Keith Bell Opportunity Central (the OC), Forney ISD’s college and career center, is a vibrant community hub designed to transform students into hands-on participants in their own learning, giving them practical opportunities to serve Forney as part of their curriculum. The facility features local eateries and retail spaces staffed and run by students, technology-rich CTE classrooms, and full-scale event spaces, each requiring thoughtful, flexible solutions. The furniture choices were critical to creating adaptable spaces that meet a variety of educational and functional needs, fostering innovation in students and entrepreneurs and inclusivity in the wider community.
Flexibility and cost-effectiveness were priorities for the project. The furniture is designed to move easily between spaces, and because it’s color-coded by floor, it’s also easy to return to its proper place, allowing seamless reconfiguration. Solutions tailored for specialized classrooms, such as those for eSports, floral design, and fashion design, enhance functionality. The third-floor spaces, which double as classroom and arena suite boxes, highlight the versatility of the chosen furniture. Here, seating that’s ideal for classroom instruction is equally suited to accommodate event spectators.
Inspiration for the OC’s furniture choices came from a visit to NeoCon, an exhibit featuring the latest and most innovative commercial interior designs. At the convention, the team explored innovative possibilities and selected a manufacturer that aligned with their vision. Along with a client from Forney, the team decided on an eclectic yet functional design theme. This approach ensured the space would remain stylish and practical for years to come.
By modeling furniture choices on those previously made for Forney’s high schools, the OC creates consistency with the aim of helping students feel comfortable and encouraging a sense of familiarity. Even upon entering the building for the first time, they can feel confident in the space. The standardization of pieces like teacher desks and seating ensures a cohesive feel throughout the building while supporting future adaptability. This thoughtful approach ensures The OC remains a welcoming, evolving environment for students and the community.
