How Belair helped Fanshawe College equip 14 classrooms with a durable, accessible and easy-to-manage computer lab solution.
Project requirements
When Fanshawe College’s previous table supplier discontinued the product used in its computer and wired laptop labs, the Facilities Management team
began searching for a replacement.
Standard tables did not meet the College’s technical, accessibility and maintenance requirements. After two installations using modified standard products fell short of expectations, Fanshawe wanted a purpose-built solution that could withstand daily student use and adapt to different classroom layouts.
The tables needed to provide:
- Multiple worksurface depths to accommodate different room sizes
- Power access at every student workstation
- Secure, lockable cable management
- One height-adjustable table in each classroom to support accessibility requirements
- Clear sightlines and work surfaces that were easy to clean
- Electrical cord lengths customized to each table’s distance from the wall
Belair developed a consistent table system that could be configured for each space. Key features included:
- Lockable troughs that concealed power and data while limiting unauthorized access
- Custom grommet locations that allowed electrical components to connect between tables and back to the wall
- Soft-close flip-up doors that provided convenient power access while helping reduce pinch points
- Metal legs that improved classroom sightlines and made surrounding surfaces easier to clean
- Height-adjustable tables to support accessibility requirements
- Electrical cords coordinated by length and quantity for each classroom
“… [Belair was] very receptive to our specifications and were able to develop a solution that met our needs. Their flexibility and willingness to collaborate throughout the design process were key factors in the project’s success.”
Karen Hale, Fanshawe College
Designed Around the Space
Higher education projects often require more than selecting standard products from a catalogue. Room dimensions, technology, accessibility, maintenance, and daily student use must all be considered.
Through Belair’s custom manufacturing capabilities, ergoCentric representatives bring dealers, customers, and project stakeholders together to develop solutions tailored to each space. From initial design and prototyping through installation and ongoing support, Belair helps deliver solutions that meet the unique requirements of every project.
Belair’s local manufacturing capabilities also allowed Fanshawe to work directly with a responsive team throughout design, production and installation
A Collaborative, Purpose-Built Solution
Fanshawe evaluated solutions from three manufacturers. Belair stood out by offering a custom design, competitive pricing and a lead time that aligned with the College’s construction schedule.
Belair worked closely with Fanshawe’s Facilities Management, Health and Safety, IT and Scheduling teams. Belair translated the College’s requirements into detailed drawings and renderings, then produced an on-site prototype for review before moving into production.
This collaborative process allowed stakeholders to confirm that the design would work across all 14 classrooms, despite differences in room dimensions, table depths, electrical requirements and layouts.
The Result
Fanshawe installed 290 tables across 14 classrooms.
The completed tables provide the durability, accessibility, secure cable management and sizing flexibility required for high-use learning environments. They have also been well received by the College’s Facilities and IT teams.
The project also builds on Fanshawe’s longstanding relationship with ergoCentric, Belair’s parent company. Fanshawe has purchased geoCentric® task chairs for use throughout the College, including a geoCentric® chair in each of these classrooms. Together, Belair furniture and ergoCentric seating provide a coordinated solution that supports both the functional requirements of the learning space and the ergonomic needs of faculty and staff.
Featured product
Belair continued to support Fanshawe after installation. When replacement parts and minor adjustments were required, the local team responded quickly. Belair also completed on-site modifications after several tables were ordered in the wrong orientation, resolving the issue without disrupting the overall project.
The combination of product performance, competitive value and responsive service has given Fanshawe confidence in working with Belair again as additional areas of the College are renovated.