From a flexible environment that allows them to shape their own workspace, to immersing themselves in communities that reflect who they are, Generation Z is revolutionizing the way we construct educational and professional spaces. Gen Z is a generation that deeply cares, and they want the places where they learn and work to share those same values. They deserve ergonomic furniture that assists in curating those environments.
Read MoreTopics: Collaboration, Design, Active Classroom, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, generation z, CTE
Akt by MooreCo is a family of tables, chairs and soft seating designed for Gen Z. We designed Akt with intention of creating pieces that are active, kinetic, and tectonic, key ingredients that Gen Z needs in order to thrive. Akt was designed to morph, reinvent, and transform itself allowing users to feel they are in control while they move in, through and with the space they are in. Conceived under our Thrive philosophy, which focuses on the six key facets of human development from adolescence and into the workforce, the Akt collection puts the spotlight on soft seating and surfaces that are active, kinetic, and tectonic.
Akt: Active. Kinetic. Tectonic
Read MoreTopics: Collaboration, Design, Active Classroom, MooreCo Workplace, Thrive, Akt
During our Thrive Webinar, we had the chance to speak with Dr. Lisa Harris of Healthworks Ergonomics, who taught us the importance of sensory and physical experiences that Gen Z has in the classroom and the workspace. “People are more often now considering sensory needs to be just as important as physical needs,” Dr. Harris said. “There is a lot that goes into creating an environment that brings out a physical response in your body.” The Akt family of furniture is specifically designed in response to physical and sensory needs that Gen Z is experiencing. Akt Tables reduce contact stress, Akt Chairs promote good posture, and Akt Lounge seating guarantees a cleaner environment, all with the goal of creating sensory-friendly environments that also support physical wellness for Gen Z as they further their education and enter the workforce.
Read MoreTopics: Collaboration, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Clean Living, Technology, Well-being, sensory needs
Gen Z is already famous for doing things differently. At school, empathy is popular. As they enter the workforce, they put a higher emphasis on people than profits. They form tighter and more diverse communities than ever before, primarily because their generation is the most diverse than previous ones. Workplaces and schools should also emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to appeal to Gen Z. In the wake of a global pandemic and the reality of school shootings, Gen Z is very focused on their physical and mental wellbeing. Enter Akt: a family of furniture designed in response to these needs and takes into account Gen Z’s call to action. The Akt collection was created to facilitate change, support diverse communities, and can be configured to build collaborative workspaces where Gen Z feels mentally and physically safe.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Active Classroom, Clean Living, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, mental health, generation z
8 Ways to Stay Mighty
MooreCo has been committed to providing environments where people can thrive for over 3 decades. But what does it mean to thrive? Once all of our survival needs are met (safety, food, shelter, water), we can focus on the higher range of needs. Hierarchy by MooreCo was inspired by Mazlow's Hierarchy of Needs. We imagined a world where students were not only stimulated, but supported, encouraged, and set up to succeed in all their learning endeavors.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Active Learning, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, hybrid classroom, Teacher's Favorites, Well-being
Topics: Case Studies, Active Classroom, MooreCo Workplace, Well-being, holiday
What Does it Mean to Thrive?
At MooreCo, we’re big on thriving. Our Thrive Philosophy came about in 2019, to focus on designing spaces that encourage physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social-emotional, and moral development. Even as there were opportunities to help students thrive then, the pandemic made that need even more dire. The past year has taken a toll on students, teachers, and parents in ways that will take time to recover. With the help of ESSER funds allocated to schools to help with this recovery, our hope is that schools and students will have access to the resources and spaces they need to truly thrive.
Read MoreTopics: Collaboration, Design, Active Learning, Active Classroom, Covid-19, learning from home, Teacher's Favorites, Thrive
Topics: Active Learning, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, Covid-19, hybrid classroom, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Compass, Teacher's Favorites
The Four Corners of Harmonious Classroom Design
“To slow time down, practice enjoying the moment. It is where we spend our entire lives.” This wisdom from the I Ching describes an ideal way to live by slowing down. In the digital age, however, it’s getting more and more difficult to take this sage advice. Because of the pandemic, we are even more devoted to time spent on our devices, staring at screens with fast-paced minds. Among students, this trend has had some negative consequences. Adolescents and young adults (known as Gen Z) are struggling with mental health more than previous generations. When students return to school this fall, it will be important to consider their mental, physical, and emotional health. But educators, parents, and school designers would be remiss to discount the benefits of considering students’ spiritual development when creating spaces and schedules for student health. This doesn’t mean subscribing to a certain system of belief. It can be as simple as integrating space for silence, breathing, and reflection.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Human Development, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, Clean Living, Expert Analysis, New Products, Well-being, Thrive