Educational environments are undergoing a quiet revolution. Where once there were rigid desks and fixed seating, we are now falling off our chairs as we see agile layouts, modular designs and furniture that thinks ahead.

As schools, colleges and universities adapt to evolving pedagogical needs, a new class of smart and sustainable furniture is emerging, designed not only to last, but to flex, connect and include.

Four innovative companies, namely Living Edge, K5 Furniture, Furnware and Zenith Interiors, are reshaping how educational spaces look, feel and function.

From tech-enabled desks to ergonomic chairs and modular lounge seating, each brand brings a different philosophy to what makes furniture “smart.” But they share a common goal: to support the diverse, dynamic ways students learn today.

For Tim Bachelor, Senior Education Consultant at Living Edge, smart furniture isn’t defined by its digital capabilities alone.

“At Living Edge, we define smart furniture not simply as tech-enabled, but as adaptive, scalable design that evolves alongside the needs of modern education,” he says. “We champion the principle of Furniture for Life, pieces that endure, supporting long-term use across dynamic learning environments.”

The company’s educational range includes designs from Herman Miller, Muuto, Derlot, Magis and more. It features flexible products like the Herman Miller OE1 table and Fuld nesting chair, which allow rapid reconfiguration and support a variety of learning modes.

“Furniture such as the Herman Miller Atlas or Ratio sit-to-stand desk and ergonomic task seating supports wellbeing and concentration through intelligent design and integrated movement,” says Bachelor.

“ZETR power solutions can be embedded into select pieces, allowing seamless technological integration for charging and connectivity, without compromising on design.”

Above: Living Edge collaborated with Xavier College and MGS Architects to furnish the Kostka building / Andrew Latreille.

Bachelor points to a 2024 collaboration with Xavier College and MGS Architects as a prime example of the company’s philosophy in action.

“In 2024, Living Edge collaborated with Xavier College and MGS Architects to furnish the Kostka building, a purpose-built environment designed to support the evolving needs of Year 7 and 8 students. The project highlighted the value of flexible furniture in education, with products selected for their adaptability and long-term relevance,” he says.

“Herman Miller’s OE1 modular tables were installed throughout the classrooms, offering immediate flexibility to align with the school’s current teaching methods. Just as importantly, their modular and sustainable design ensures they can be easily reconfigured as the school’s pedagogical approach continues to evolve.

“In breakout areas, Derlot’s Prisma seating was used to create informal, student-led zones that encourage autonomy and adaptability. The lightweight, movable nature of the furniture empowers students to shape their environment to suit a range of learning styles and activities.”

Living Edge’s range meets high standards in both sustainability and ergonomics. “Many of the products in our range meet or exceed leading environmental standards, including GECA and GreenTag certifications, and are made using responsibly sourced materials such as FSC-certified wood. Low-VOC manufacturing processes are also prioritised to support healthier indoor air quality,” Bachelor notes.

“In terms of durability and ergonomic performance, our offering aligns with recognised benchmarks including AFRDI, BIFMA, and ISO standards, ensuring the furniture stands up to the rigours of daily use in busy education settings while also supporting comfort and proper posture.”

Accessibility is another essential component. “Living Edge’s flexible furniture solutions are designed with inclusivity at their core, ensuring that all students can participate equally and comfortably in learning environments,” Bachelor says.

“Height-adjustable tables and desks provide accessibility for wheelchair users and others with varying physical needs, making it easier to personalise space for individual comfort and functionality. Lightweight, movable pieces allow students and educators alike to reconfigure layouts without physical strain, promoting independence and autonomy.

“Soft seating and modular breakout areas offer quieter, low-stimulation spaces that support neurodiverse learners, giving them the freedom to choose how and where they engage. Additionally, products like the Gargantua table from Extremis exemplify universal design thinking, featuring adjustable bench heights that cater to users of all ages and abilities, including space for wheelchair users.”

According to Bachelor, this ensures that communal learning and gathering spaces remain welcoming and functional for everyone.

For K5 Furniture, the notion of “smart” is more about spatial intelligence than embedded tech.

“The Inno Play Sofa, designed by Finnish designer Vertti Kivi, is a modular seating solution that adapts seamlessly to dynamic learning environments. Unlike conventional educational furniture, its distinctive 'playful' geometry and flexibility allow for endless spatial configurations, from individual focus pods to collaborative clusters,” says K5 Furniture CEO and Founder Erna Walsh.

“What sets it apart is not just its modularity, but its capacity to encourage spontaneous interaction, informal learning, and adaptable public space design. Manufactured under license in Australia, it combines global design excellence with local production capability.”

The sofa’s design encourages active participation and creativity, especially in informal settings.

“Design-wise, the Play Sofa facilitates movement, comfort, and creativity—three vital pillars in contemporary education. Its reconfigurable modules support agile learning spaces that can shift with teaching requirements,” says Walsh.

“While not a digital ‘smart’ product in the traditional sense, its smartness lies in its intuitive adaptability: it allows students and educators to co-create the spatial experience. Optional features such as integrated power outlets or device charging stations enable seamless technology integration, supporting device-based learning without sacrificing aesthetic cohesion.”

In one standout project, the Play Sofa helped redefine campus spaces at Monash University.

“As a mode of connection within public spaces, the play sofa sits with Monash University as part of the Adaptive Reuse project by NH Architecture. This initiative focused on improving connectivity between existing campus buildings, turning transitional zones into engaging, student-friendly commons,” says Walsh.

