Vitale 0

2019

The Physical Environment of Classrooms

Christina E. Vitale

Professor: D Harper

INTA402 Senior Studio I

The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 1

The Physical Environment of Classrooms

INTRODUCTION

The classroom setting is a lasting icon in all our lives, it consumes about 1,000

waking hours of children’s lives each year (Hours), the graph noted to your left indicates

the amount of time spent within a

year’s timeframe. This time spent in

the classroom contributes to a lifelong

impression that can affect the way we

feel about life, education, and those

that surround us in the classroom.

The educational and classroom

Figure 1. Waking Hours spent at School
setting has always been and will

continue to be a standard structure in America’s path towards a successful and

educational future. It’s a foundation that is established as soon as children can walk and

talk.

The American education systems started more than 150 years ago,

Massachusetts became the first state to provide all its citizens access to a free public

education. Over the next 66 years, every other state made the same guarantee. The

result was a publicly-funded system where, in every American classroom, groups of

about 28 students of roughly the same age are taught by one teacher, usually in an 800

square-foot room. This model has been the dominant archetype ever since (Education).

In this standard 800 square-foot modeled classroom environment, numerous

experiences occur for children. One experience is student achievement, which is often

purely looked at from the perspective of the strength of the curriculum and the quality of
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 2

the teachers. However, study after study demonstrates that facilities themselves have a

huge impact on student behavior, grades, teacher tenure and even community

satisfaction (Students). That's why the promise of educational innovation is less about

technology and software code and more about the opportunity to release from general

assumptions regarding how instruction is organized and delivered. The innovation today

should go beyond merely designing and producing new tools (Students). Rather, the

focus should primarily be to design new classroom models that take advantage of

design solutions to stimulate motivation, creativity and empowerment in the classroom

physical environment.

HISTORY OF THE CLASSROOM

In the early 1900s, classroom sizes were double that of today. Children would sit

in rows of tiered classroom/school tables, like a theatre, so they could all easily see the

teacher. There was no segregation of students based on age or learning ability, unlike

today, and often a whole family of youngsters would be in the same class. The large

rooms would have been heated by coal fires, before radiators were invented

(Classroom Size).

A great example of this type of classroom structure 30 years ago, was when one

of my Naval Instructor Andy Jones, went to school where there were 20-30 students in a

classroom with one teacher. The classroom set-up was lined up with traditional rows of

tables and chairs aligned together. Andy noted that it was very efficient because there

would be times where he felt like there was no personal space, so it was an

uncomfortable environment that caused a distraction while he was trying to listen to a

lecture. Andy had various classes that he attended in his youthful years, but as he
 The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 3

thought about a physical classroom layout that really made his learning experience

effective was the classroom arrangement that had four tables that were put together in a

group or square. The students faced each other, had more space and at the same time

became a team. This classroom set up seemed to have been the most effective to him.

The only downfall with this set-up he noted, was when it came to individual assignments

it was harder to get away from the teamwork establishment, so the privacy and

individual experience was then lost.

Going back twenty years ago, the classroom set up seemed to have been the

same for Daycare provider and Clerical Advisor at the Clarksville daycare Denise Bryd.

She had the traditional row of table set up, just like the arrangement in the figure below.

Traditional Rows or Columns

The rows configuration (also

known as the columns
configuration) is the most common
classroom arrangement. This type
of setup complements class
structures that revolve around
teacher-based instruction and
presentations. Students are more
focused on coursework and
independent assignments. They
are also less likely and/or able to
cheat with this layout. Though this
seating arrangement can be used
with any class size, large classes
may often see uneven levels of
interaction as students in the front
row will participate more while
those in the back may lose focus.

Figure 2. Traditional Classroom Diagram Pros & Cons

The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 4

Which compared to Andy was a bit more efficient for her learning experience. She

expressed that the set up helped with the individual and team work learning

environment. There was someone that was always sitting next to her on both sides,

aiding with team work. When there were individual projects, she felt that the privacy and

individual space was perfect. The biggest downfall to this traditional set-up for Denise

was the spacing in between the rows. Children would back up into her table or get

squished when they tried to walk behind her.

The function and design of a desk is merely taken as just a simple desk that you

sit at to conduct multiple functions. In the classroom setting desks are used for hours

throughout the day, so it honestly is more than a desk. They hold pencils, books, paper

and all your school supplies. What is not taken into consideration is the shapes of the

desk, the storage areas and the desk workspace. After speaking with my son about his

classroom desk, he noted that he doesn’t have a storage area under his desktop and

must use a basket or supply box to store all his school work. This takes up his desktop

working area and is a distraction. This takes away from the comfort aspect of the

classroom and lost space that my son and his peers could be utilizing.

Continuing to explore the ideas of comfort, imagine walking into the corner of a

desk. Your first thought is why is this desk here and how did I run into it. Classroom

desks are all square and have sharp or curved edges. The classroom needs be a safe

and comfortable environment. There are days that children must stay inside due to the

weather, they will be playing and running around in the classroom. So, having these

types of desk is a risk and hazard for the students and teachers. Running into desks

really withdraws that comfort level. After speaking with my mentor Bill Haynie about the
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desk construct, he noted that autistic children tend to act impulsively, and take off

running suddenly. For this reason, it is a good idea to avoid sharp angles and mobility

hazards within the classroom. It’s a physical risk factor that must really be taken into

consideration when designing a safe and hazard free physical classroom environment

(Education).

If we were to assemble a list of adjectives to describe school, comfortable would

not make the cut. The classic model for schools, where mentors must compete with

discomfort, can be traced back hundreds of years to the "reading" and "writing" schools

designed to give children the skills to access God's word in the Bible (Comfort). Very

little has changed from the traditional classroom set up to the current. Most public

schools today are twentieth-century adaptations of the schools in the original American

colonies (Comfort). Every school building of those that I have interviewed and buildings

that I have attended have a mirrored goal. Classroom after classroom are aligned along

each side of a corridor, have disciplined rows of hard chairs symbolizing that have strict

attention to create a serious purpose in the classroom atmosphere.

