The importance of learning environments for everyday life has been strongly highlighted in Helsinki. In early childhood education and care and in schools, spatial challenges have been identified that affect children's ability to calm down and concentrate. In particular, open space solutions are not always suitable for the needs of early childhood education and care. In the Silver Valley kindergarten, the situation was described as follows: ”Noise and commotion travel from one end of the space to the other, and the mixing of different areas contributes to children's restlessness. In an open space, it is challenging for children to perceive their own group space when it is not physically delimited in any way.” Schools also need spaces that better support well-being, concentration and allow for calming down and recovery during the school day.
The City of Helsinki responded to these needs by inviting companies to take part in innovation challenges to find practical solutions for sharing open spaces in early childhood education and developing relaxation spaces in schools. The aim was to find out which solutions best serve different pedagogical and functional needs and support not only learning but also well-being.
STORY WALL LOW was developed for the Silver Valley Kindergarten to improve working peace
The challenges of the Silver Valley day care centre were met by developing STORY WALL -a lower version of the space divider, STORY WALL LOW. Space dividers were introduced between the hallway and the dining room to calm everyday activities. The solution reduces distractions caused by children's movements and supports concentration, especially during transitions. The height, suitable for day care use, prevents visual contact between children, but allows adults to have a good view of the space. The trial also used as an add-on the nail shack for children's attention vests. In addition, the upper part of the dividers is used to store items out of the reach of children and to display children's art.
The trial showed that the solution works well in the day care centre. The sturdy, low-profile design of the dividers was perceived as safe, and their calm design and colouring create a relaxed atmosphere. Sound between the different spaces is better absorbed, and the nail shelf and the upper level have proved to be versatile everyday aids. The room dividers have stood up well to use and have been easy to move as needs have changed.
STORY WALL room dividers calm down the rooms of the Korenno Kindergarten
Kindergarten Korenno was put on trial STORY WALL -partition walls, placed between the corridor and the concentration area, and between the play and dining areas. The solution was designed to calm busy areas, reduce noise and distractions, support concentration and provide privacy between activities. Magnetic barriers attached to the partitions whiteboards have acted as a notice board, and felt surfaces have been used to display children's art, adding interest and enlivening the space.
Based on feedback from teachers, STORY WALL room dividers have met the expectations set for them very well. The solution has brought much-needed peace and quiet to the room and has significantly calmed the workload, which has helped children to concentrate in everyday life. The children have also understood the purpose of the room dividers and have found them to be a natural part of the environment. The design of the room dividers has attracted interest and stimulated discussion about the use of the rooms, and their wall-like construction provides effective screening and noise reduction. Overall, the solution has received very positive feedback on both its functionality and appearance.
Brain-friendly space for Arabia Primary School
An experiment was carried out at Arabia Primary School, where areas for calming and relaxation were built around the classroom. The aim was to provide students with the opportunity to relax and rest during lessons and to study the impact of the calming spaces on students' concentration, motivation and the general atmosphere in the classroom.
The calming area was implemented with INTO Concept furniture solutions by delimiting the space STORY WALL -with partition walls to create a peaceful whole of its own. CUBE-sofas and a TUBE pulpit with light and power socket created a sheltered environment for concentration and relaxation. The area was separated from the rest of the classroom by a plywood floor and a wooden trellis in the ceiling, enlivened by silk plants and lamps. A forest-themed wallpaper, chosen by the school itself, completed the peaceful atmosphere of the space. A large cuddly toy and a loose carpet were also placed in the space, adding a softness, a sense of security and a homely feel.
User experience shows that the facilities have clearly calmed the workload and have been embraced by both teachers and pupils. The acoustics and general atmosphere have improved, and the space has been actively used for relaxation, for example around the TUBE tube. The furniture has proved durable and easy to move, and the smell of the wood and wooden flooring, combined with the lighting, has created a pleasant atmosphere in the classroom. Overall, the experiment has strengthened pupils' sense of comfort and pride in their classroom.
Experiments in the City of Helsinki's early childhood education and care centres and schools have shown that effective spatial solutions can make everyday life easier and improve working peace. Spaces that support calm and concentration help to clarify activities and support learning.
INTO Concept was pleased to be involved in a project where users were satisfied with the solutions and felt that they genuinely made their daily lives easier. It was meaningful to see that we were able to provide solutions that had tangible benefits for children, pupils and staff alike.
