KI launches new Ruckus seating collection for active learning spaces

KI’s new Ruckus seating collection disrupts and redefines the boundaries of learning spaces. It’s not so much an evolution as a revolution. It looks like nothing else, it can be used like nothing else. This game-changing chair optimises student engagement, facilitates a wide range of teaching styles, and adapts to a variety of users and uses. Today’s educational environments are required to support ‘active learning’. Maker-centred and project based learning models are replacing linear, more traditional instructor-based lessons. Innovative curricula and pedagogies can only succeed if students are able to move freely and engage with their teachers, their materials and each other. Ruckus is a unique approach to facilitating this essential movement – it allows the user to rotate 360 degrees within the chair, rather than having to move the chair itself. Regardless of starting position, the user can quickly pivot and reorient themselves to where they need to direct their attention. This has been proven to enhance concentration, retention and engagement with materials, tools, instructors and fellow students.

The result of extensive research and development by KI’s in-house design team, Ruckus’ unique design has incorporated feedback from students, teachers, administrators, facilities managers and educational furniture suppliers. The resulting collection includes task, 4-leg and stack chairs, and stools in two height options. The fibreglass reinforced polypropylene seat and backrest can be specified in KI’s 24 standard colours, while the base is available in 31 finishes including chrome. Upholstered seat pads can be added for extra comfort.

The chair’s distinctive and unique backrest offers support and comfort, whilst also functioning as integrated arms. If the user swivels 90-180 degrees in either direction, the backrest becomes a worksurface for notepads, laptops or tablet computers. Perfectly engineered to act as a stable secondary seating surface, the backrest is also ideal for perching at standing height and even laboratory tables. It can also be safely mounted on the edge of a table for easy floor cleaning at the end of the day.

The generously proportioned seat with waterfall edges on all sides enhances comfort and stability for students of all shapes and sizes. The robust base of the stack chair can be fitted with a steel storage rack in matching or contrasting colours. Both stack and 4-leg chairs can be specified with either glides, or castors for extra flexibility and movement. Designed and manufactured by KI in the USA, it comes with a 15 year warranty. Winner of ‘Best of NeoCon 2017’ Gold Award for education solutions will be available in the UK from September 2017.