The Challenge:
Expanding a High-Demand Study Space with Flexible Seating Options
As a go-to spot for group study, Carnegie Mellon University’s Tartan Collaborative Commons (TCC) lacked the capacity to support the volume of students who used it each day. With limited furniture and not enough seating, students struggled to find places to study together comfortably. CMU needed a solution that would expand seating capacity while allowing for different postures and group sizes—all without disrupting the existing look and feel of the space.
The Solution:
Flexible Design with New and Existing Pieces
Franklin partnered with CMU to transform the under-furnished space into a highly functional, multi-posture study environment. The design included:
- Versatile lounge areas – Added soft seating with occasional tables to encourage casual collaboration and relaxed focus.
- Multiple seating heights – Integrated standard and counter-height tables and chairs to support varied study preferences and group types.
- Blended design – Selected furniture that matched the existing aesthetic to maintain a cohesive, welcoming environment.
- Reconfigurable setups – Prioritized flexible furniture arrangements to allow students to adapt the space to their needs.
The Impact:
A Reimagined Study Space that Adapts to Student Needs
The updated TCC Study Space is now better equipped to meet the needs of CMU’s student community. With increased seating and flexible layouts, more students can collaborate, focus, and gather in a space that supports how they learn best—whether that’s around a table, at a counter, or in a comfortable lounge chair. Franklin’s thoughtful approach helped CMU make the most of its space while enhancing the overall student experience.
Take the First Step
Towards Your New Space
Creating a space tailored to your organization can be complex, but starting your project with us is simple. With decades of expertise in furniture, flooring, and interior construction, we’ll assemble a team of specialists tailored to your industry and project type. Together, we’ll guide you through every step to bring your vision to life.