Inside the Install: General Shafter Elementary School – The Bobcat Den

Welcome to "Inside the Install" at General Shafter Elementary, where we delve into the transformation of the school's media center, known as "The Bobcat Den." This redesigned space is crafted to ignite curiosity and enhance the love of learning. With natural design elements, a variety of seating options, and innovative features like a book vending machine, The Bobcat Den is not just a room, but a hub of exploration and discovery. From soft seating that mimics rolling hills to a striking tree centerpiece, each aspect is thoughtfully designed to encourage students to find their perfect spot for reading and learning. Join us as we explore how this vibrant space is making a difference in the students' educational journey.

Innovative Entrance: The Book Vending Machine and Active Seating Area

As you step into the space, one of the first features that catches the eye is the book vending machine, a novel twist on traditional vending machines. This machine is strategically placed to excite students about reading, treating the acquisition of a new book as a fun and rewarding experience. It embodies the school's commitment to promoting literacy in an engaging way. Adjacent to the vending machine, the area is furnished with Rok and Log ottomans, offering students flexible and active seating options. This setup is not just about comfort; it's designed to support various activities from using technology and taking quizzes to completing schoolwork. The principal emphasizes how these pieces allow students to stay comfortable while providing the freedom to move, ensuring they remain engaged and active even during more static tasks. 

Adding to this dynamic entrance is the librarian's desk, designed in a way that resembles a birch tree. This unique design feature not only serves as a practical workstation but also enhances the biophilic elements throughout the media center. The principal notes, "The desk looks like a birch tree, which is a really cool design finish and element that brings together the whole design." 

Cozy Corner: The Book Nooks

Tucked along the wall are the book nooks, specially designed cozy corners that offer students a tranquil spot for solitary reading and relaxation. This area is outfitted with soft seating and a ceiling-like cover that creates a more enclosed, calm environment. The design intentionally provides a quiet retreat away from the more active parts of the media center, making it ideal for students who seek a peaceful place to immerse themselves in books and enjoy some alone time. The atmosphere of the book nook makes it a favorite among students who appreciate a secluded space to unwind and engage with their reading material.

Central Hub: The Community Tree and Bookshelves

At the heart of the media center is a nature-focused setup that captivates anyone who enters. Anchored by an artificial tree, seating is arranged in a circle around it, creating a communal and inviting space. Curved bookshelves surround the tree and are stocked with a vibrant selection of books are strategically placed at eye level for young readers. The incorporation of biophilic design elements here aims to emulate the serenity and inspiration found in nature, making the media center a unique, fun, and educational environment unlike any traditional setting. This central zone is designed to be the heart of the media center, where nature meets narrative in a space that encourages exploration and communal learning.

Flexible Floor Seating: The Stone Zone

 At the back of the media center, a special area is dedicated to relaxation and free-form play. Here, Fōmcore's custom stone pieces not only add a touch of nature through their biophilic design but also offer versatile and comfortable floor seating. These stones allow students to shape their own reading or resting nooks, adapting the space to their momentary needs. "We've had students in here, and it's fun to see them...some would stack them, some would undo them. And so it was just letting them be creative in their space and how they wanted to read," notes the principal, highlighting the flexibility and creative freedom these pieces bring to the media center.

Comfort Corners: The Nests

Adjacent to the stone area is a row of Fōmcore nests, which have quickly become a favorite spot among students and adults alike. Available in multiple sizes, these nests provide a snug and secure setting, ideal for both younger students and those who might need a quieter, more enclosed space. The principal adds, "I feel like also for students that maybe have special needs or other things like that, this area has been their top go-to to feel secure in there," emphasizing the nests' role in supporting inclusivity and comfort in the school's learning environment.

Inspired by Nature: The Rolling Hills 

Along one wall of the media center, the Rolling Hills seating area captures the imagination with its unique design and functionality. This section, characterized by its organic shape and rolling surfaces, offers students a playful yet calming space to relax with a book or engage in quiet conversation with friends. The principal expresses enthusiasm for this feature, noting, "We were really excited about the Rolling Hills because it not only adds an element of design but also creates a very unique surface where students can lay, be cuddled up with a book, or just be with their classmates and friends as they chat and hang out." This area exemplifies the integration of biophilic design within the media center, merging natural aesthetics with practical seating solutions to enhance the students' social and academic interactions. The Rolling Hills effectively contribute to the overall nature-themed ambiance, reinforcing the media center’s commitment to creating spaces that are both engaging and functional.

The Bobcat Den at General Shafter Elementary is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in educational spaces. With each creatively designed section, every student can find a space where they can flourish both academically and personally, surrounded by elements that inspire and comfort. This project not only transformed a space but also the daily experiences of its young learners, proving that great design can indeed make a great difference.