An effective training space requires more than a large room. While a decent-sized room is nice, truly effective training spaces also have a variety of other features that encourage community, collaboration, exploration, and reflection. It’s easiest to design the perfect training space from scratch, but any business can create a functional area to gather together and train personnel in an existing office by paying attention to the following elements:
Location
Like good real estate, good training spaces are all about location. To be effective, training spaces need to be in a location that is large enough to assemble the anticipated number of trainees; they need to be easily accessible, but not necessarily centrally-situated (since noise could be a problem if the room is placed in a particularly high traffic area); and they need to accommodate a wide variety of equipment and people.
ADA Compliance
Of course, the wide variety of people who will inhabit your training space makes it especially important for you to remember ADA regulations as you create your room’s layout and design. In fact, ADA compliance isn’t just a nice element for you to consider. It’s the law. Thus, all training spaces in your building must be accessible for those with limited mobility and/or dexterity and have appropriate signage to assist those with special visual needs.
Equipment
The best training spaces also have suitable equipment to satisfy a full range of possible needs. For example, while every training session might not require the use of an overhead projector, every training space should be configured in a way that ensures a projector could be used if needed. At a minimum, technological tools such as a whiteboard, retractable screen, microphone, speakers, and sound system — along with the aforementioned projector — should all be included in a training space’s design.
Lighting
You’ll need need to think about lighting as you build the perfect training space, as well. Because you’ll likely use the space in a myriad of ways, you’ll need varying levels of light. Installing a dimmable fixture will allow you to eliminate harsh glares while still permitting you the ability to illuminate the room more fully when necessary.
Flooring
Flooring is another important element since the right flooring can help reduce noise, regulate temperature, and enhance air quality. Pick a flooring type that is durable, easy to clean, and cost-effective to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
Furniture
Finally, choose furniture for your training space(s) that is sturdy, versatile, and comfortable. Ergonomic pieces that can be configured in multiple ways will help create a functional and pleasant place to gather, allowing your employees to teach, learn and socialize in ways that are both productive and enjoyable!
Want to Learn More?
Effective training spaces make use of many different design elements that can and often do change according to a business’s own unique needs and resources. To learn more about picking the training space features that best match your company’s own goals and objectives, please contact our team of professional designers here at Key Interiors. Our experience provides insight into designing training spaces that maximize form, as well as function, thereby strengthening your brand and ultimately impacting your bottom line!
