Depending on where you grew up, most school desks probably look the same and seeing one that you were familiar with brings up a lot of good (or bad) memories. But there are parts of the world where school desks are actually a luxury that not everyone can afford. There are schools in rural areas that have to make do with shared tables or if they did have desks, they are not of the best materials and are not conducive to learning.
Designer: NOS Design
This concept for Clever – School Desk, a redesign of the common school desk, was born out of analyzing desks in rural schools in Mexico. The designers wanted to create something that was affordable, convenient, can last longer, can be easily transported, and also can withstand extreme weather conditions that are common in most of these areas. The concept that they came up with is a two-piece school desk made from recycled plastic.
The desk has a round seat with an oval backrest and a rotating board as the desk which they can move around depending on what they need at the moment. They can use it for writing and reading and then if they just need it as a table to place their things, they can move it to the side. There is a hook on the back where they can hang their school bags. There’s also a pocket under the seat where they can store their books, notebooks, and other school supplies. The seats are conically shaped so they can be stacked on top of each other in case they need to be stored away. They can be produced in many colors so the desks don’t need to be the usual boring brown. They are mass produced through rotomolding that uses recycled polyethylene. It’s also light enough to be transported easily to the rural areas that will be needing them.
In essence, the Clever – School Desk is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a tool for empowerment. By addressing the specific needs of underserved communities, NOS Design has demonstrated how thoughtful design can bridge educational gaps. This innovative desk, with its focus on affordability, durability, and practicality, promises to transform learning environments and unlock the potential of countless students. Its success underscores a crucial point: that even the most basic elements of a classroom can be redesigned to create a more equitable and inspiring space for learning, proving that clever solutions can indeed make a world of difference.
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