The University of Nebraska Omaha‘s (UNO) STEM TRAIL Center serves as a groundbreaking space where students can immerse themselves in hands-on, problem-solving experiences. The center is dedicated to providing an interdisciplinary and diverse community for students to engage in authentic apprenticeships, guided by faculty experts and industry professionals. To support this mission, the center’s design focuses on creating dynamic, flexible learning environments that foster collaboration and innovation.
SBI played a key role in transforming the center’s vision into reality by providing high-quality, adaptable furniture solutions for classrooms, collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and private offices. The furniture we provided was carefully chosen to support various learning modes and promote engagement. Classrooms were equipped with moveable furniture, allowing students and instructors to reconfigure the space easily for group discussions, workshops, and project-based learning. The collaborative spaces were designed to accommodate both large group activities and smaller breakout sessions, maintaining a sense of connection in a spacious setting.
The STEM TRAIL Center is focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to solve problems, develop critical thinking skills, and work together across disciplines. Our furniture selections were tailored to this mission by prioritizing flexibility, mobility, and comfort, which are essential for interactive and student-driven learning. Whether it’s students working independently or in groups, the furniture ensures a seamless transition between different learning environments.
What sets this project apart is the collaborative effort between UNO, SBI, and Steelcase to create an environment that supports both students and teachers in their academic and professional growth. This first-of-its-kind research agreement was designed to better understand the unique needs of students and faculty, allowing for the development of a learning environment that is not only functional but also aesthetically engaging. The classrooms were specifically designed for interactive instruction, challenging the traditional lecture-style setup and encouraging active participation and engagement.
Since its completion, the UNO STEM TRAIL Center has garnered significant attention, both locally and beyond. The center hosted the “Aim for the Stars” program, which welcomed K-12 students from across the Omaha Public School system on its very first day. This event marked the center’s commitment to serving as a hub for educational excellence and innovation. The press coverage and interest from influential figures highlight the positive impact this project is having on the community and the future of education in Omaha.
The work we’ve done at the UNO STEM TRAIL Center exemplifies how thoughtful, flexible furniture design can enhance learning outcomes and support a dynamic educational experience. Our collaboration with UNO and Steelcase has helped create an inspiring space where students are encouraged to explore, collaborate, and innovate.