As part of the master plan for the Verona Area School District, a new 590,000 square foot high school campus was constructed on 161 acres, featuring a 3-story academic building for 2,200 students, a 1,000-seat performing arts center, a field house, athletic fields, and swimming facilities.

The old high school was converted into a new middle school, necessitating new furniture for all classrooms, administrative areas, and common spaces. The Verona Area School District collaborated closely with Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) and furniture partner Henricksen to realize their vision of embracing 21st-century learning, which emphasizes active learning and flexible classroom setups.
Principal Pam Hammen expressed the need for lightweight, versatile furniture that accommodates various heights and offers comfortable seating. Henricksen developed pilot classrooms for testing, allowing teachers and students to evaluate different furniture types and configurations.

Feedback was crucial, leading to custom whiteboards that were smaller and portable, as well as hooks on tables for backpacks to reduce locker reliance. Henricksen and EUA provided a variety of fabrics and finishes, enabling the faculty to select diverse color schemes for different areas, enhancing wayfinding throughout the school.

Abie Khatchadourian, Senior Project Manager at EUA, praised Henricksen’s thoroughness, noting their comprehensive documentation and successful installation process. After the furniture was set up, Henricksen created online training videos for staff to familiarize them with the new products during COVID-19.

Today, the facility boasts integrated soft seating and standing options, fostering mobility and reconfigurability. The cafeteria includes standing tables and curved booths for alternative workspaces. Senior Interior Designer Megan Walker emphasized that the effectiveness of the new building relies on having furniture that aligns with its flexible design principles, a sentiment echoed by Hammen regarding the variety of collaborative spaces now available.