September marks the return of students and faculty to campuses across the country—a season filled with fresh starts, new ideas, and renewed energy for learning. Just as lesson plans and research agendas set the tone for the semester ahead, so too do the spaces where teaching and learning unfold.
At Cumberland, we believe that environments shape experiences. The right seating, tables, and collaborative settings don’t just fill a classroom or lounge—they foster focus, comfort, and connection.
Take Langley Hall at the University of Pittsburgh, where Thick and Thin modular seating reimagines the traditional lecture hall. With plush upholstered seating, adjustable laptop arms, and integrated power, students and professors alike experience a space designed to keep pace with today’s learning styles. Every detail, in partnership with GBBN Architects, was crafted to enhance discovery, collaboration, and ease of use.
Langley Hall at the University of Pittsburgh
Or consider Michigan State University’s Jenison Fieldhouse, where Integrated Architecture created a dynamic student commons anchored by our Elle Lounge Chairs. Here, flexible seating supports collaboration as easily as it does downtime, demonstrating how thoughtful design balances productivity with wellness.
Jenison Field House at Michigan State University
As students step into these spaces each fall, they encounter more than furniture—they discover environments designed to help them thrive. From classrooms to lounges, Cumberland partners with educators and architects to ensure that spaces aren’t just functional, but inspiring.
This September, as campuses come alive again, we’re reminded of the role design plays in shaping education’s future: supporting how students learn today and how faculty teach tomorrow.
