BETT Review : AD∑PTIAS™

Accommodates current needs and anticipates future requirements

Published: 01 January, 2007

ADEPTIAS Limited designs IT integrated adaptive desks with patent-pending innovations for access, adaptability and security. IT integrated desks have become a part of the established wisdom of school furniture requirements. Their benefits are also recognised throughout the public sector.

Education is a prime focus in the UK and the bricks and mortar of schools are being revamped and replaced to facilitate the growth and calibre of experiences our students will enjoy. ICT is at the forefront and the government has initiated a platform for integrating IT across the curriculum. IT in every classroom has many proponents and many possible solutions. From our point of view, adaptable desks provide the greatest flexibility and security, offer space savings and have the aesthetic benefit of replacing the once standard spaghetti junctions that formerly earmarked the IT suite.

Adaptable desks are also time efficient. The IT is there and ready to be accessed. Nothing needs to be distributed or checked back in. There is no loss of time or loss of focus for the students who are not engaged during administrative times. The desks offer security for both the IT equipment and the information contained therein. Public access areas benefit from the security and space saving designs. Conference and training rooms take on multifunctional roles.

The design team at Adeptias started designing computer integrated desks in 2002. This led to the inspiration for a desk that had a closed and clear desktop whether or not IT was in use. Adeptias provided the first desks that were completely adaptable; desks that were at once a traditional desk whilst quickly converting to IT access and without the constraints of imbedded keyboards or fixed monitors. The premise: “Now You See IT, Now You Don’t”

In all of the desks in the Adeptias range, the computers, with custom built cases, are housed within the lockable desktops. They can only be accessed by authorised personnel within the school or organisation. Standard components make them easily upgradeable. Proprietary removable cases allow for service outside of the desk, thereby limiting class interruption. A computer that is out of sight has built-in security and is protected from accidental damage, tampering and theft.

Adeptias has designed a complete line of IT integrated desks with varying levels of adaptability to meet the diverse requirements of current and future schools and the public sector. Our desks can be totally adaptable, partially adaptable and have attachments to fit a customer’s existing CPUs and flat screen monitors. The desks can be specified with all of the IT included or can be ordered as a part of a two tiered IT programme.

IT requirements fall into many categories. We have seen several trends emerge for schools looking to update their current IT facilities. Some schools have seen that furniture and IT budgets can be combined to allow for best value purchases such as IT integrated furniture. Other schools can have funds available for either IT or furniture and there are Specialist Schools and the new builds including BSF and Academies with budgets allowing for extensive IT integration. The Adeptias line accommodates current needs and anticipates future requirements.

Schools with budgets to purchase furniture only, can utilise perfectly viable IT equipment with a year or two of good service remaining, with The CONC∑PT™ R∑TRO™. The R∑TRO™ is a proprietary CPU case that can be integrated within the desk frame of The CONC∑PT™ desks allowing investment for the future. The desk accommodates current hardware and is ready to have integrated computers when the IT cycle is ready for upgrade.

Adeptias has four desk styles, The CONC∑PT™, The R∑QU∑ST™, The ANSW∑R™ and The R∑ASON™. The desks are available as single or double desks and can be configured as five person pods, The HUDDL∑™, as waved tables, TH∑ ISLAND™ for from three to thirty students and as conference tables, The ADAPTABL∑™. The desks are also available in height adjustable versions called The ACC∑SS™. The CONC∑PT™ desk has a present, pivoting monitor for active IT, rooms where the presence of a monitor would not be restricting. The R∑QU∑ST™, The ANSW∑R™ and The R∑ASON™ all are completely adaptable with storable monitors. All of these desks feature the Adeptias’ patent-pending innovations with a clear desktop whether or not IT is in use. The R∑QU∑ST™, one of our newest desks, features push button monitor access. IT can be accessed in an instant and controlled by the teacher through a proprietary FOB locking system.

All of the desks are built using robust steel frames with either round or squared legs or cantilever bases. The desktops are made of 25mm MDF covered in laminates or wood veneers, Corian™ or Trespa™. The colour choices and wood grain options with matching or co-ordinating borders allow schools, libraries, and learning centres to design their IT furniture to compliment the environments they seek to create.

Adeptias provides of free of charge 3D room design service. Following a school visit or utilising plans provided by a school or architect, Adeptias will develop 3D renderings of any of its desks shown in the room for which they are being considered. The renderings are an important part of a school’s decision and provide a basis for cabling and installation planning.

Furniture can give the teachers and student a sense of the importance the school places on the environment and adaptable IT integrated furniture allows for flexibility and creativity with the learning spaces as well as the content of the lessons.

Today’s schools that have classrooms with IT integrated desks are often considered as cutting edge, providing a centrepiece to attract parents, teachers and students to the school. Before long, however, you’ll sit at a desk in a classroom and be surprised if you don’t find a button to turn on the PC.

For more information contact: Jane Horton, Marketing Director, Adeptias Limited 01926 888 550 Mobile: 07899 088 111; Email: jhorton@adeptias.com