The Future of the High School Commons - Learning Happens Everywhere
Design Challenge: June 1 – August 14th
Fōmcore invites dealer designers to imagine the next generation of the High School Commons: a dynamic, student-centered environment where students can connect, engage, and belong.
Today’s students need more than traditional cafeterias and lounge spaces. They need environments that support collaboration, creativity, flexibility, wellness, and meaningful learning experiences throughout the entire school day.
Designs should thoughtfully incorporate Fōmcore soft seating and complementary table solutions to create cohesive, flexible learning environments.
The Design Challenge
Design a High School Café/Commons environment that creates meaningful student impact through connection, engagement, belonging, and flexible learning.
- The space should support:
- Connection with one’s self and between students, staff, and community
- Engagement through collaboration, flexibility, and active participation
- Belonging through inclusive, welcoming, and student-centered experiences
- The environment should function as:
- A social hub
- A collaborative learning environment
- A wellness-supportive space
- A flexible event venue
- A place where students feel safe, comfortable, and connected
Design Parameters
- Space Size: 4,000–6,000 sq. ft.
- Student Population: High School (Grades 9–12)
- Product: Use 80% Fōmcore products within your design challenge concept
Required Design Conditions
- Contain furniture that can be reconfigured quickly for groups, individuals, or events with multiple educational outcomes
- Include at least one wellness/decompression zone
- Support both active and quiet student engagement
- Demonstrate flexible furniture applications using Fōmcore soft seating and tables
- Include solutions that support neurodiverse learners and varied sensory needs
Core Design Themes
- CONNECT: Encourage self-regulation, collaboration, interaction, and community building
- ENGAGE: Support creativity, flexibility, movement, and active learning
- BELONG: Create inclusive spaces where every student feels welcomed, comfortable, and valued
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Top 3 winners receive national recognition across Fōmcore’s social media platforms, newsletter, and website
- Winning designs and awards will be featured in our booth at EDspaces 2026
- Grand prize winner receives $1,000 cash prize
- Winners Announced: September 11, 2026
View and download the full design challenge parameters, design requirements, deadlines, and submission details.
Sign up for the Fōmcore DEALER DesignER Challenge
SUBMISSIONS DUE BY AUGUST 14, 2026!