Los Nietos Middle School
Fun, flexible and comfortable seating options for an esports classroom
Understanding what drives the need for change
Los Nietos Middle School was pioneering a bold educational shift. As a STEAM Academy, they were already committed to fostering collaboration, creativity, and real-world application in their curriculum. But when they decided to integrate esports into their educational program, they faced uncharted territory. The explosive growth of competitive gaming in higher education had caught their attention, and they recognized an opportunity to teach strategy, critical thinking, and teamwork through a medium that resonated deeply with their students.
The challenge was complex: how do you create a learning environment that honors the competitive spirit of esports while maintaining the collaborative, social learning culture the school valued? They needed a space that could seamlessly blend high-tech gaming equipment with flexible furniture that would encourage multiple learning styles and group dynamics. Most importantly, this would be the first esports classroom in their entire district, setting a precedent for how technology and traditional education could work together.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram approached this groundbreaking project by drawing on their specialized expertise in esports environmental research. The team understood that successful esports education required more than just gaming stations—it demanded a carefully orchestrated balance between individual focus and collaborative learning. Working closely with the school's educators, Tangram developed a spatial plan that would support both competitive gaming and group strategy sessions.
The design solution centered on flexibility and movement. Tangram sourced vibrant, adaptable furniture from Smith System and MooreCo, creating distinct zones within the classroom. Flexible desks could quickly reconfigure into collaborative clusters for team strategy sessions, while mobile stools allowed students to move freely between workstations. The addition of lime green ergonomic bean bag chairs provided comfortable alternative seating that maintained proper support during extended gaming sessions. Every piece was selected to encourage interaction and engagement, transforming what could have been isolated gaming into a dynamic, social learning experience.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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