Shrub Oak International School recently completed a renovation of the Hub, a central activity space located in the school’s main building where students regularly spend time engaging in recreational, social, and self-directed activities. The redesign reflects Shrub Oak’s ongoing commitment to creating and improving environments that support student regulation, engagement, and comfort while offering varied opportunities for movement, play, and quiet focus.
The renovated Hub introduces a range of new interactive features intended to meet diverse interests and sensory preferences. Several game-based installations were added, including basketball-style Connect 4, classic wall-mounted Connect 4, wall tic-tac-toe, and tabletop options such as air hockey. These activities provide opportunities for students to practice turn-taking, shared attention, and informal peer interaction in a low-pressure setting. Wall-mounted games also allow students to engage while standing or moving, supporting those who benefit from gross motor activity or who prefer not to sit for extended periods.
In addition to active games, the renovation intentionally balances energy with calm. A newly created reading nook offers a quieter alternative within the same shared space. Outfitted with comfortable seating and a small library, this area allows students to decompress, read independently, or spend time in a more subdued environment without leaving the Hub entirely. The inclusion of both high- and low-energy options within one space supports flexible use and allows students to self-select activities aligned with their regulation needs.
Visual design played a central role in the renovation. A large, immersive wall mural now anchors the room, transforming the atmosphere and helping the space feel distinct from surrounding academic areas. The mural was designed to evoke a sense of escape and relaxation while also serving as a visual focal point. Research on learning environments indicates that thoughtfully designed spaces can positively influence mood, attention, and engagement, particularly for autistic students who may be sensitive to visual and spatial cues.
The Hub also now includes additional sensory-supportive equipment, such as crash pads and ball dart boards. These elements provide safe outlets for physical movement, proprioceptive input, and stress relief. Crash pads, in particular, offer opportunities for deep pressure and full-body movement, which many students find regulating. Ball dart boards add a target-based activity that supports hand-eye coordination and focus without requiring fine motor precision.
To complete the renovation, all furniture in the Hub was rearranged to improve flow, accessibility, and sightlines. The updated layout allows staff to more easily support students while maintaining clear, open pathways between activity zones. The reconfiguration also reinforces the Hub’s role as a flexible, welcoming space that can accommodate individual use, small-group interaction, or shared recreational time.
Together, these updates reflect Shrub Oak International School’s broader approach to environment design: intentional, student-centered, and responsive to a wide range of needs. The renovated Hub now serves as a dynamic activity center that supports movement, creativity, social connection, and calm—an inviting space where students can engage in ways that feel meaningful and supportive throughout the school day.