Shuffling children through school ensuring they received their education and

passing was the focus in the classroom environment. There was no way that the idea of

how comfort and the physical environment was a very important aspect of children’s

learning experience. When I asked my interviewees’ Bill Haynie and Denise Bryd how

they thought about their physical classroom environment settings, they all noted that it

was set up as uncomfortable on purpose, they felt that the schools thought it was a

good set up because it created self-disciplined kids, not pampered softies.

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When someone mentions classroom furniture or a classroom layout, it is very

likely that your mind pictures lined up rows of desks almost immediately. This is

because for centuries we’ve been doing it all wrong. The era of desks in uniform rows is

coming to an end. Now is the time to get on board with the evolution of the classroom

(Evolution). Breaking the mold and breaking free from the static classroom model, that

most associate with K-12 schools, promotes a much more successful learning

environment. It’s time to say goodbye to row after row of unengaged students and it’s

time to set up classroom layouts like the ones similar to the visual below.

Figure 3. Flexible furniture and Classroom Layout

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CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT & BEHAVIORS WITHIN THE CLASSROOM

Children’s development & behaviors within the classroom is a very complex

topic. There are so many factors to identify. Upon my interview with my mentor and

internship supervisor Bill Haynie, he discussed the barriers with acoustics for his autistic

daughter. The noise level for children with autism is a great concern because they have

difficulty filtering out background noise (e.g., noise from a hallway, pencil sharpeners, or

water fountain). Children with autism become agitated and sometimes unruly when

confronted with higher noise levels (Quiet Place). They sometimes must wear noise

reduction headphones, so they can concentrate.

When discussing problems within the classroom we have identified that all

classrooms mirror each other. They all follow the same format and layout, not taking

into consideration the many facets that can distract students. Architects take a lot of

time and consideration when they build their massive buildings (Education). Each floor

has specific uses and functions, catered towards the people that consume them daily.

It’s time to do the same with classrooms.

Think back to your high school or middle school days. Were there times where

you couldn’t hear the teacher’s lecture? If the acoustics aren’t set up correctly, students

tend to lose focus and get distracted. Considering the variety of teaching methods,

many classrooms have been designed to be open rather than closed. Therefore,

identifying appropriate materials, creating acoustical barriers, and using methods of

insulation will reduce distracting noises. This is such an important aspect, as some

students work more comfortably and more successfully in quiet rather than noisy

settings (Quite Place). Therefore, a quiet setting is generally more beneficial overall,
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children need to hear the teacher and not be distracted by outside noises. Ensuring this

is not a barrier in this classroom is a key element and would really take away from the

children and the teacher if lessons cannot be heard.

Figure 4. Common sources of noise within a classroom

The ability to concentrate and good acoustics are important planning

considerations for the classroom. But, what if the classroom has bright painted walls

and patterns surrounding the students. This then becomes a hinder and a visual

distractor within in the classroom. When defined, color is an important aspect of sight

because it provides “better detection of spatial features, highlights specific items, and

sets the mood within interior spaces” (Color). So, depending on what types of colors are

displayed throughout the classroom, it can affect the children and teacher’s moods. A

certain color can bring a certain emotion into the classroom and set a good or bad tone,

leading to a distraction or positive learning environment. Human behavior is affected by

color. Robert M. Gerard (1957), an early researcher, studied the use of colored light and

its effect on people physically and psychologically. Psychologically, he found that a

person’s reaction to color is based on three precepts: (1) people respond to color with
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 9

different feelings and emotions, (2) their entire bodies can be affected—autonomic

functions, muscular tension, brain activity, and affective-ideational responses (emotional

imaginary response), and (3) they may be affected by previous learning experiences or

their culture (Gerard, 1957). This research reinforces the concept that humans react to

color both physically and psychologically, and people have different responses to color

(Color). A simple suggestion of hues of greens and blues can elaborate sophistication

and focus, it also creates a cool and relaxing environment (Child style).

Traditional classrooms have a bland appeal to them when it comes to the color

schemes that incase the classroom. White or manila walls were what Denise Bryd

remembers in her classrooms. Her memories of the walls weren’t welcoming, she felt

like she was in a prison. This distracted her learning environment because it made the

classroom setting boring and scary at the same time. Not having posters on the walls or

the right type of colors to create the welcoming appeal made her not want to go to class

at times. If there is not a positive physical or psychological color scheme connection

within the classroom, a student’s existence or focus could be lost.

Speaking of the physical factors, there are moments that seem to distract your

attention, like flickering lights in a space that just sidetrack your ability to concentrate.

Your concentration is deterred and all you can do is wish that you could just stop that

light from blinking. Imagine this occurring in a classroom full of students that lose focus

the minute something interesting catches their attention. Maintenance and lighting play

a very valuable roll within the classroom setting. Lighting can hinder one’s ability to see

the board clearly, or even distract students from learning if the right light bulbs aren’t put

in the correct environment. Illumination can contribute to a dull and boring classroom,
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 10

making it an uninhabitable space. Lighting can create an emotional impact of an interior

through the manipulation of brightness contrast, leading to a real challenge for the

interior designers (Light). As indicated in the productivity graph below, blue lighting can

create fatigue, while the warmer reds and yellows create a sense of comfort and

relaxation.

Figure 5. How light affects productivity graph

STUDENT ATTITUDE & ACHIEVEMENT WITHIN THE CLASSROOM

Lighting plays a pivotal role in our lives, often without us being aware of it.

Altering lighting in a classroom will transform a space and can even create a dramatic

impact on the emotional state within the classroom. People feel more alert, energetic,

and positive on a sunny day, a day marked by bright highlights and crisp shadows. By

providing brightness contrast, the lighting designer can create an environment that has

the attributes of a sunny day. In truth, the significant difference between a “dull, dreary”

day and a “bright, cheerful” one is the quality of light (Light). An example of how lighting

can affect someone emotions or productivity, from personal a personal experience.

The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 11

While I was stationed on board the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, the whole ship that

holds over 5,000 Sailors has fluorescent lights that were as dull as can be. One day I

noticed that the Electricians onboard were changing out the light bulbs during one our

underway periods during the day. We work 24/7 hours onboard the ship, it’s our home.

