learning opportunities.”
As a result of the trip, Jeff Curcio, with Point of View, has developed a plan for furniture selections and placements that will help enhance the educational, social, and living experiences within the residence hall. “The use of comfortable and mobile furniture will lend to the flexibility and multipurpose use of spaces throughout the building,” Cooper said.
“The furniture proposed will allow students to work independently or collaboratively, based on their preferences. The sleek and modern appeal of the furniture will ensure students see significant value and satisfaction while living and learning in the building.”
In addition to common space and classroom furniture, Lynchburg is currently working with two bedroom furniture vendors and hopes to make a selection before the end of the year. “The goal is that the bedroom furniture will be flexible and will allow students to truly maximize their living space,” Cooper said. “Once a selection has been made, that information will be communicated.”
Interior color schemes have been selected with the goals of bringing the outside in and promoting Hornet pride. “The interior colors selected for the building focus on incorporating nature and the surrounding environment,” Cooper said.
“There will be light green and blue throughout the building, while each individual floor will be branded with a color to make it unique. The two sky boxes facing Shellenberger Field will be decorated in Lynchburg’s colors to enhance the athletic game-viewing experience.”
