If I remember my college days with any accuracy, the so-called study carrels were big, ugly, cumbersome affairs—most likely made of immovable MDF, and equally immovable in spirit and fact, as they stubbornly refused re-arrangement of any kind. Not so with Bretford’s charming and creative line of Ithaca Computer Carrels. These attractive wood and metal pieces are portable study centers for a new age—fully re-configurable and possessed of all manner of modern infrastructure.

Ithaca Computer Carrel. Manufactured by Bretford.

Bretford’s Ithaca Computer Carrels Facilitate Individual Study Sessions and Creative Collaboration

My favorable appraisal of Ithaca’s Computer Carrels begins with materials and styling. All of the carrels are constructed of durable wood and even more durable metal, thus deeding the sort of timeless academic look that renders them an apt accompaniment for all the paraphernalia of academia—oaken shelves, leather bound volumes, velvet upholstered armchairs…

That last might be a stretch, but you get the idea. And the truth is that the Ithaca Computer Carrels adapt to any environment. Bretford offers them in multiple incarnations: single-faced, double-faced, four-, and six-packs—even a sixty-degree radius configuration that allows close collaboration while taking up minimum floor space.

And the carrels come in different sizes, with work surface widths of 35”, 36”, and 48”, and heights at 48” and 60”. Worktop options include veneers and laminates in a wide range of colors. Choice of edge details includes 3mm square hardwood and hardwood waterfall edge. All units easily incorporate Bretford’s signature flip-up power unit.

About the Manufacturer: Out of Franklin Park, IL, manufacturer Bretford tackles the tough job of providing the tools for education. Under the credo of “learning happens everywhere,” the company creates all manner of infrastructure for learning environments, including shelving, seating, tables, carrels, credenzas, lecterns, and easels. Their Ithaca Study Carrels are helping to revolutionize the way students learn, not to mention significantly improving the look of libaries from Cambridge to Palo Alto.