# How Modern Learning Spaces Are Reshaping Student Success at Sunnyside High School
When student Enrique Villanueva first saw his classroom's transformation, he couldn't contain his excitement. "I was really excited—I couldn't believe it," he said, describing the new flexible workspace where he now edits photos for local sports teams like the Fresno Football Club and Fresno Grizzlies.
## Beyond Traditional Rows: Meeting Real-World Demands
For Teacher Tamela Ryatt, the old classroom setup simply wasn't cutting it anymore. "It needed to mimic the real world because isn't that what we're preparing the kids for?" she explained. The traditional rows of fixed desks couldn't support the collaborative, hands-on learning her digital photography students needed.
This challenge led Ryatt to partner with Tangram Interiors of Fresno to find a solution that would transform her static classroom into a dynamic learning environment.
## The Node System: Flexibility Meets Function
The answer came in the form of innovative node desks—mobile workstations that adapt to any learning scenario. "This is movable, cup holder," explains Kellie Reed of Tangram Interiors, demonstrating the versatility of each unit. "We can move this in an environment with three students working together. We can move them into a group with four folks. We can move them into a circle."
These thoughtful details matter. Students like Enrique appreciate practical features: "They're really cool chairs, we are able to move them around. You can put your water bottle there. It's a good atmosphere in class."
## Strategic Investment in Career Readiness
The classroom renovation was funded through career technical education programs, reflecting a broader shift in educational priorities. Sally Fowler, Fresno Unified's College & Career Readiness Executive Officer, explains the philosophy: "To encourage them to experience at an early age what they like and what they dislike so upon graduation they have a path into employment or a college major or into certification."
## Design Impact on Learning Outcomes
The flexible workspace allows students to seamlessly transition between individual work at their nodes and collaborative projects at specialized stations, including the digital photography room. This variety keeps students engaged while providing the practical experience employers value.
## A Model for Future Classrooms
Sunnyside High School's transformation represents just the beginning. Tangram Interiors is currently working on several similar collaborative classroom projects, indicating a growing recognition that learning spaces must evolve to meet changing educational needs.
## Key Takeaways for Design Professionals
This project demonstrates several important principles for educational space design:
**Flexibility drives engagement**: Mobile furniture allows spaces to adapt throughout the day
**Real-world preparation matters**: Classroom environments should reflect professional workspaces
**Student comfort enhances focus**: Thoughtful details like cup holders and comfortable seating reduce distractions
**Collaborative design works**: The partnership between educator and design professional produced solutions that truly met user needs
As career technical education continues to grow in popularity, the demand for flexible, professional-grade learning environments will only increase. Projects like this one at Sunnyside High School provide a roadmap for creating spaces where students can discover their passions while building practical skills for their futures.
