Project Profile: Nishimachi International School
Nishimachi International School: Self-directed learning for change
Written by Christopher Roy | Photography by Christopher Roy
Creating meaningful change, especially in education, requires deep and lasting partnerships. At Natural Pod, our most impactful work has been rooted in collaborating with educators who share our vision: building learning environments where students, educators, and entire communities thrive.
We’ve been privileged to partner with Craig Cantlie for over a decade, collaborating on multiple projects throughout his remarkable international career. Our work together has spanned his leadership roles from Principal at Caulfield Elementary, in West Vancouver, Canada, to Executive Principal at GEMS Dubai American Academy, in the United Arab Emirates and now as Deputy Head of School at Nishimachi International School, in Tokyo, Japan.
Here are photographs of the Nishimachi International School spaces featuring Natural Pod furniture elements to inspire your own learning space design journey. To read the full story, scroll below.
A Natural Pod Reach Table paired with Share Benches creates an inviting gathering spot within a thoughtfully designed space at Nishimachi International School.
A dynamic play and learning area at Nishimachi International School featuring a Natural Pod Play Loft, Reach Nature Tables, and a Reach Table.
Natural Pod Unity Stools provide seating alongside the versatile, curved Evergreen Shelving units at Nishimachi International School.
Nishimachi International School uses versatile Natural Pod furniture, including a Join Table with Unity Stools and a Reach Table with Share Benches, for flexible learning setups.
A play environment at Nishimachi International School featuring a Natural Pod Play Loft, Imagine Play Stands, and Nature Tables to encourage exploration.
A dynamic play and learning area at Nishimachi International School featuring a Natural Pod Play Loft, Reach Nature Tables, and a Reach Table.
Engage young learners with the Natural Pod Reach Light Table and complementary Unity Stools, as seen at Nishimachi International School.
Detailing the solid wood construction and safety features of the Natural Pod Wonder Play Loft at Nishimachi International School.
Natural Pod Evergreen Shelving units serve as benches with Slo Flo cushions alongside a Reach Table at Nishimachi International School.
Nishimachi International School uses versatile Natural Pod furniture, including a Join Table with Unity Stools and a Reach Table.
A Natural Pod Reach Table paired with Share Benches creates an inviting gathering spot within a thoughtfully designed space at Nishimachi International School.
The mobile Natural Pod Imagine Art Easel provides a dedicated space for creativity at Nishimachi International School.
The entrance to the Kindergarten Building at Nishimachi International School in Tokyo, a valued partner using Natural Pod furniture.
Working closely with Craig Cantlie and Kurt Davis, Director of Business Operations, Natural Pod furnished diverse spaces within Nishimachi International School. We provided tailored solutions ranging from furnishings for open areas and focused learning niches to versatile shelving and collaborative learning stations. This included our signature Natural Pod Tables, Benches, Stools, Light and Nature Tables, plus one of our popular Play Lofts, which we customized to perfectly fit the room’s specific ceiling height.
Nishimachi partnered with Natural Pod, drawn to how our furniture’s aesthetics and multifunctional design complemented their space and educational focus. They also valued our dedicated customer service throughout the entire process, from design to installation. Key factors solidifying their choice were the proven durability, lifetime warranty, and our sustainable, FSC-certified wood materials.
“Sometimes we need to look outside of the school system for inspiration. When you look at start-up companies, they are creating the space for inspiration. That is what we wanted to bring back to teachers and students. Environments that provide for self-regulation and the freedom to implement the enquiry-based skills asked of them.” —Craig Cantlie, Deputy Head of School, Nishimachi International School
We’re proud that our Canadian-made furniture is now helping Nishimachi International School achieve its educational goals in Tokyo. It was an honor to collaborate with Craig, Kurt, and their team on this project to provide learning environments designed to empower their students, educators, and the international school members of their community.
