Although it may seem that Christmas was only last week, we are approaching the end of January already. And that means that half term is nearly upon us. A welcome break for teachers and students alike it is often the case that parents’ frantically attempt to fill their days with activities and outings.
Consequences of School Closures During Winter
Despite often only receiving a sprinkling of snow, the country can occasionally experience enough to slow down traffic and force us to stay behind closed doors. Consequently snow and bad weather throughout the winter can force schools to close.
Whilst this is often unavoidable and a toughly considered decision, it can be inconvenient for both school staff and parents alike. However, it is frequently the case that schools will remain partially open allowing those, both staff and pupils, who can travel safely to still attend. In such occasions wall partitions are particularly valuable. Let us explain:
Flexible Space Just In Time For Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner. And the first term of the academic year has almost come to a close. But before you can put away the books and lock up the doors you must make it through another school nativity performance.
A long standing tradition in the majority of primary schools across the country, the School Nativity is the favourite amongst children but parents get the chance to see their little ones on stage for the first time. Swapping lessons for singing practice in the school hall might be exciting for them, but the hassles of sharing this space with the rest of the school is often problematic. This is where movable walls and folding partitions come in to play as the ideal solution for manageable space, not just for the festive season, but all year round. Find out how they can enhance the functionality of your school space here:
Why Are Glass Walls A Great Addition to the Office?
In recent years open plan offices have become increasingly popular amongst business’ the world over. Following on from the examples set by the likes of Google and Microsoft we came to believe that working openly would lead to increased productivity and more social work environments.
However, having implemented open office environments many companies are beginning to see that they aren’t all they are cracked up to be. In fact, recent studies suggest that open plan offices don’t actually boost productivity as much as first imagined. Glass partitions however, are an excellent solution to the potential pitfalls companies are facing due to this previous trend. Let us explain:
Do Open Plan Classrooms Have a Negative Effect on Learning?
As a result of current architectural fashion many schools, both primary and secondary, have opted to introduce open plan classrooms and large teaching areas. And just as open plan offices have been criticised for their lack of privacy and their employee’s decreased ability to work productively, research suggests that there is an urgent need to revaluate these designs in our educational facilities.
A great deal of research has been conducted in relation to children, teachers, and school environments whether concerning teaching styles, teaching methods, the bare wall theory or as we’ll discuss here; open plan learning.
Creating flexible space in hospitals and surgeries
One of the challenges to our health service is the influx of unscheduled patients. Managing bed availability and placing patients in appropriate beds can become a logistical problem when capacity is reached. Whilst the hospital staff are not able to magic more beds from thin air, there are ways to make the wards more flexible in terms of segregation. Infection control is high on the priorities of hospitals and cross-infection can easily occur in hospital wards.
Moveable Walls and Adaptable Interiors – The Future of Living?
You may have noticed the increased prices in renting a property and the d
ifficulty of obtaining a mortgage for first time buyers. And since getting on the property ladder is becoming an increasingly difficult task there is a rising level of “inter-generational” living.
What is “inter-generational” living we hear you say? It is simply the case whereby parents, children and grandchildren are living under one roof; a trend which continues to rise as youngsters can’t afford moving out costs.
Therefore architects across the globe are getting creative and finding a solution to the problem in the form of moveable walls and adaptable interiors.
Folding Wall House Emphasises Light
There are countless innovative and original architectural projects in design and production across the world every year. Yet there are rarely designs which truly cause us to stop, think and stare in awe at not only the aesthetic design but practical elements too.
This month we’d like to introduce to you this beautifully constructed home which proves how one wall, no matter how large or small, can completely transform a space.
Design Challenges
When architect firm NHA DAN Architect stepped in to create this magnificent home they had their work cut out for them.
Graffiti Walls Can Tell A Story Too
Believe it or not history can tell stories all across the world simply by showing us walls, whether still standing or nothing but a few remains. Think about it, the Great Wall of China depicts ancient boarders which protected the Chinese Empire from nomadic tribes or the Western Wall in Israel which many believe was the original Holy Temple.
But what about graffiti? This form of street culture is seen by many as destructive and possibly a little provocative with bold and uncompromising topics. With origins in gang culture, who favoured this form to mark their territory, graffiti is no longer seen as such a taboo but increasingly looked upon as a form of art allowing individuals to express ideas and statements.
So not only can we learn from ancient walls and other structures but increasingly we can look to graffiti for political, cultural and ethical messages of our time. Why don’t you take a look at a few of these famous messages in the form of graffiti:
Should We Forget The Open Plan Office Trend?
Despite the decline of privacy and rise in employee camaraderie the open plan office trend continues to take companies across the world by storm. For breaking office barriers and promoting open space working environments we can thank the likes of Google and Apple who have sang praises regarding significant improvements in their employee’s working day.
To some extent we can see why companies have opted for a change in the way their employees are able to work. Open plan environments tear down hierarches where the big bosses, who had once sought after private corner offices with the best views, mingle amongst the heart of the business; their employees.
Not only can a company benefit from maximising its space but it can simultaneously minimise costs. Employers and designers across all areas of business had hoped to revitalise a collaborative culture encouraging communication and spontaneous micro meetings amongst staff.
