Hester Oerlemans
Game tables

The school required art since art has a radiant effect on its surroundings, provides a certain atmosphere and stimulates creativity. Art provides food for thought and encourages action. These were important reasons for De Tweesprong to leave the design of their communal space in the hands of an artist.

A distinct feature of Dalton education is self-reliance. Students are allowed to study independently and to move freely around the school. During the school’s recent renovation, the communal space was expanded. In it students can hang out, either studying or relaxing. However the space also processes a lot of traffic as students, teachers and parents pass through it every day.

In this space, Hester Oerlemans placed a few tables featuring board prints of 24 different board games including Ludo, Monopoly, Cluedo, Barricade, draughts and chess. The students were involved in selecting the games. The five large game tables with their synthetic covers and individual lighting, truly catch the eye. Once their covers are removed, they can be used to play games. Four of the tables are authentic game tables including a snooker table, a pool table, a foosball table and an air hockey table. The fifth table is actually a display case intended as an exhibition space for the students’ personal collections. Classrooms can be created by moving the mobile bookcases to form a ‘flexible’ partition. The chairs, made in nine different colors, enhance the striking character of the space.