6.5 The Banana

The banana seating 3 has been successfully implemented in two open plan spaces; however the design principles behind the banana have been used by teachers for many years in a wide range of locations.

One concern which has arisen with respect to the banana is student health and safety issues. The feedback we have received is that this is not an issue; however it is important to recognise that there are alternative designs, see options 4 & 5, which seem to be safer options. During the design stages of the banana, it has been found that it is important to provide pupils with sufficient leg room. The design of the second banana has deeper seating and angled backs to accommodate these requirements.

It has also been found that over time, the bananas get moved and joined together within the teaching space in order to address different sized groups. A method of interlocking the bananas and moving this seating would therefore be a useful design feature.