Winkelwagen
The abovementioned foundation has a number of permanent partners they work with, including Gispen Presikhaaf School Furniture. This is how the partnership between the foundation and the furnishing specialist came about.
PRIMARY SCHOOL DE DRIEBOND
A beautiful, relaxing and fresh environment
De Driebond is part of Stichting Openbaar Onderwijs Groningen (public education foundation Groningen). The foundation covers all public schools in the city of Groningen. At De Driebond, they want to provide pupils with a solid social, emotional and cognitive foundation so they can confidently take the next step in their lives. The children are challenged to learn in a pro-active way, in an environment where learning through trial and error is common practice.
THE PARTNERSHIP
THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE
There was a practical starting point in place, the building is not that big. So we thought long and hard about things such as storage space and pleasant study areas for the pupils. The team found it important that the furniture radiates tranquillity on the one hand, but is also visually attractive on the other hand. De Driebond is a so-called Dalton school. We have created areas where the pupils can easily work on projects together, but also various corners and alcoves where they can work individually. These are present in the main hallway but also in the classrooms.
WORKING METHOD
The school deliberately puts the pupils together at group tables. The classrooms feature both group tables and individual student desks, which are easily combined for making optimal use of the space.
USE OF COLOUR
The use of colour was also very important to the school. A soft shade of blue was chosen as the predominant colour. Various shades of blue are combined with wood for a stunning effect.'
Photography: Ronald Zijlstra
‘BE MINDFUL OF THE USE OF COLOUR IN YOUR SCHOOL.’
Headmaster of De Driebond primary school
Sanne Lantinga - Headmaster of De Driebond primary school
A word from the client
Working with Gispen Presikhaaf School Furniture was a pleasant experience. I was especially surprised by what is possible in terms of school furniture these days. There is such great equipment that can truly add to the experience of the pupils. The furniture is comfortable, inviting and playful at the same time. I had a picture in my mind for the interior design, but I'm obviously no expert. Fortunately, Klaas Geleynse (furnishing specialist at Gispen Presikhaaf School Furniture) always had valuable ideas to contribute. We complemented each other well. Not only during the construction phase, but also after we had already moved in. Moreover, we included the vision of the architect of the school building, Allart Vogelzang of Vector-i, in the selection process.
Klaas provided good advice on things like coat racks for guests. A coat rack might sound simple, but it was important to us that it matched the interior and didn't stand out too much. Klaas had a good idea that was in line with the overall design language.
Whether it was a chest of drawers, a large custom table in the study plaza or a column with cushions for the toddlers: there were always options to choose from. Klaas has good taste and plenty of knowledge and experience when it comes to the educational part. After all: furnishing a school is very different to buying a new dining table. In addition, Klaas did not just focus on the main hallway or classrooms, but took the entire building into account. Always having that broad view was important to him too. All in all, I look back on a successful collaboration!
Our previous building was quite old. It was an idyllic spot, but no longer met the needs and requirements of today. The fact that we have moved to a new building makes me realise how important the place is where you work and go to school. Being surrounded by beautiful, relaxing and fresh surroundings really adds to your job satisfaction. My colleagues tell me the same all the time. The tasteful interior contributes a lot to this. And you also notice that the pupils are happy with their new school environment. I was always proud of our school, but the surroundings are now more in line with what we stand for. It's a perfect match.'
Photo gallery
Education furnishing specialist
KLAAS GELEYNSE
Would you like to learn more about the BS Dommelrode furnishing project? Then please contact Klaas Geleynse, Education furnishing specialist at Gispen Presikhaaf School Furniture.