Many organizations today have an open or collaborate work environment due to space constraints. Therefore, the idea of the training room is also changing. Today’s training room needs to be designed with flexibility in mind as this room will serve as a multipurpose room (i.e., Company Meetings, Computer Training, New Employee Orientation, and Leadership Training. The training room needs to create an environment for learning, collaboration and innovation.
The following considerations will help you create a flexible and effective training or multipurpose room space.
1. Flooring – select commercial carpeting with a slight pattern and medium tone. This will help in keeping the carpet clean and is ideal for high volume.
2. Lighting – be sure to have lighting overhead the training area and overall room itself. Lighting that can be dimmed is helpful when presenting. If you have natural light from windows, be sure the blinds can be easily adjusted to avoid glare.
3. Technology – since we are keeping flexibility in mind, be sure to have various delivery options: white board, ceiling-mounted projector with remote, large-format screen, DVD player, speakers, wireless microphone, laser pointer and a lectern from which all this technology is easily managed. Also, the design should include multiple wall and floor outlets to avoid cords in the walkways associated with trip hazards.
4. Furniture – Rectangular or round tables with wheels are recommended for easy configurations. You want to make sure you purchase commercial grade training tables that will withstand daily use and will be easy to arrange and form multiple layouts. Tables that fold or nest are ideal for storing and utilizing less space.
Chairs should also be commercial grade with wheels and arms. Please keep in mind to select a material that breathes and is ergonomically designed for superior comfort. Consider padding, seat height adjustable and swivel capability options.
Storage cabinets should also be included for technology, training and meeting supplies. It is always a good idea to select a storage solution with a locking feature.
Also consider, white board or glass boards to express and capture ideas from you meeting or training.
An additional desk in the front of the room is great to have in place for the instructor. This should include a computer or PC hook-up and printer, etc.
5. Purpose of Room and Configurations
The purpose of the event is extremely important in selecting the “most effective” room layout.
Ask yourself,
- How many people do I need to accommodate?
- Do people need to interact with one another?
- Do people need to have small group break out sessions or discussions?
- Do people need access to a computer?
- Do people need to have meeting or writing materials in front of them?
- What is the type of training room configuration I will use (i.e. Theatre style, U-Shape, Seminar, Herring Bone, Boardroom style, Circle, Square or Bistro)?
Remember, the most important component is flexibility when designing an effective training room space!
