Global architecture firm Stantec collaborated with MillerKnoll and MillerKnoll Certified Dealer Trellis to reflect this future focus by creating active learning environments that offer a variety of settings to intuitively shift between lectures, collaboration, and individual work.

Project goals included:

1. A purpose-built space tailored to digital media learning and teaching

2. The most elevated gaming space of any public university in the Midwest

3. A tool for increasing collaboration between students and faculty

4. Multifunctional, flexible, and technology-enabled spaces throughout the building

5. A key differentiator to aid in the attraction and retention of students

A purpose-built space

Glen Okonoski, Chair of the School of Digital Media at Ferris State says the department never had a purpose-built space designed specifically for the unique needs of both students and instructors.

The new space provides active learning environments designed with variety and choice top of mind. The classrooms include ergonomic furnishings from across the MillerKnoll collective of brands—including Knoll Ollo® Chairs, Herman Miller Sayl Side Chairs, and NaughtOne Lasso Stools. Throughout the space, flexible table arrangements support standing and seated height postures, mobility for professors with Herman Miller Passport Tables, and seamless technology integration.

CVL spaces were designed as adaptable learning environments that last and can facilitate current and unforeseen advances in virtual learning approaches.

“You want [the furniture] to do a lot of things. You want it to be durable but comfortable and be future-ready,” says Okonoski.

Real-world experience

The CVL has become a showpiece for campus tours. The first floor is a natural thoroughfare that students can walk through from class to class—a welcomed path during Michigan winters. A huge glass wall gives visibility to the technology-rich spaces and lets passers-by check out an esports competition in progress.

The building also familiarizes students with what they might see in real-world professional environments. With students seeking more career-focused experiences in college, creating settings that support career preparation on campus and connections between students helps advance these goals.

Students have access to:

• Esports arena

• Green screen room

• Dedicated audio booths

• Podcasting spaces

• Video editing suites

• AR/VR/XR lab for virtual environments

“We’re trying to prepare students for careers,” Okonoski says. “To have spaces that look and feel professional, like what they're going to experience in an office environment, is awesome.”

The heart of the building

Esports is a thriving multibillion-dollar industry. Catering to this booming industry, Ferris State included a state-of-the-art esports arena in the CVL's future-forward design. The esports arena also helps build community and engagement among students.

Ferris State and Trellis collaborated with The Herman Miller Gaming Group to select Herman Miller Motia Gaming Tables, Embody Gaming Chairs, and customized Ollin Monitor Arms to provide maximum flexibility.

Esports requires various components across the space for people to participate in different activities including strategy sessions, watching film, practice, and competition.

“It's not just all playing video games,” says Jon Campbell, Vice President of Herman Miller Gaming. “We talked a lot about thinking about this as not just a pastime, but also a highly strategic, highly competitive sport.”

Putting students and teachers first

Perhaps the most successful execution of the CVL’s design intent is its focus on people. Students can be found day or night using the building and accessing the specialized spaces, technology, and tools.

“In the past, you had to convince them why they couldn't just do this on their computer at home,” Okonoski said. “Frankly, we don't have to answer that question anymore.”

Lounges let students relax or share ideas, and multiuse rooms flex to support classroom instruction, group project work, and applied learning. Even those who aren’t CVL students or faculty enjoy the space.

“This is premium space,” said Okonoski. “Our student groups come in at night and use the space for a movie night or to showcase student work.”

To accommodate the various demographics, types of learners, and e-learning needs for the CVL, MillerKnoll and Trellis showcased our design expertise and the power of our collective of brands. Using Compass and Live Design planning tools, the project team designed in real-time and workshopped spaces. The collaboration tapped the best of what MillerKnoll brings to a project to help the client achieve even more than they had hoped for.

“The Center for Virtual Learning was a true pivot for Ferris State in terms of how they placed the building, how they built it, and what its intention was,” says Michael Dura, Regional Sales Director for MillerKnoll. “Not only for the students who regularly use it but for how they want to plan their learning environments moving forward.”

3-point recap

1. Ferris State set out to design a new Center for Virtual Learning building that can adapt to change and support future careers.

2. Leveraging Herman Miller Gaming’s expertise, the new building houses a state-of-the-art esports gaming arena that builds community and invests in the future of Ferris State.

3. MillerKnoll's knowledgeable planning and investment in design tools helped create an educational facility that supports various learning types and needs.

Sources

*“New Survey Reveals Crisis of Confidence in Workforce Readiness Among College Students,” Strada Education Network, published April 4, 2023.

**Marcus, Jon, “College Leaders Refocus Attention on Their Students’ Top Priority: Jobs After Graduation,” The Hechinger Report, November 24, 2023