Sagus International Gives Classrooms New Life

Sagus International revitalizes classrooms in two Chicago high schools, transforming their physical environments to improve educational results.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) November 26, 2008 -- Sagus International believes that enhancing the physical space of the educational environment will improve educational outcomes. To demonstrate the potential of these changes, Sagus entered into a unique partnership between the private sector and the public school system, making over a science lab and a social studies classroom at Walter Payton College Prep and William Harper High School.

Working in partnership with Legat Architects, Sagus' furniture and casework created a more collaborative and adaptable environment. The classrooms have been changed into learning environments responsive to student needs and creative teaching approaches.

As the head of the third largest school district in the nation, this collaboration is exactly the type of out of the box approach to improving education we want.

"The biggest thing it opens up is just workable space," said Walt Kinderman, Payton Prep Chemistry Teacher, on the newly renovated science lab. "Before, we had the kids somewhat isolated where they are working straight on the benches. Communication has certainly opened up by moving the tables and it just gives more surface area to perform the experiments."

Legat Architects' Dennis Kluge and Daniel Jiménez created floor plans to integrate all the new casework, desks, chairs and projection technology. Kluge and Jiménez then designed a palette of invigorating finishes and colors.

Liz Dozier, Principal of Harper High, said of the project: "It may seem like such a simple thing, like the tables instead of desks, but it is absolutely critical to creating an environment that's conducive to learning. So when kids are at tables as oppose to single traditional high school chairs, they are more likely to work with one another, the teacher is more likely not to just give that direct instruction, but to figure out ways in which to engage students in partner activities or in group activities. So it might seem very small, but it's actually very critical."

Sagus began this project with the belief that the physical environment within our schools can significantly influence the educational outcome. The company's goal was to contribute to the classroom environment in order to show how improving a school's interior space is an efficient, cost-effective solution that produces classroom results.

"This project illustrates the significant impact that changes to the educational environment can have on the learning experience," said Darryl Rosser, CEO, Sagus International. "Transforming these two classrooms has produced educational results."

Arne Duncan, CEO, Chicago Public Schools, commended the project as a model for public/private cooperation. "As the head of the third largest school district in the nation, this collaboration is exactly the type of out of the box approach to improving education we want."

A video overview of the project can be seen at SagusInternational.com. Both the video and photographs of the two classrooms are available upon request.

About Sagus International:
Sagus International is your one source for innovative furniture solutions for educational, hospitality and commercial environments. Through the collective efforts and combined experience of Artco-Bell Corporation, LSI Corporation of America and Midwest Folding Products, Sagus International is able to bring together leading-edge design, advanced construction and ergonomics to create environments that produce exceptional outcomes.

Contact:
Roy Koch
VP, Strategic Development
Sagus International
630-413-5543
http://www.sagusinternational.com

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