Academic Management Systems International (AMSI), a Dubai-based design and management consultant for the education sector, has been at the forefront of ergonomic academic design and space optimisation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). AMSI owns the Al Mawakeb Schools and the International School of Arts & Sciences (ISAS) in Dubai.

ISAS showcases space optimisation and ergonomic principles that are based partly on exact science, and partly on synthesis of architectural norms with academic experience, according to Adonis Nasr,AMSI, CEO.

“Space optimisation entails working with available space to maximise the learning experience.The idea is to extract maximum utility from space not in terms of volume but in terms of its versatility, support and richness in supporting a multi-channel learning environment,” says Nasr.

Space optimisation in classroom design

At ISAS, AMSI has implemented multi-tiered classroom restructuring with different levels of seating. The traditional theatre environment is reversed for the ISAS computer labs where issues of monitoring and classroom control have been dealt with by having the instructor stand at the highest elevation at the back of the classroom where he or she can see all learner screens and offer guidance as and when necessary.

Nasr also notes that ergonomically, it is far better for students to look down at the multimedia board at the front of the classroom than crane upwards to see it.

Design Highlights

• Replace standard rows and cubicles with multi-tiers
• Allow instructor the freedom to stand at the highest level at back of room
• Instant control over computer usage and monitoring of student progress
• Interactive board at front of class at a decline from level gaze,making viewing easy

Space optimisation in Information Communication Technology integration

AMSI has used a series of modular sliding boards at ISAS, with interactive whiteboards placed behind conventional boards running on a rail.Not only does this allow instructors to access both forms of presentation (conventional and electronic), it also offers protection to the more fragile interactive board.

Design Highlights

• Modular board structure for space saving
• Interactive board protected by sliding conventional board
• Fragile interactive board not exposed to classroom activity until needed

Optimising instructor reach and manoeuvrability in lab environments

“From an instructor viewpoint, the ergonomics of lab design must consider safety and manoeuvrability as critical. Our hexagonal layout,with the instructor at the exact centre of the work environment allows for greater supervision and speedier reaction in case of spills or other incidents,” comments Nasr.

At ISAS, the laboratories follow a hexagonal layout with a curved workbench design. The instructor is placed at the centre of the lab space, and is surrounded with arced benches where learners apply themselves. Unlike a conventional rowbased lab setup where the instructor would be hard pressed to reach the back benches from the front of the room were an incident to occur, the safety-centric ISAS layout ensures speedy intervention and greater supervision in the same space.

Design Highlights

• Hexagonal instructor-centric layout
• Ease of navigation
• Easy access to all workbenches

Ergonomic considerations for multipurpose halls, corridors and stairways

“For instructors, it is common knowledge that multipurpose halls are usually at the centre of frenetic student activity. Their design ergonomics must have safety as standard. For instance, AMSI recommends that activity halls not have stages with stairs, as angular constructions pose a safety risk,” observes Nasr.

Another AMSI guideline is to avoid corridors at right angles with bathrooms at the very apex. Nasr explains, “As anyone with experience in a young learner environment will know, bathrooms are sites for potential trouble.

“Having a bathroom at the apex of a right angled corridor requires monitoring in each corridor, effectively doubling supervision overheads for health and safety.”