“The Play Sofa played a key role in creating these vibrant, informal spaces where students could pause, collaborate, or recharge. Feedback from students and staff highlighted its positive impact on flow, usability, and atmosphere, transforming underused corridors into social and study destinations.”

Inclusivity is also baked into the product’s DNA. “The Play Sofa’s modularity allows it to be configured with accessibility in mind, including wheelchair-compliant arrangements and clear path-of-travel considerations,” Walsh explains.

“Modules can be spaced to provide easy access, and optional backrests and armrests offer additional support for users with mobility or posture-related needs. With varying depths on the module pieces, the sofa enables various ways of sitting on the sofa, whether it requires feet on the floor, cross-legged or legs up.

“The low height of seating also makes it approachable for users of all ages and abilities, ensuring that comfort, community, and inclusivity are not just design intentions but lived experiences.”

Above: Furnware’s Bodyfurn Flex range in action / Supplied.

At Furnware, comfort and focus are the main goals behind the Bodyfurn Flex range.

“The Bodyfurn Flex range is an ergonomic seating solution designed to support movement, comfort, and focus in learning environments,” says Matt Whyte, Director at Furnware.

“Its unique design allows the seat and back to move independently with the user, encouraging healthy posture and reducing fatigue. Made from durable, recyclable materials, it delivers both functional and environmental performance.”

“The design supports a variety of postures and activities. “Bodyfurn Flex improves comfort and concentration through dynamic movement,” he says.

“The contoured seat supports a range of postures, including side-facing and collaborative seating, making it ideal for flexible learning. It’s also stackable and easy to move, enabling quick reconfiguration to suit various teaching styles and digital learning formats.”

Furnware also points to research to support its claims, such as a recently completed case study at Papanui High School. The research itself is titled ‘Papanui High School | Innovative Classroom Furniture Solutions - Furnware Research: PhD Research Project from the University of Waikato’.

“The overwhelming majority of students reported that Bodyfurn Flex chairs were more comfortable, with the main reason being their flexibility, which allowed them to move naturally and adjust positions or postures as needed.”

Time spent out of their seats decreased by 22%. In-chair movement increased by 11%. Time on-task increased by 10%. Disruptive behaviour decreased by 19%. Furthermore, instances of chair tipping decreased by 81%.

The product is also certified for durability and sustainability.

“Bodyfurn Flex is AFRDI Blue Tick and Green Tick Gold certified, meeting rigorous standards for strength, durability, and environmental performance,” Whyte notes.

“Designed to reduce fatigue and support focus through dynamic movement, it enhances student comfort, wellbeing, and engagement, particularly for those with heightened sensory needs.”

At Zenith Interiors, smart furniture takes a digital turn. Vera Meharg, Marketing Director, explains the concept behind the Orbis Workstation.

“Unlike traditional educational furniture, Zenith’s Orbis Workstation is an adaptive solution that seamlessly blends ergonomic design, integrated technology, and spatial flexibility,” she says.

“Orbis is distinguished by its round, telescopic leg design and clean profile. Available in a wide range of configurations (90, 120 and 180 degree) including single, runs, pods and the dynamic ‘Orbis Pie’ shape, it caters to diverse learning styles from quiet focus to active project-based engagement.”

What really sets Orbis apart is the integration with Zenith Connect. “What sets Orbis apart is its compatibility with Zenith Connect’s desk reservation system by integrating a 'puck' that streamlines check-ins, occupancy tracking, and device charging,” says Meharg.

Above: Zenith Interiors’ Orbis workstation / Supplied.

“This versatile puck empowers students to book a desk while providing valuable insights into space usage. Not just limited to reservations, it also enables wireless or wired charging for phones and laptops. Efficiency is further enhanced through the 'Swipe for Power' feature, a power-saving mechanism that keeps below-desk devices inactive until a user checks in, thereby conserving power.

“Adding to its user-centric features, the puck allows immediate desk height adjustments upon check-in. This adaptability benefits students with disabilities enabling easy customisation of their chosen work or study area.”

Deakin University and Matrix Education have already adopted Orbis to support new learning approaches.

“When Deakin University decided to transform their Waurn Ponds KA5 block (which hosts the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment) they wanted a contemporary refresh and ‘future proofing’ to accommodate all types of learning. Orbis was chosen to fulfill this requirement,” she says.

“Likewise, Matrix Education, an Australian leader in tutoring, also recognised the value in Orbis to support individual learning and collaboration, and chose it for their Parramatta facility. Because of its versatility and reconfigurable ease, Orbis was ideally suited to facilitate individual or collaborative learning modes.”

Orbis is also fully compliant with sustainability and ergonomic standards. “Orbis has GECA, Greenguard, PEFC, FSC, AFRDI so it not only meets ergonomic but environmental sustainability standards too,” Meharg says.

From intuitive seating to digitally connected workstations, these brands are redefining what educational furniture can do. Their solutions don’t just fill a room, they shape it. And in doing so, they are helping build learning spaces that are inclusive, future-focused and genuinely supportive of how students work, think and grow.

As Bachelor says, “In every detail, our offering reflects the demands of contemporary education.” That future is already here; and it has a seat, a desk, and a power port, all ready for learning.

Main image: The Play Sofa in situ at Monash University adaptive reuse project / Peter Marko.

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Clémence Carayol

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