Project: Media Center, Gaming Lab, Coffee Shop
Location: Clio, MI
Industry: K-12 Education
Size: 4,647 sq. ft.
When textbooks went digital, Clio’s library was left with half-empty shelves and heavy wooden tables. Administrators wanted one destination that could handle lessons, lunchtime e-sports, and a student-operated cafe – all while showing off bright Bronco orange. DBI answered with a zoned plan and Haworth furnishings that students can rearrange on their own.
Project Overview
THE CHALLENGE
Replace static furniture and tall bookcases with pieces that roll, flip, or nest so staff can supervise the entire floor. The 4,647-square-foot space also had to support four distinct uses – study, lounge, gaming, and a student-run cafe – without dulling school spirit or breaking the budget.
THE SOLUTION
Flexible Classroom Spine:
Haworth Jive flip-nest tables pair with Maari side chairs and stools. Rows collapse to pods in under a minute, letting teachers pivot from lecture to teamwork.
Lounge & Study Nooks:
Curved Riverbend high-back sofas outline a quiet reading bay, while Resonate modular lounge, Openest Chick Poufs, and Pip laptop tables dot informal corners. Low backs keep sight-lines clear.
Powered Gaming Benches:
An Intuity bench with concealed power teams with Fern executive chairs so e-sports players get plug-and-play ergonomics.
“The Stable” Coffee Bar:
Pop-Up cafe tables, Maari barstools, and an orange-accent counter create a micro-cafe. Two ottomans add perch seating that slides wherever the crowd gathers.
Mobile Storage & Display:
X-Series and Master Series bookcases hold the pared-down print collection and serve as low dividers between zones.
Featured Products
✓ Haworth Jive tables
✓ Haworth Maari chairs & stools
✓ Haworth Pop-Up tables
✓ Haworth Intuity benching
✓ Haworth Fern executive chairs
✓ Haworth Riverbend sofas
✓ Haworth Resonate lounge
✓ Haworth Poppy lounge
✓ Haworth Pip laptop tables
✓ Haworth X-Series & Master Series bookcases
✓ Haworth Openest Chick Poufs
✓ OFS Boost Ottomans
THE RESULTS
‘The Stable’ now functions as a multi-purpose hub that can quickly adapt to the rhythm of the school day. With flexible furniture, the space shifts from classroom instruction to café service or gaming layouts, allowing staff and students to reconfigure the room without interrupting activity. Varied seating heights and postures give students the freedom to have focus time for individual work, collaborate with peers, or relax between classes. The result is a lively, student-driven space for study, connection, and creativity.
Fast changeover: Classroom, cafe, and gaming layouts reset in minutes thanks to furniture selections.
Choice by design: Multiple seating heights and postures let students study, collaborate, or relax without leaving the room.
Everyday destination: The Stable’s adaptable setup lets students lead their own cafe while supporting study and collaboration.
Behind the Design
