Our interior design strategy for Trent View College was to meet the needs of all pupils as well as staff in a cohesive manner by utilising colour and materials to provide appropriate visual and tactile stimuli. We created an environment where pupils can learn safely and support the range of educational, therapeutic and medical needs of the pupils.
The new post-16 School, caters for up to 60 pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), offering a place for students to prepare for the transition into adult life whilst creating an environment where students can showcase their talents and show the world exactly what they can achieve.
The co-educational facility required an interior design that not only reflects their bold visual identity and school logo but also provided a functional, supportive, and inclusive environment. Our interior design team embraced this challenge with a strategy that carefully balanced aesthetics, functionality, and sensory considerations, resulting in a learning space that truly embodies the spirit of Trent View College.
Our approach to the interior design of the college was driven by a deep understanding of the needs of SEND students and a wealth of experience designing spaces that support pupils to thrive and reach their full potential.
Interior Design Concept and Strategy
The primary objective was to create an environment that was both stimulating and calming, enabling students to thrive academically, therapeutically, and socially. To achieve this, the design strategy was rooted in the use of a neutral base palette, enhanced with bold accent colours drawn from the college’s logo—yellow, gold, and blue. This palette not only reflected the institution’s identity but also served as a visual tool to define and distinguish various spaces within the school. The design concept was carefully tailored to ensure that each space within the college had a distinct identity while maintaining overall cohesion.
Application of Colour and Materials
The chosen neutral tones applied across flooring, walls, and larger surfaces, create a calm and consistent backdrop throughout the school.
Creating a calm and consistent environment through neutral tones ensures that the environment was not overly stimulating for students who might be sensitive to strong colours and patterns.
Accent colours played a crucial role in the design, with different tones and vibrancies applied based on the function of each space. In pupil areas, muted tones of the college’s colours were used to create a calm and consistent backdrop throughout the school. These colours were applied to feature walls and elements of furniture, subtly guiding students through their learning environment without overwhelming their senses. In contrast, more vibrant and bold versions of these accent colours combined with the bright school colours were used in shared spaces, staff areas, and the entrance, adding energy and identity to these communal zones.
The choice of materials was another key consideration in the design strategy. The use of timber-effect flooring and natural materials in fitted furniture, particularly in the life skills café, introduced warmth and a tactile quality to the interiors. This not only adds a welcoming and comforting feeling, consistent with a traditional café but it also reflects a real world environment, providing a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their vocational skills. The combination of these natural elements with the carefully selected colour palette resulted in a space that is both visually and educationally supportive.
Supporting students through Interior Design
The interior design of Trent View College goes beyond aesthetics; it is a thoughtful response to the specific needs of its students. The use of colour and materials was not just about delivering a beautiful space, but about creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, and able to engage fully in their education. The interior design strategy considered every aspect of the student experience, from wayfinding and identity to sensory engagement, comfort and ensuring the different spaces are fit for purpose, whether in the multi-use classroom, sensory room or the mechanical workshop.
We successfully transformed Trent View College into a bespoke learning environment that truly supports its students’ needs. By combining a neutral base palette with carefully applied accent colours and natural materials, we have created a space that is not only visually cohesive and functionally and emotionally supportive of the diverse needs of the students and staff but encapsulates the college’s identity. Trent View Collge stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, SEND-conscious interior design approach in creating inclusive educational environments where students can truly thrive.