As I completed my shift for the day, I headed to my sleeping area. It was dark by this

time, I walked through the main hang bay of the ship where it gets dark. Now,

remember the electricians had replaced the lights earlier that day. Well, they replaced

all the lights on the ships with LED lights. Those lights brought a ray of hope and a smile

to my face. We had been underway and away from our families for eight months. For

the first time in a long time, those lights brought warmth into my life. I always think back

to those lights and how they affected my whole persona.

Another very warming aspect of light is the great existence of sweet natural

sunlight. Not having the sun beam through the windows in a classroom can illuminate a

very negative classroom environment. Through windows we look out at the world and

the world looks in at us. The placement of windows not only is important to the wall

composition of the interior but largely determines the fenestration (architectural

arrangement of windows)—a crucial part of the style and character of the exterior

(Windows). Denise Bryd spoke of her experiences with windows in such delight, that it

made me smile and think of the warm sunshine. When she was in school, just knowing

that when the students were done with their assignments they could go to the

play/activity area by a tall vertical window in the back of the classroom just made her

motivated to finish her work, so she could enjoy the splendors that enticed her as she

gazed out the window.

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The emotion and sheer happiness can bring into children’s lives is simply

remarkable. Where I grew up in San Bernardino, Ca. windows were a rare commodity. I

lived in a neighborhood where there were gang members, drug dealers, you name it.

So, some of our portable classrooms that had windows had a screen with bars over

them. The reason the bars were there was because people liked to break into those

classrooms. Portable classrooms are built a lot more poorly than the functioning

classrooms we are used to, so these were targets for people to steal our classroom

computers and classroom essentials. It wasn’t until around high school when one of our

English teachers took us outside to read, made me wish that we had true windows in

our classrooms, so we could see the beautiful rays of light in our classroom

environment.

As I look back on my lighting experience on board my ship and my classrooms, I

think of another memory in elementary school. My not-favored teacher Mrs. Wall, she

was a woman with mean identifying glasses, was always dressed proper with a nice

dress and had these square shaped heels that I will never forget. Though I remember

her mean stature, I do always have fond memories of her Classroom, it was

unforgettable. It had its own identity compared to the rest of the teachers I ever had. It

was clean, organized and welcoming. She always changed out themes in the room to

correlate towards what we were learning each month and really kept us on our toes.

The impact that the classroom had was so profound, that even though I disliked Mrs.

Wall, I truly felt save and at home.

Even though her room was truly the best classroom environment I ever had, the

flooring was the worst. It was half tile and half carpet. This caused a lot of us to trip over
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 13

the barrier that overlapped the connection of the carpet and flooring. Slips and falls are

the leading cause of injury in schools, and the choice of flooring has an important role to

play in minimizing the incidence of injuries. Hard surfaces often become slippery,

especially in wet conditions (as a result of recent mopping, or snow or rainfall being

tracked into the building). Carpet offers significantly more traction than hard surface

products and reduces the likelihood of slips and falls occurring as a result. In the event

of a fall, carpeting can also reduce the risk of injury. Only 17% of falls on carpet result in

injury, compared to 46% of falls on hard surfaces (Carpet).

Another aspect to look at when it comes to carpets, is the spill factor. We always

spilled so much water and paint on the carpet, so it was ruined by the end of the school

year. It was a distracting element but wasn’t too much of a distractor to not love the

classroom.

Whether it’s a nursery, academy or university, a classroom should be warm,

durable and have a quiet atmosphere to enable students to learn effectively (Flooring).

Considering all the options and styles that are available, will enhance the right

atmosphere for the classroom. The most effect and reliable floors are specified:

Marmoleum:

• Marmoleum is practical, hardwearing as

well as colorful. Marmoleum is a natural

product made from 97% natural raw

materials. Marmoleum has been proven to

have a positive impact on allergy sufferers

Figure 6. Marmoleum Flooring

The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 14

by helping to maintain a clean and fresh environment.

Flotex:

• Slip resistant, comfortable and

quiet, Flotex flocked flooring is

ideal for the education sector,

ranging from nurseries all the

way up to higher education.

It’s also safe and warm – great

for younger children to play on!

Figure 7. Flotex
Sarlon acoustic flooring:

• For schools, proper acoustic

performance contributes

towards a quiet atmosphere to

help children learn. The Forbo

acoustic vinyl collection have

been developed to maximize

impact sound reduction and Figure 8. Sarlon acoustic Flooring

comes in a wide choice of colors

and designs with a choice of impact sound reduction of 15, 17 & 19dB.

It is said that classroom flooring, like other building materials, can enhance the

learning environment and help create the optimal setting for students to achieve

(Flooring). The choice of flooring can help manage ambient noise levels. Hard surface
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 15

flooring including laminate and vinyl composite tile have a poor acoustic profile - sound

bounces off the surface and reverberates through the classroom space, this was the

type of flooring most of my classrooms growing up had. Luxury vinyl tile offers the best

acoustic profile of all hard surface flooring types thanks to its layered construction - but

even that can't match the sound absorption qualities of carpet (Flooring). As I spoke to

many of my Sailors at work and Bill, no one ever mentioned having carpet in their

classrooms. The acoustic ratings compared to the hard would or tiled flooring is so

much more efficient. The best option for sound absorption is cushion-backed carpet.

Carpet tiles with cushion backing absorb 50% more noise than hardback carpet, which

in turn absorbs 3x more noise than hard flooring (Flooring). Thinking back to the stained

carpet in my classroom in Mrs. Walls class, I think of the reasoning behind why most

classes don’t have carpet. As I researched further into the fallback with carpeted

classes, it came to my attention that funding was a major factor that lead towards the

less expensive route when I came to flooring choices.

Factoring expenses into education shouldn’t be a hurdle in our day and age.

Even though I grew up in a run-down neighborhood, I never had to bring my own

supplies to school. These days, children like my own must bring items to school. If I had

to do this back when I was in elementary school, I don’t think I would have made it

through school because I know my mother couldn’t afford supplies for all six of her

children. The budget size for schools are dwindling down and the physical classroom

setting, like the school supply setting is getting demanding. While I was at one of my

sons Christmas school events, I overheard the teachers talking about how they had to
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 16

bring in their own writing boards and any extra furniture they had to help with the small

budget size they had at their school.

