IntroductionAs a sophomore at Danville school I am participating in my second year of our newly redesigned independent learning program called COMPASS. A class for students who want to explore their own interests and expand their learning beyond traditional subjects. My program is an exploration in interior design, involving the history, evolution and application of interior design. The First ImpressionWhen you walked into Danville School, the first thing you might have noticed was the creamy white cinder block walls. Although this might seem pleasant and attractive in a single room, these cinder blocks populate the entire school. The only variation in color were a couple of classrooms with painted walls, a wall divider, or where the red brick remained from a past addition. Many of our students had commented that these walls made the school look and feel like a prison. Over time small improvements were made, including the front lobby and cafeteria walls getting painted, and pictures of our school’s community being hung up on the walls. We were on our way to an attractive learning community. Ms. Keach's Classroom If you had seen Ms. Keach's room before the renovation, you would not be surprised to hear her students describe it as a jail cell. Four walls, a couple of doors and no windows. The small dimensions and popcorn ceiling panels did not help the aesthetic. This is where I came in, with a design to fix it all. Now of course I had a budget, and could not redo the entire classroom, but it’s amazing what a coat of fresh paint and new furnishings can do. The ProjectEvery project starts with an idea, graduates into a design and is finalized with the hard work and persistence of the designer. The first step with Ms. Keach’s room was to come up with a floor plan that would utilize the small amount of space available, without encroaching on the space and making the room seem smaller. How I decided to do this was by taking the long table out, and bringing in two separate tables which added extra walking space on either side due to the new arrangement of chairs. In one of the corners I created a comfortable sitting area, and along one wall three workspaces. The flow of the classroom has begun to improve and everything it coming together. The Final ProductA complete transformation, from bland to glam with every characteristic a classroom should have. Flexible seating arrangements, personalization, a pop of color and true condition with the decor and wall color. I have received many compliments on the work I have done with Ms. Keach’s classroom, and I am proud to say that I can call this project a success. Future ImprovementsA room is never truly complete there are always little tasks you can perform to better utilize the space you have. In the case of ms. Keach’s room there are many little projects I have yet to complete throughout the year. I have a list of goals that I am going to accomplish by the end of this semester alone, however, I don’t think I will ever fully feel that the room is complete as there is always room for improvement.
3 Comments
manuel carcoba
10/4/2019 05:37:04 pm
Wonderful exercise for growing minds.
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rylie
10/17/2019 07:48:04 am
I totally agree! Amazing work!
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Daniel W
8/23/2022 05:36:09 pm
I know it's a little dated, but I love you and miss you everyday. If you see this please contact me [email protected]
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AuthorDanville School Students! Archives
December 2023
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