For almost all colleges today, investments in state-of-the-art facilities are an increasingly important strategy in recruiting students and attracting top faculty. Aiming to raise its profile in the science field, Gordon College recently completed the first phase of its new Ken Olsen Science Center, a 47,000 square-foot facility with classrooms, labs and faculty offices, as well as a 400-seat auditorium. The Center also features the multi-purpose Chairman’s Room, a large open hall that can be quickly transformed from an informal lounge to a space for board meetings, formal dining, and fundraising receptions.

As a high-profile centerpiece of the campus, the Center sought a premium look and feel. But in a challenging economic climate, Gordon College needed a furnishings partner that could meet this goal within a tight budget. The college worked with Payette Associates and Red Thread to propose designs and implement cost-effective furniture solutions for the building’s offices, public areas and multi-use spaces. To meet the college’s objectives at every step, the team worked carefully with a Gordon College task force, providing expert consulting and design to create smarter furniture solutions for the Center.

Red Thread’s expertise was instrumental in the success of the Chairman’s Room. Taking a proactive look at how to get the most out of every square foot of the facility, Gordon College sought innovative ways to furnish this impressive space. The task force selected a variety of Steelcase furniture pieces that enable the room to be used for a variety of purposes. Combining function, durability and elegance, the furnishings look like fixed furniture, but can be easily rearranged or moved in and out of the room for meetings, receptions, donor events and more.

Red Thread also helped Gordon College use its furnishings budget effectively throughout the rest of the facility. For example, Red Thread helped the college select lab stools, stacking tablet armchairs, and lab furnishings that best met its requirements. In faculty offices, Red Thread recommended and installed Steelcase desks, chairs, bookcases, file cabinets and side chairs. For another signature feature of the Center, a 400-seat auditorium, Red Thread provided and installed fixed, theater-style seating that offer convenience and comfort to faculty, students and visitors attending research presentations, lectures and high-profile events on campus.