Pearson Lloyd designs classroom furniture for Generation Z

"Modern classrooms demand new types of furniture," says industrial design studio Pearson Lloyd , which has developed a collection geared toward Gen Z learning. Together with British brand Senator, the studio has created CoLab , a line of experimental furniture designed specifically for this generation. The designs are intended for classroom environments where the focus is on active, social learning , rather than traditional models where a teacher stands in front of rows of desks. The collection features hybrid furniture with a variety of seating and surfaces that allow users to sit, lean, perch or stand. Many of the designs incorporate multiple elements – for example, a casual bench angled between a pair of high tables, while upholstered seating is topped with surfaces where you can place laptops, books or papers. Another design combines seating with standing tables , creating an intimate space for discussions and presentations.

According to Lloyd, these arrangements facilitate more varied forms of learning, but are also more practical. “One of the themes that emerged was the idea of a café classroom,” says the designer. “It’s a space where you can teach, but when you’re not being taught, students are more likely to inhabit it as a co-working space. It offers multiple postures and multiple configurations.” These objects were developed following a two-year research project that explored how educational spaces need to adapt to changing teaching methods and new technologies. Durability was also a key concern, which led Pearson Lloyd to develop a system in which modular components could be easily removed for repair or replacement . For the visual aesthetic, the design team combined robust materials with a playful, but not childish, style . Sturdy textiles appear alongside pops of color.