Project: Michigan School for the Deaf
Location: Flint, MI
Industry: Education
Size: 1,810 sq. ft. | 80 Students | 25 Teachers
The Michigan School for the Deaf partnered with DBI to reimagine its media center. The goal was to create an engaging, inclusive, and functional environment tailored to the unique needs of students ranging from 2 to 26 years old. This space is now a vibrant hub of connection and learning for the school community.
Project Overview
THE CHALLENGE
Principal Rex and his team wanted a space that could inspire and accommodate their diverse student population. The existing furniture and layout lacked the flexibility required to support various activities, from collaborative work to quiet study, while low visibility created challenges for staff supervision and safety. Additionally, the design felt outdated and uninspiring, failing to engage students across such a wide age range effectively.
The Solution
DBI approached the project with a collaborative and creative design process. Starting with 3-4 conceptual layouts, the team worked closely with Principal Rex, Jodi Reymore, and other stakeholders to refine the vision through virtual meetings and feedback sessions. These discussions ensured every detail aligned with the school’s goals, from functionality to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment.
Visibility and Safety:
The redesigned layout prioritized clear sightlines to allow for better supervision and safety. A front-facing librarian desk, combined with low storage solutions, enhanced staff visibility while maintaining a functional and organized space.
Age-Inclusive Design:
Haworth’s low-sitting lounge furniture and multi-height tables created a comfortable and inclusive environment for staff and students of all ages. The vibrant and welcoming design aesthetic, ensured the space felt accessible to everyone.
Flexibility:
Multi-use meeting spaces, designed with Haworth’s Jive flip and nest tables and Cultivate tables capped with X series bookcases, allowed the media center to seamlessly adapt to group work, quiet study, and events. These solutions ensured long-term usability while supporting the school’s diverse activities.
Eye-Catching Furniture:
Bright Haworth trim colors and playful faux leather prints added vibrancy and energy to the space.
Dynamic Lounge Options:
Haworth’s low-sitting lounge furniture and multi-height tables addressed the diverse physical and functional needs of students across all age groups.
Collaborative Features:
Bold orange Buzzi puzzle piece seats added playfulness and interactivity for younger students.
Featured Products
✓ Haworth Unigroup Too
✓ Haworth Very Task & Side Seating
✓ Haworth Jive Tables
✓ Haworth Planes podium
✓ Haworth X Series
✓ Haworth Poppy lounge
✓ Haworth Openest Sofa & Chic Pouf
✓ Haworth Cultivate
✓ Haworth Buzzi Puzzle Seats
THE RESULTS
The refreshed media center has become a focal point for the Michigan School for the Deaf, promoting connection, creativity, and inclusivity. Students of all ages now have a vibrant and functional space tailored to their needs.
Improved Supervision: Low-profile furniture enhanced visibility for staff, ensuring better monitoring and safety for children.
Enhanced Engagement: The vibrant color palette and playful furniture designs sparked excitement among students.
Inclusivity: Thoughtful design solutions ensured the space catered to a wide range of ages and abilities, fostering a sense of community within the school.
Behind the Design
STEPHANIE MAPES
DBI Senior Interior Designer
“It was such an honor to reimagine the library at Michigan School for the Deaf. I wanted to create a media space that felt vibrant and welcoming, while truly supporting MSD’s unique needs. Seeing it come to life with its whimsical colors, flexible furniture, and thoughtful details has been so rewarding. I hope it becomes a space that staff and students will cherish every day.”