As the digital age expands into the classroom environment, students in lower-

income families will struggle to keep up with their peers academically. Considering the

resources available online these days, information found on the internet is outpacing

traditional textbooks. This can cause problems for students without internet access at

home and hinder their learning opportunities (Digital). Digital equipment within the

classroom, can also be a hinderance to children that learn well with this type of

instructional delivery method.

THE CLASSROOM PHYSICAL ENVIORNMENT CHANGE & POTENTIAL FUTURE

Decentralizing the learning environment and breaking away from the typical

desks in a row structure allows the instructor to move freely throughout the classroom,

from student to student, with a purpose, rather than having to continually stand in front

of a large group and lecture. This creates better opportunities for individual instruction

as well as the promotion of collaboration amongst students in the classroom, which are

two extremely beneficial tactics of knowledge retention. Separating the classroom into

different zones, based on different lesson focusses, promotes higher spans of attention

(Evolution of the Classroom).

When you separate classrooms into different zones you are creating a central

area for a specific topic or lesson. This welcomes a collaborative working environment

and an area where you know you will focus solely on the topic at hand. Common

working spaces for teachers and students in this area bring about more ideas and

activities that everyone can participate in. But, with every change or idea there are
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 17

difficulties. Change, uncertainty, variability, transition and novelty are a reality of life.

The extent to which young people effectively respond to this reality will have a

significant bearing on their life course – beyond the influence of other important factors

such as resilience and personality (Change). The classroom environment is a child’s

second home, when a structure or a setting is changed within the classroom on them it

can affect them mentally and emotionally.

Encouragingly, research and practice show that young people can successfully

adjust their behavior, thought, and emotion – with some at-risk or underachieving youth

perhaps requiring more intensive and sustained support to do this. Young people can

be taught how to be more adaptable, and then in turn better embrace the opportunities

of their ever-changing world (Change).

Going through change can be a big deal, but one of the biggest changes in the

classroom environment is how technology has shaped the way children learn. The

invention of the chalkboard in 1890 heralded a new era for learning, and when the

pencil became widespread in 1900, this signaled an end to the inkpot and a new dawn

for easier writing. When the radio was introduced in the 1920s, this also provided a new

style of learning, while the invention of the overhead projector in 1930 enabled students

to view images on a screen. The arrival of the photocopier in the late 1960s made

copying learning materials easier in the classroom, and the advent of computers in the

1980s completely revolutionized the classroom environment. These days, learning is

increasingly digitalized, with the use of mobile technology and iPads to individualize

learning, provide feedback and conduct research. Teachers can use technology to
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 18

monitor students' work from their desk, without needing to walk around the classroom

peering over their shoulders.

The new technology-based change within the classroom affects the physical

classroom arrangement. With the ipads and monitoring of students, there is less need

for desks with drawers or cubby holders underneath their desks to hold all their pencils

and supplies. The furniture for this type of digital environment must be noted and the

focus on furniture should be approached with a minimal focus in mind.

SUMMARY

Being aware of environmental factors such as lighting and temperature can either

stifle or encourage productivity for students. But the truth is, classrooms—the ‘work

spaces’ of our youth—should also be the product of careful consideration and design

(Design). The history of the classroom has taught us a lot and has had a lot of lessons

learned to make classrooms more welcoming. While the lighting and window

placements could hinder or improve the mood or visual experience for their working

environment. The furniture placement may have to sharp of an edge and could cause a

hazardous environment. Acoustics within the classroom can affect an autistic student

learning ability because there are too many distracting noises that weren’t controlled or

inspected. The neon-yellow paint on the walls just screamed distraction, so every

students learning experience was depleted because it was such a big distraction. There

are so many environmental factors that contribute to a loss within the classroom

environment. But alas, the most interesting of all is that by simply creating a more

effective classroom design (once you have identified these problems), then you can
 The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 19

improve students’ performance by 25%. The graphic depicted below has a great layout

on how classroom design affects students learning ability (Design).

• Furniture can influence your

students’ behavior

• Classroom layout contributes

to collaboration

• Colors might stimulate learning

• Temperature might impact

concentration

• Acoustics could improve

communication

• Lighting can inspire students

Figure 9. The effects of Classroom Design

The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 20

CONCLUSION

With so much time being consumed in the classroom environment, are the

students surrounding environments affecting them emotionally and mentally in the right

capacity? The classroom is their second home. It’s where they meet their friends that

they keep forever, a place they learn where they love math, art, or science. It is the

place where you learn the most fascinating things about life. The encompassing shell of

that 800-sqare foot classroom holds all these moments and helps create these forever

memories.

With the memories that we will never forget from the schools we attended, we

must never forget the historical aspects and characteristics of the physical classroom

environment that worked. The classroom’s furniture, walls, lighting and enticing

aesthetics that made us feel warm inside. We must take the reins of our curiosity to

improve the physical environment within the classroom. It’s our duty to be mindful of the

influences on the auctions, thoughts and emotions that take hold when designing a

classroom. These very intricate details and empathies will affect the interior space and

function of a classroom that will grow into the future and time of children’s lives.

“There is certainly strong evidence that this is true in early childhood; we have in

recent years learned a great deal about the effects that adverse environments have on

children's early development. And there is growing evidence that even in middle and

high school, children's noncognitive capacities are primarily a reflection of the

environments in which they are embedded, including, centrally, their school

environment.” (Classroom)
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 21

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Windows, Nielson, K., Taylor, D. Interiors. Online Book

https://digitalbookshelf.aionline.edu/#/books/1260229599/
The Physical Environment of Classrooms Vitale 23

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Classroom-Seating-Arrangements-32, web accessed Jan. 12 , 2019

Figure 3. Classroom Layout and Furniture, http://www.designshare.com/index.php/projects/resala-

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Figure 4. A crash course of classroom acoustics,

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Figure 6, 7, 8. Six Environmental Factors that Can Boost Performance,

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Figure 9. Six Environmental Factors that Can Boost Performance,

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THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
OF CLASSROOMS

CHRISTINA E. VITALE

PROFESSOR: D HARPER

INTA402 SENIOR STUDIO I

 INTRODUCTION
The classroom setting is a lasting icon in all our lives, it consumes about 1,000 waking hours of children’s lives each
year (Hours), the graph noted to your right indicates the amount of time spent within a year’s timeframe. This time
spent in the classroom contributes to a lifelong impression that can affect the way we feel about life, education, and
those that surround us in the classroom. The educational and classroom setting has always been and will continue to
be a standard structure in America’s path towards a successful and educational future. It’s a foundation that is
established as soon as children can walk and talk.

