Classrooms and flexibility
Room size depends on class size and teaching style. Movable walls or folding partitions allow rooms to change. Storage for materials and a teacher's area should be included.
Consider future growth and whether rooms might be used for other purposes.
Test furniture layouts before you build. A room that looks big on paper may feel crowded once desks and equipment are in.
Acoustics and light
Sound between classrooms is a major issue. Full-height, insulated walls, sealed doors and acoustic ceilings help. Daylight, glare control and dimmable lighting support concentration.
Our interior systems crew builds sound-rated assemblies, and our electricians install lighting and controls.
Technology
Projectors or displays, strong Wi-Fi, network cabling, charging, AV and sometimes computer labs are common. Our low voltage team plans the cabling, and can install audio-visual and security systems.
Plan for equipment heat and power in computer rooms.
Lockable storage for devices and a secure network protect both students and your equipment.
Safety and occupancy
Occupant load, exits, alarm and emergency systems, accessibility and washroom counts are set by code and may change with the type of use. A school-type use is often a change of use in a commercial building, so check early.
Secure entry and controlled access protect students.
Provide for exam, quiet and group work spaces. Different uses need different acoustic and lighting conditions.
Ventilation
Full rooms generate heat and carbon dioxide. Fresh air and good zoning keep people alert. Our mechanical crew designs ventilation for the actual number of occupants, with controls that respond to use.
Controls that respond to the number of people in a room save energy while keeping the air fresh.
Questions we hear
Do training centres need a change of use?
Often. Confirm with the municipality before you lease.