The complete interview to read:
Where are phone booths needed in school buildings?
Phone booths can be useful in various places in schools. The most obvious application is in the staff room or in areas directly adjacent to it. Many functions converge there: exchange, breaks, organization, phone calls, and confidential conversations.
Especially in the staff room, there is often a lot of unrest. Teachers want to coordinate quickly, discuss sensitive topics, or make phone calls without disturbing others. A phone booth provides a protected space for this.
Phone booths can also be useful in administrative areas, corridors, or open work zones, provided that space, fire protection, and the usage concept are suitable.
Why are phone booths particularly valuable in the staff room?
In everyday school life, there are many conversations that are not meant for everyone to hear. These include discussions about students, parent meetings, internal agreements, conflicts, or personal topics.
A phone booth in the staff room creates privacy and protects confidential content. This is particularly important when dealing with sensitive situations, such as bullying, special educational needs, or conversations with trusted persons.
At the same time, the staff room becomes quieter. Those who are on the phone or having a confidential conversation withdraw. The other teachers can use their break or preparation time more undisturbed.
Can phone booths also be used in classrooms?
Yes, phone booths can also be useful in classrooms or adjacent learning areas. Previously, many school buildings had small group rooms between classrooms. Today, such rooms are often missing or already occupied otherwise.
A phone booth or a larger box can serve as a compact retreat here. For example, it is suitable for:
- remedial teaching
- short one-on-one discussions
- group work
- quiet learning
- meetings with students
The advantage is that the distances remain short. Teachers and learners do not have to walk through the entire school building but have a solution directly nearby.
What should a school administration consider before purchasing?
A phone booth in a school should be considered for the long term. Ideally, it will be in use for many years and must withstand everyday school life.
Particularly important are:
- good acoustic performance
- robust construction
- tested materials
- good ventilation
- pleasant lighting
- easy cleaning
- fire protection assessment
- suitable size for the area of use
For acoustics, ISO 23351-1 is relevant. It evaluates the speech level reduction of the entire box. This is more informative than individual material specifications.
Especially in schools, ventilation also plays a major role. If several people use the box one after another, the air must quickly become pleasant again.
Are schools different from classic open-plan offices?
The requirements are similar but are named differently. The staff room also involves concentration, quiet, and confidential conversations.
As in an open-plan office, people do not want to disturb others and do not want to be disturbed themselves. The main difference lies in the type of conversations. In schools, these often involve pedagogical, personal, or sensitive topics.
Therefore, the atmosphere is particularly important. The phone booth should not feel cramped but should be a quiet and pleasant place. Only then will it be willingly used in everyday school life.
Is the atmosphere in a phone booth pleasant?
A good phone booth does not feel like a cramped storage room. Crucial factors are spatial perception, light, air, and furnishing.
In larger models, two people can sit opposite each other, with sufficient distance and freedom of movement. Good ventilation and adjustable lighting further improve comfort.
This is particularly important for conversations between teachers and students. When people feel comfortable, they speak more openly and relaxed.
What are the advantages of phone booths compared to open meeting areas?
Open meeting areas initially seem uncomplicated but usually do not solve the fundamental problem. Conversations remain audible, distractions persist, and furniture is often moved or misused in everyday school life.
Phone booths utilize space more concentratedly. They create a clearly defined place for conversations, phone calls, or quiet work. At the same time, furniture, acoustics, and usage remain stable.
Especially in situations with limited space, a phone booth can therefore be more sensible than an open lounge or meeting area.
What mistakes often happen before procurement?
A common mistake is to compare phone booths solely based on pictures, prices, or data sheets. Especially in schools, this is not sufficient.
Acoustics, spatial perception, stability, and user comfort must be experienced. Therefore, a school should test the booth before purchasing and, if possible, arrange an on-site appointment.
It is also important not to consider only the lowest price. A phone booth must be robust, function for many years, and fit into everyday school life.
How does a phone booth change the staff room?
A phone booth can noticeably relieve the staff room. Phone calls, short confidential conversations, or concentrated tasks no longer take place in the middle of the room.
This reduces noise pollution. Teachers can spend their breaks more quietly, prepare better, or exchange ideas more undisturbed.
The phone booth does not replace a complete room concept, but it complements it where retreat options are lacking.
What advice should schools consider before purchasing?
Schools should not only select the phone booth but plan it consciously. An on-site appointment is useful to check placement, usage, fire protection, and pathways.
In addition, the faculty should have the opportunity to experience the booth. Because not only technical values count, but also atmosphere, stability, and comfort.
A simple 3D plan can also be helpful. This allows the school administration, teachers, and decision-making bodies to better see how the phone booth will look in the room later.
Conclusion
Phone booths can significantly relieve staff rooms, classrooms, and school-related work areas. They create quiet, discretion, and a protected place for conversations, phone calls, and concentrated work.
It is important not to choose the booth solely based on price. Acoustics, ventilation, fire protection, stability, and spatial perception should be carefully checked before purchase.