The American education systems started more than 150 years ago, Massachusetts became the first state to provide
all its citizens access to a free public education. Over the next 66 years, every other state made the same guarantee.
The result was a publicly-funded system where, in every American classroom, groups of about 28 students of roughly
the same age are taught by one teacher, usually in an 800 square-foot room. This model has been the dominant
archetype ever since (Education).

In this standard 800 square-foot modeled classroom environment, numerous experiences occur for children. One Figure 1. Waking Hours spent at School
experience is student achievement, which is often purely looked at from the perspective of the strength of the
curriculum and the quality of the teachers. However, study after study demonstrates that facilities themselves have a
huge impact on student behavior, grades, teacher tenure and even community satisfaction (Students). That's why the
promise of educational innovation is less about technology and software code and more about the opportunity to
release from general assumptions regarding how instruction is organized and delivered. The innovation today should
go beyond merely designing and producing new tools (Students). Rather, the focus should primarily be to design new
classroom models that take advantage of design solutions to stimulate motivation, creativity and empowerment in the
classroom physical environment.
 HISTORY OF THE CLASSROOM
Going back twenty years ago, the classroom set up seemed to have been the
In the early 1900s, classroom sizes were double that of today. same for Daycare provider and Clerical Advisor at the Clarksville daycare Denise Bryd.
Children would sit in rows of tiered classroom/school tables, like a She had the traditional row of table set up, just like the arrangement in the figure below.
theatre, so they could all easily see the teacher. There was no
segregation of students based on age or learning ability, unlike today,
and often a whole family of youngsters would be in the same class. The
large rooms would have been heated by coal fires, before radiators were
invented (Classroom Size). Traditional Rows or Columns
A great example of this type of classroom structure 30 years ago, The rows configuration (also
known as the columns
was when one of my Naval Instructor Andy Jones, went to school where configuration) is the most common
there were 20-30 students in a classroom with one teacher. The classroom arrangement. This type
classroom set-up was lined up with traditional rows of tables and chairs of setup complements class
structures that revolve around
aligned together. Andy noted that it was very efficient because there teacher-based instruction and
would be times where he felt like there was no personal space, so it was presentations. Students are more
an uncomfortable environment that caused a distraction while he was focused on coursework and
independent assignments. They
trying to listen to a lecture. Andy had various classes that he attended in are also less likely and/or able to
his youthful years, but as he thought about a physical classroom layout cheat with this layout. Though this
that really made his learning experience effective was the classroom seating arrangement can be used
with any class size, large classes
arrangement that had four tables that were put together in a group or may often see uneven levels of
square. The students faced each other, had more space and at the interaction as students in the front
same time became a team. This classroom set up seemed to have been row will participate more while
those in the back may lose focus.
the most effective to him. The only downfall with this set-up he noted,
was when it came to individual assignments it was harder to get away
from the teamwork establishment, so the privacy and individual
experience was then lost.
 HISTORY OF THE CLASSROOM CONT’D (Function & Comfort)
Which compared to Andy was a bit more efficient for her learning
experience. She expressed that the set up helped with the individual and
team work learning environment. There was someone that was always
sitting next to her on both sides, aiding with team work. When there were
individual projects, she felt that the privacy and individual space was
perfect. The biggest downfall to this traditional set-up for Denise was the
spacing in between the rows. Children would back up into her table or get
squished when they tried to walk behind her.
The function and design of a desk is merely taken as just a simple
desk that you sit at to conduct multiple functions. In the classroom setting
desks are used for hours throughout the day, so it honestly is more than a
desk. They hold pencils, books, paper and all your school supplies. What is
not taken into consideration is the shapes of the desk, the storage areas
and the desk workspace. After speaking with my son about his classroom
desk, he noted that he doesn’t have a storage area under his desktop and
must use a basket or supply box to store all his school work. This takes up
his desktop working area and is a distraction. This takes away from the
comfort aspect of the classroom and lost space that my son and his peers
could be utilizing.
Continuing to explore the ideas of comfort, imagine walking into the corner of a
desk. Your first thought is why is this desk here and how did I run into it. Classroom desks
are all square and have sharp or curved edges. The classroom needs be a safe and
comfortable environment. There are days that children must stay inside due to the weather,
they will be playing and running around in the classroom. So, having these types of desk is
a risk and hazard for the students and teachers. Running into desks really withdraws that
comfort level. After speaking with my mentor Bill Haynie about the desk construct, he noted
that autistic children tend to act impulsively, and take off running suddenly. For this reason,
it is a good idea to avoid sharp angles and mobility hazards within the classroom. It’s a
physical risk factor that must really be taken into consideration when designing a safe and
hazard free physical classroom environment (Education).
If we were to assemble a list of adjectives to describe school, comfortable would not
make the cut. The classic model for schools, where mentors must compete with discomfort,
can be traced back hundreds of years to the "reading" and "writing" schools designed to
give children the skills to access God's word in the Bible (Comfort). Very little has changed
from the traditional classroom set up to the current. Most public schools today are
twentieth-century adaptations of the schools in the original American colonies (Comfort).
Every school building of those that I have interviewed and buildings that I have attended
have a mirrored goal. Classroom after classroom are aligned along each side of a corridor,
have disciplined rows of hard chairs symbolizing that have strict attention to create a
serious purpose in the classroom atmosphere.
Shuffling children through school ensuring they received their education and
passing was the focus in the classroom environment. There was no way that the idea of
how comfort and the physical environment was a very important aspect of children’s
learning experience. When I asked my interviewees’ Bill Haynie and Denise Bryd how they
thought about their physical classroom environment settings, they all noted that it was set
up as uncomfortable on purpose, they felt that the schools they all noted that it was set up
as uncomfortable on purpose, they felt that the schools thought it was a good set up
because it created self-disciplined kids, not pampered softies.
 HISTORY OF THE CLASSROOM CONT’D (Furniture Layout)

