As education in India evolves, so do the spaces where children learn. Leading this transformation is Snehal Malani Tapadia, Founder of X&Y, a pioneering brand redefining classroom design with eco-friendly, ergonomic, and child-centric school furniture. With a clear focus on sustainability and student well-being, X&Y combines global best practices with locally relevant solutions to create engaging and mindful learning environments. In this exclusive interview, Snehal shares her insights on the growing demand for sustainable school furniture, the challenges of disrupting traditional mindsets, and how thoughtfully designed spaces can profoundly impact children’s learning and development.
- What is the core vision behind X&Y, and how do you see it transforming the learning environment for children?
At X&Y, our vision is to create sustainable, ergonomic, and child-centric learning environments that enhance students’ well-being and cognitive development. By incorporating natural materials, thoughtful design, and global safety standards, we aim to provide functional yet aesthetically pleasing furniture that fosters engagement, creativity, and comfort in classrooms.
- How do you see the demand for sustainable and ergonomic school furniture evolving in India?
With increasing awareness about sustainability and child-friendly learning spaces, schools are now looking beyond traditional furniture. The shift toward ergonomic, eco-friendly, and modular solutions is accelerating, driven by progressive teaching methodologies, government policies, and parental awareness. Schools today prioritize furniture that supports posture, movement, and collaborative learning, which aligns with our philosophy at X&Y.
- What challenges did you face while establishing X&Y in the sustainable furniture industry?
The biggest challenge was breaking the norm of conventional school furniture and convincing institutions to invest in sustainable, long-term solutions over mass-produced alternatives. Additionally, sourcing FSC-certified materials, ensuring compliance with international safety standards, and educating stakeholders about the impact of toxic-free finishes and ergonomic designs required extensive effort. However, the growing demand for quality over cost-cutting is helping us drive change.
- How do you incorporate global best practices in sustainability and child-centric design while catering to Indian schools?
We follow the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes freedom of movement, sensory engagement, and flexible learning setups. Our furniture is crafted from sustainable FSC-certified wood with rounded edges for safety, height-adjustable features, and modular designs to adapt to diverse classroom needs. Additionally, we use natural, non-toxic finishes to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children.
- What impact do you think eco-friendly furniture has on children’s learning and well-being?
Eco-friendly furniture enhances focus, posture, and overall well-being by providing a safe and non-toxic learning environment. Studies suggest that natural materials and ergonomic designs improve students’ attention spans, reduce fatigue, and encourage better classroom interaction. Additionally, introducing children to sustainable practices fosters environmental consciousness and responsibility early on.
- What goes into designing Montessori and classroom furniture that balances aesthetics, safety, and functionality?
Our design philosophy integrates ergonomics, adaptability, and durability while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Montessori furniture, for instance, encourages independent learning with child-scaled elements and flexible configurations. Safety is paramount—our products feature rounded corners and stable structures, ensuring both comfort and peace of mind for educators and parents.
- X&Y uses FSC-certified birch plywood and non-toxic finishes. How does this set new industry benchmarks, and why is it essential for schools?
By using FSC-certified birch plywood, we ensure our materials come from responsibly managed forests, reducing environmental impact. Non-toxic finishes eliminate exposure to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and VOCs, which are often found in conventional furniture. This not only enhances air quality in classrooms but also promotes a healthier learning environment, setting a higher standard for the school furniture industry in India.
- What’s next for X&Y in terms of expansion, innovation, and fostering a greener, more mindful approach to school spaces?
We are continually innovating to create smarter, more sustainable school environments. Our upcoming initiatives include expanding our product range, collaborating with educational institutions to develop customized learning spaces, and enhancing our supply chain to further reduce our carbon footprint. By driving these efforts, we aim to set a new benchmark in the Indian school furniture industry.
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