Insightful & Innovative Product For An Unrecognized Need In Libraries
TMC’s Fairfield Parent+Child Carrel offers a convenient spot for parents to work while their babies or toddler are next to them in a safe and stimulating LearnPLAY environment.
The Fairfield Parent+Child Carrel design was based on insightful challenges from the staff of Henrico County Public Library for their Fairfield Area Library. The staff noticed that parents with toddlers or infants in strollers had no easy way to use the library‘s adult reading room computer workstations. Further, their young children might disrupt the work of others using the library workstations. The library director, Barbara Weedman, and her staff wondered if Quinn Evans could help them find a solution.
The team at Quinn Evans, led by Senior Interior Designer Shannon Wray, researched the problem and found nothing readily available on the market to fit the bill. Quinn Evans called on TMC to create a custom workstation.
Collaborators at TMC, Quinn Evans and Henrico exchanged sketches and shared notes. The workstation, which features a desk with privacy panels and an attached play area, evolved through these discussions and reviews until designers at TMC and Quinn Evans felt confident it would meet the library’s needs.
A Safe and Stimulating LearnPLAY Environment
The Fairfield Carrel enables parents and caregivers to use the workstation while older children are reading or playing nearby. The inside play space, designed for infants and toddlers up to two years of age, features a mirror at the lowest level and a series of interactive panels above. Library staff can switch these panels out to provide a variety of content which might change for the season, curriculum or other community needs. The exterior panels can feature a variety of TMC-standard ImPrinted designs or a custom creation.
At the Fairfield installation, TMC designers worked with Quinn Evans so the material and color of the Parent+Child Carrel would complement the aesthetics of the library interior and become an integrated part of the Quinn Evans design vision for the space and structure. This is a specialty of TMC to create “late-process customization” in our Grand Rapids factory allowing architects/designers to make the furniture fit their overarching design. Perforated circles in varying shapes allow babies to peek outside while also echoing the curvilinear, organic shapes prevalent throughout the Quinn Evans design for the Fairfield children’s area. While they are seated at the desk, parents have privacy from adjacent workstations, but can easily see their child in the connected play area.
Maintaining sanitary surfaces was a prime concern. TMC‘s two decades of work in major healthcare systems around the world gives us leading expertise in sanitary system and material specifications for children’s furniture. The vinyl mat is made of healthcare-grade material which can be easily wiped down multiple times a day as needed. Both the mat and the maple finish on the workstation are non-toxic and durable for frequent cleanings. A gate on the play area also simplifies access for cleaning.
It’s been gratifying for all Fairfield Carrel collaborators to see this family workstation become such a big hit. At the opening day reception, a mother with an infant and a small child said, “I’m going to be in the library all the time because you’ve got a place for me“. Likes, shares and comments on social media exceeded 35,000, many reflecting the enthusiasm of one who wrote, “You all are amazing for adding this to the library! How wonderful for working parents and families! Thank you!!!” Social media popularity of the Fairfield Carrels suggest they might be useful beyond libraries, and find a place in work settings, hospitals and other public spaces.
Recognizing a need, sharing ideas and finding a solution: the Fairfield Parent+Child Carrel represents design collaboration and creativity at its best!
TMC Fairfield Parent+Child Carrel
- 3 Learning Panels (slider or flat style – about 50 options).
- Optional Working gate + private Mid/Back Divider.
- 1 Mirror
- 1 Removeable Pad – full color range to select from
- Worksurface Material: .125 in. Premium Particle Board w/ TMC Standard Laminate
- Laminate: TBD – full range of colors to pick from
- Back Panel Finish (Both Sides): TMC Standard Finish TBD
- All Other Panels Finish: TMC Standard Finish TBD
- Comes in double-faced option
TMC Family Workstation
The Family Workstation offers a value-priced version of the Fairfield Parent+Child Carrel. TMC listened to their customers who suggested they also offer a lower-height, more open, and less expensive model. The Family Workstation offers that solution. Available in single- or double-faced units. Each workstation includes a wire chase, PVC-free vinyl mat, mirror and one Learning Panel. ImPrinted imagery on the exterior side panels is optional. Modifications may include a gate with latch that opens and closes and up to two additional Learning Panels on the play interior. The Family Workstation maintains all of the safety and durability standards as their Fairfield Parent+Child Carrel but at a lower price point.
- 1 Learning Panel (flat style – limited options).
- No gate + shorter Mid/Back Divider.
- 1 Mirror
- 1 Removeable Pad – about 5 colors to pick from
- Worksurface Material: .125 in. Premium Particle Board w/ TMC Standard Laminate
- Laminate: Pionite Hardrock Maple WM791SD or Pionite White SW811
- Back Panel Finish (Both Sides): TMC Standard Finish TBD
- All Other Panels Finish: Same Finish
- Comes in double-faced option
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Contact us today to help design your work/play station.
For more information on TMC’s Fairfield project please visit: https://www.tmcfurniture.com/projects/fairfield-area-library/