When someone mentions classroom furniture or a

classroom layout, it is very likely that your mind pictures
lined up rows of desks almost immediately. This is because
for centuries we’ve been doing it all wrong. The era of
desks in uniform rows is coming to an end. Now is the time
to get on board with the evolution of the classroom
(Evolution). Breaking the mold and breaking free from the
static classroom model, that most associate with K-12
schools, promotes a much more successful learning
environment. It’s time to say goodbye to row after row of
unengaged students and it’s time to set up classroom
layouts like the ones similar to the visual below.

Figure 3. Flexible furniture and Classroom Layout

 CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT
.
&
BEHAVIORS WITHIN THE CLASSROOM (Acoustics)

Children’s development & behaviors within the classroom is a very complex topic. There
are so many factors to identify. Upon my interview with my mentor and internship supervisor
Bill Haynie, he discussed the barriers with acoustics for his autistic daughter. The noise level
for children with autism is a great concern because they have difficulty filtering out background
noise (e.g., noise from a hallway, pencil sharpeners, or water fountain). Children with autism
become agitated and sometimes unruly when confronted with higher noise levels (Quiet
Place). They sometimes must wear noise reduction headphones, so they can concentrate.
When discussing problems within the classroom we have identified that all classrooms
mirror each other. They all follow the same format and layout, not taking into consideration the
many facets that can distract students. Architects take a lot of time and consideration when
they build their massive buildings (Education). Each floor has specific uses and functions,
catered towards the people that consume them daily. It’s time to do the same with classrooms.
Think back to your high school or middle school days. Were there times where you
couldn’t hear the teacher’s lecture? If the acoustics aren’t set up correctly, students tend to
lose focus and get distracted. Considering the variety of teaching methods, many classrooms
have been designed to be open rather than closed. Therefore, identifying appropriate
materials, creating acoustical barriers, and using methods of insulation will reduce distracting
noises. This is such an important aspect, as some students work more comfortably and more Figure 4. Common sources of noise within a classroom
successfully in quiet rather than noisy settings (Quite Place). Therefore, a quiet setting is
generally more beneficial overall, children need to hear the teacher and not be distracted by
outside noises. Ensuring this is not a barrier in this classroom is a key element and would
really take away from the children and the teacher if lessons cannot be heard.
 CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT
&
BEHAVIORS WITHIN THE CLASSROOM CONT’D (Acoustics & Color)

The ability to concentrate and good acoustics are important planning considerations for the classroom. But, what if the classroom has
bright painted walls and patterns surrounding the students. This then becomes a hinder and a visual distractor within in the classroom. When
defined, color is an important aspect of sight because it provides “better detection of spatial features, highlights specific items, and sets the
mood within interior spaces” (Color). So, depending on what types of colors are displayed throughout the classroom, it can affect the children
and teacher’s moods. A certain color can bring a certain emotion into the classroom and set a good or bad tone, leading to a distraction or
positive learning environment. Human behavior is affected by color. Robert M. Gerard (1957), an early researcher, studied the use of colored
light and its effect on people physically and psychologically. Psychologically, he found that a person’s reaction to color is based on three
precepts: (1) people respond to color with different feelings and emotions, (2) their entire bodies can be affected—autonomic functions,
muscular tension, brain activity, and affective-ideational responses (emotional imaginary response), and (3) they may be affected by previous
learning experiences or their culture (Gerard, 1957). This research reinforces the concept that humans react to color both physically and
psychologically, and people have different responses to color (Color). A simple suggestion of hues of greens and blues can elaborate
sophistication and focus, it also creates a cool and relaxing environment (Child style).
Traditional classrooms have a bland appeal to them when it comes to the color schemes that incase the classroom. White or manila
walls were what Denise Bryd remembers in her classrooms. Her memories of the walls weren’t welcoming, she felt like she was in a prison.
This distracted her learning environment because it made the classroom setting boring and scary at the same time. Not having posters on the
walls or the right type of colors to create the welcoming appeal made her not want to go to class at times. If there is not a positive physical or
psychological color scheme connection within the classroom, a student’s existence or focus could be lost.
 STUDENT ATTITUDE & ACHIEVEMENT
WITHIN THE CLASSROOM (Lighting)

Lighting plays a pivotal role in our lives, often without us being aware of it. Altering lighting in a classroom will transform a space and can
even create a dramatic impact on the emotional state within the classroom. People feel more alert, energetic, and positive on a sunny day, a day
marked by bright highlights and crisp shadows. By providing brightness contrast, the lighting designer can create an environment that has the
attributes of a sunny day. In truth, the significant difference between a “dull, dreary” day and a “bright, cheerful” one is the quality of light (Light). An
example of how lighting can affect someone emotions or productivity, from personal a personal experience. While I was stationed on board the USS
GEORGE H.W. BUSH, the whole ship that holds over 5,000 Sailors has fluorescent lights that were as dull as can be. One day I noticed that the
Electricians onboard were changing out the light bulbs during one our underway periods during the day. We work 24/7 hours onboard the ship, it’s
our home. As I completed my shift for the day, I headed to my sleeping area. It was dark by this time, I walked through the main hang bay of the
ship where it gets dark. Now, remember the electricians had replaced the lights earlier that day. Well, they replaced all the lights on the ships with
LED lights. Those lights brought a ray of hope and a smile to my face. We had been underway and away from our families for eight months. For the
first time in a long time, those lights brought warmth into my life. I always think back to those lights and how they affected my whole persona.
Another very warming aspect of light is the great existence of sweet natural sunlight. Not having the sun beam through the windows in a
classroom can illuminate a very negative classroom environment. Through windows we look out at the world and the world looks in at us. The
placement of windows not only is important to the wall composition of the interior but largely determines the fenestration (architectural arrangement
of windows)—a crucial part of the style and character of the exterior (Windows). Denise Bryd spoke of her experiences with windows in such
delight, that it made me smile and think of the warm sunshine. When she was in school, just knowing that when the students were done with their
assignments they could go to the play/activity area by a tall vertical window in the back of the classroom just made her motivated to finish her work,
so she could enjoy the splendors that enticed her as she gazed out the window.
 STUDENT ATTITUDE & ACHIEVEMENT
WITHIN THE CLASSROOM (Lighting)

