Designer Joey Ruiter takes a pragmatic approach to education. This means he recognizes that-contrary to popular perception-learning doesn't end when we finally depart the classroom. In fact, it continues throughout one's working life: "in offices, homes and in-between spaces." Ruiter's Dewey Collection is an educational suite that recognizes this reality, as "Dewey inspires better approaches to teaching and learning, wherever it takes place."

Educational Furniture from the Dewey Collection. Designed by Joey Ruiter. Manufactured by Izzy+.

Izzy+'s Dewey Collection is Flexible, Mobile, Collaborative and Technology-Ready

The Dewey Line is comprised of eight different complementary but wholly individual pieces: Tech Cabinet,  Bookshelf, Helpdesk, Lectern, Buddy (a mini, extra-mobile desk), C- and T-Base Tables, X-Table, and Bench. That may seem like a lot of components for a simple classroom environment, but then, learning isn't as simple as some might think.

Each item in the Dewey line has a particular feature that helps make teachers more effective, students more amenable to learning. If there's a flagship piece among them it's the C and T-Base Tables. These ultra-light, exceptionally mobile pieces facilitate improved classroom arrangements. The height-adjustable tables accordingly make it possible for teachers to use a "stadium style" layout, effectively mimicking an auditorium-style lecture hall.

Perched on rolling casters and sporting a cleverly integrated technology grommet, the tables also offer quick mobility without sacrificing the lure of technology-as laptops and assorted infrastructure always remain close at hand.

And speaking of technological infrastructure, the Dewey Collection Helpdesk is like power central for any learning environment. Beyond a simple storehouse for teacher materials, the desk contains a cleverly integrated storage space for rack-mounted AV equipment. It also contains an optional iPod/iPhone docking station.

Each of the other items in the Dewey Line fulfills its particular function with aplomb. The freestanding Bookshelves help carve out intimate spaces for impromptu collaboration, without walling anyone off. The Lectern features integrated storage and an easy-to-adjust surface, because teaching is not one-size-fits-all. And the Buddy is a go-anywhere, do-anything companion to the larger Helpdesk.

Izzy+ is well aware that both purveyors and consumers are sensitive to the details of the surrounding space. They also recognize that a welcoming environment facilitates productivity. Accordingly, the Dewey Collection is aesthetically shrewd. The slim design and straight lines of the furniture are matched by an unparalleled selection of finishes, including worktops and edge details in melamine, metal, wooden laminates, and solid laminates-each offered in multiple colors.

About the Manufacturer: While they concede it's important, manufacturer Izzy+‘s driving motivation isn't making furniture, but rather recognizing people: "grownups and toddlers, bosses and phone answerers, dog-lovers and cat people, coffee-drinkers and water-guzzlers-they're all important for different reasons, and they're all unique." The company's larger point is that effective interior solutions depend upon knowledge of how we live, how habitual users move through a particular space. This perennial outfitter of offices, schools, hospitals, cafes, and dining rooms doesn't miss a beat when it comes to creating functional furnishings for the ways we live, work, and play:  "Our products are designed to support New Workstyles-people who are more collaborative, technology-savvy, and on-the-move than ever before."