Outdoor furniture for learning and playing: Vestre equips 69 schools in San Bernardino, California

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) has trusted Vestre to redesign the outdoor spaces of 69 school sites serving 45 students.

In regions marked by significant socioeconomic differences, open spaces, particularly schoolyards, play an important role: they provide a safe environment and serve as social spaces. The local school board wanted to equip the schools' outdoor spaces with furniture that was beautiful, functional, and suitable for young audiences. Vestre presented itself as the ideal partner. This traditional Norwegian company is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to design. This is how these pleasant spaces were born, which benefit both students and local residents.

Different collections for different uses and needs

Customizing the modules played a central role in this project. In the middle and high schools, the furniture was powder-coated in the campus colors. The elementary schools chose child-friendly primary colors that added a touch of whimsy to their surroundings.

The placement of the meeting areas was carefully chosen to make them easily accessible to all students and to address certain common situations. For example, schools where football is a major sport offer more seating for spectators. This is where the stepped benches from the STOOP collection come in. The age of the students was also taken into account. Primary schools were equipped with the playful round benches from the VROOM series. In secondary schools, tables and high chairs, also from the VROOM series, were favored.

Picnic tables from the BUZZ, APRIL, and FORUM series have been installed for convivial meals. Some even feature a checkerboard for an outdoor game of chess or checkers.

“The seating has created a vibrant space, and our students are thrilled. Not only does the natural aesthetic of the rooms enhance the outdoor space, but it also provides opportunities for children to gather, play, and chat,” said Adrienne Ortega, principal of Oehl Elementary School.