Speaking of the physical factors, there are moments that

seem to distract your attention, like flickering lights in a space
that just sidetrack your ability to concentrate. Your concentration
is deterred and all you can do is wish that you could just stop
that light from blinking. Imagine this occurring in a classroom full
of students that lose focus the minute something interesting
catches their attention. Maintenance and lighting play a very
valuable roll within the classroom setting. Lighting can hinder
one’s ability to see the board clearly, or even distract students
from learning if the right light bulbs aren’t put in the correct
environment. Illumination can contribute to a dull and boring
classroom, making it an uninhabitable space. Lighting can
create an emotional impact of an interior through the
manipulation of brightness contrast, leading to a real challenge Figure 5. How light affects productivity graph
for the interior designers (Light). As indicated in the productivity
graph, blue lighting can create fatigue, while the warmer reds
and yellows create a sense of comfort and relaxation.
 STUDENT ATTITUDE & ACHIEVEMENT
WITHIN THE CLASSROOM (Psychological & Physical)
The emotion and sheer happiness can bring into children’s lives is
simply remarkable. Where I grew up in San Bernardino, Ca. windows
were a rare commodity. I lived in a neighborhood where there were gang
members, drug dealers, you name it. So, some of our portable
classrooms that had windows had a screen with bars over them. The
reason the bars were there was because people liked to break into those
classrooms. Portable classrooms are built a lot more poorly than the
functioning classrooms we are used to, so these were targets for people
to steal our classroom computers and classroom essentials. It wasn’t until
around high school when one of our English teachers took us outside to
read, made me wish that we had true windows in our classrooms, so we
could see the beautiful rays of light in our classroom environment.
As I look back on my lighting experience on board my ship and
my classrooms, I think of another memory in elementary school. My not-
favored teacher Mrs. Wall, she was a woman with mean identifying
glasses, was always dressed proper with a nice dress and had these
square shaped heels that I will never forget. Though I remember her
mean stature, I do always have fond memories of her Classroom, it was
unforgettable. It had its own identity compared to the rest of the teachers I
ever had. It was clean, organized and welcoming. She always changed
out themes in the room to correlate towards what we were learning each
month and really kept us on our toes. The impact that the classroom had
was so profound, that even though I disliked Mrs. Wall, I truly felt save
and at home.
Even though her room was truly the best classroom
environment I ever had, the flooring was the worst. It was
half tile and half carpet. This caused a lot of us to trip over
the barrier that overlapped the connection of the carpet and
flooring. Slips and falls are the leading cause of injury in
schools, and the choice of flooring has an important role to
play in minimizing the incidence of injuries. Hard surfaces
often become slippery, especially in wet conditions (as a
result of recent mopping, or snow or rainfall being tracked
into the building). Carpet offers significantly more traction
than hard surface products and reduces the likelihood of
slips and falls occurring as a result. In the event of a fall,
carpeting can also reduce the risk of injury. Only 17% of
falls on carpet result in injury, compared to 46% of falls on
hard surfaces (Carpet).
Another aspect to look at when it comes to carpets,
is the spill factor. We always spilled so much water and
paint on the carpet, so it was ruined by the end of the school
year. It was a distracting element but wasn’t too much of a
distractor to not love the classroom.
 STUDENT ATTITUDE & ACHIEVEMENT
WITHIN THE CLASSROOM (Physical)

Whether it’s a nursery, academy or university, a classroom should be warm,

durable and have a quiet atmosphere to enable students to learn effectively
(Flooring). Considering all the options and styles that are available, will enhance the
right atmosphere for the classroom. The most effect and reliable floors are specified:
Marmoleum:
• Marmoleum is practical, hardwearing as well as colorful. Marmoleum is a natural
product made from 97% natural raw materials. Marmoleum has been proven to
have a positive impact on allergy sufferers by helping to maintain a clean and
fresh environment.
Flotex:
• Slip resistant, comfortable and quiet, Flotex flocked flooring is ideal for the
education sector, ranging from nurseries all the way up to higher education. It’s
also safe and warm – great for younger children to play on!
Sarlon acoustic flooring:
• For schools, proper acoustic performance contributes towards a quiet atmosphere
Figure 6. Marmoleum Flooring
to help children learn. The Forbo acoustic vinyl collection have been developed to
maximize impact sound reduction and comes in a wide choice of colors and
designs with a choice of impact sound reduction of 15, 17 & 19dB.

It is said that classroom flooring, like other building materials, can enhance the learning environment
and help create the optimal setting for students to achieve (Flooring). The choice of flooring can help manage
ambient noise levels. Hard surface flooring including laminate and vinyl composite tile have a poor acoustic
profile - sound bounces off the surface and reverberates through the classroom space, this was the type of
flooring most of my classrooms growing up had. Luxury vinyl tile offers the best acoustic profile of all hard
surface flooring types thanks to its layered construction - but even that can't match the sound absorption
qualities of carpet (Flooring). As I spoke to many of my Sailors at work and Bill, no one ever mentioned having Figure 7. Flotex
carpet in their classrooms. The acoustic ratings compared to the hard would or tiled flooring is so much more
efficient. The best option for sound absorption is cushion-backed carpet. Carpet tiles with cushion backing
absorb 50% more noise than hardback carpet, which in turn absorbs 3x more noise than hard flooring (Flooring).
Thinking back to the stained carpet in my classroom in Mrs. Walls class, I think of the reasoning behind why
most classes don’t have carpet. As I researched further into the fallback with carpeted classes, it came to my
attention that funding was a major factor that lead towards the less expensive route when I came to flooring
choices.

Figure 8. Sarlon acoustic Flooring

 STUDENT ATTITUDE & ACHIEVEMENT
WITHIN THE CLASSROOM (Expenses and the Digital Age)

Factoring expenses into education shouldn’t be a hurdle in our day and age. Even though I grew up in a run-down
neighborhood, I never had to bring my own supplies to school. These days, children like my own must bring items to school. If I
had to do this back when I was in elementary school, I don’t think I would have made it through school because I know my
mother couldn’t afford supplies for all six of her children. The budget size for schools are dwindling down and the physical
classroom setting, like the school supply setting is getting demanding. While I was at one of my sons Christmas school events, I
overheard the teachers talking about bring in their own writing boards and any extra furniture they had to help with the small
budget size they had at their school.
As the digital age expands into the classroom environment, students in lower-income families will struggle to keep up with
their peers academically. Considering the resources available online these days, information found on the internet is outpacing
traditional textbooks. This can cause problems for students without internet access at home and hinder their learning
opportunities (Digital). Digital equipment within the classroom, can also be a hinderance to children that learn well with this type
of instructional delivery method.
 THE CLASSROOM PHYSICAL ENVIORNMENT CHANGE
&
POTENTIAL FUTURE

Decentralizing the learning environment and breaking away from the typical desks in a row structure allows the instructor to move freely
throughout the classroom, from student to student, with a purpose, rather than having to continually stand in front of a large group and lecture. This
creates better opportunities for individual instruction as well as the promotion of collaboration amongst students in the classroom, which are two
extremely beneficial tactics of knowledge retention. Separating the classroom into different zones, based on different lesson focusses, promotes
higher spans of attention (Evolution of the Classroom).
When you separate classrooms into different zones you are creating a central area for a specific topic or lesson. This welcomes a collaborative
working environment and an area where you know you will focus solely on the topic at hand. Common working spaces for teachers and students in
this area bring about more ideas and activities that everyone can participate in. But, with every change or idea there are difficulties. Change,
uncertainty, variability, transition and novelty are a reality of life. The extent to which young people effectively respond to this reality will have a
significant bearing on their life course – beyond the influence of other important factors such as resilience and personality (Change). The classroom
environment is a child’s second home, when a structure or a setting is changed within the classroom on them it can affect them mentally and
emotionally.
Encouragingly, research and practice show that young people can successfully adjust their behavior, thought, and emotion – with some at-risk
or underachieving youth perhaps requiring more intensive and sustained support to do this. Young people can be taught how to be more adaptable,
and then in turn better embrace the opportunities of their ever-changing world (Change).
Going through change can be a big deal, but one of the biggest changes in the classroom environment is how technology has shaped the way
children learn. The invention of the chalkboard in 1890 heralded a new era for learning, and when the pencil became widespread in 1900, this signaled
an end to the inkpot and a new dawn for easier writing. When the radio was introduced in the 1920s, this also provided a new style of learning, while
the invention of the overhead projector in 1930 enabled students to view images on a screen. The arrival of the photocopier in the late 1960s made
copying learning materials easier in the classroom, and the advent of computers in the 1980s completely revolutionized the classroom environment.
These days, learning is increasingly digitalized, with the use of mobile technology and iPads to individualize learning, provide feedback and conduct
research. Teachers can use technology to monitor students' work from their desk, without needing to walk around the classroom peering over their
shoulders.
The new technology-based change within the classroom affects the physical classroom arrangement. With the ipads and monitoring of
students, there is less need for desks with drawers or cubby holders underneath their desks to hold all their pencils and supplies. The furniture for this
type of digital environment must be noted and the focus on furniture should be approached with a minimal focus in mind.
 SUMMARY

Furniture can influence your

Being aware of environmental factors such as lighting and students’ behavior
temperature can either stifle or encourage productivity for students.
But the truth is, classrooms—the ‘work spaces’ of our youth—should
also be the product of careful consideration and design (Design). The
Classroom layout contributes to
history of the classroom has taught us a lot and has had a lot of
lessons learned to make classrooms more welcoming. While the collaboration
lighting and window placements could hinder or improve the mood or
visual experience for their working environment. The furniture
placement may have to sharp of an edge and could cause a Colors might stimulate learning
hazardous environment. Acoustics within the classroom can affect an
autistic students learning ability because there are too many
distracting noises that weren’t controlled or inspected. The neon-
Temperature might impact
yellow paint on the walls just screamed distraction, so every students
learning experience was depleted because it was such a big concentration
distraction. There are so many environmental factors that contribute to
a loss within the classroom environment. But alas, the most
interesting of all is that by simply creating a more effective classroom Acoustics could improve
design (once you have identified these problems), then you can
improve students’ performance by 25%. The graphic depicted to the communication
right has a great layout on how classroom design affects students
learning ability (Design).
Lighting can inspire students

Figure 9. The effects of Classroom Design

 CONCLUSION

With so much time being consumed in the classroom environment, are the
students surrounding environments affecting them emotionally and mentally in the
right capacity? The classroom is their second home. It’s where they meet their
friends that they keep forever, a place they learn where they love math, art, or
science. It is the place where you learn the most fascinating things about life. The
encompassing shell of that 800-sqare foot classroom holds all these moments
and helps create these forever memories.
With the memories that we will never forget from the schools we attended,
we must never forget the historical aspects and characteristics of the physical
classroom environment that worked. The classroom’s furniture, walls, lighting and
enticing aesthetics that made us feel warm inside. We must take the reins of our
curiosity to improve the physical environment within the classroom. It’s our duty to
be mindful of the influences on the auctions, thoughts and emotions that take hold
when designing a classroom. These very intricate details and empathies will
affect the interior space and function of a classroom that will grow into the future
and time of children’s lives.
“There is certainly strong evidence that this is true in early childhood; we
have in recent years learned a great deal about the effects that adverse
environments have on children's early development. And there is growing
evidence that even in middle and high school, children's noncognitive capacities
are primarily a reflection of the environments in which they are embedded,
including, centrally, their school environment.” (Classroom)
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Child Style, Tinder-Durik, Amy, “Ideas & Projects for children’s spaces”, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
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