Keene, NH, August 5, 2024 – Acclaimed Early Learning furniture brand Whitney Brothers^® today announced its new Sky View Sanctuary received a Platinum 2024 spaces4learning New Product Award, one of the most widely recognized awards for innovation in the educational products market.

Now in its ninth year, the spaces4learning New Product Award honors the outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers and suppliers whose products or services are considered to be particularly noteworthy in their ability to enhance the learning environment. The contest judges are professionals from leading industry vendors, industry associations and architecture firms.

This year’s program recognized 20 companies whose products spanned various K–12 and higher education categories including Building Interiors; Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment; Restrooms / Locker Rooms; Safety & Security; and Technology. The 2024 award also marks the fifth consecutive win by Whitney Brothers^®, a distinction that only a select few brands of educational furniture have achieved.
“Congratulations to all of our 2024 New Product Award winners, and thanks for your continued service in the education industry,” said Matt Jones, senior editor of spaces4learning. “Learning spaces are always evolving and so are the solutions required to keep schools safe, clean, sustainable and conducive to students.”

The Sky View Sanctuary is an inventive interpretation of a classroom privacy space for young learners, a product concept first introduced by Whitney Brothers^® over 20 years ago. Graceful curved side openings invite children inside the cozy interior where the brilliant day and night skies create a calm, comforting personal space to relax, read, reflect or recharge away from the bustle of a busy classroom. The product also satisfies every state requirement for a dedicated quiet space in Early Learning environments and coordinates with all other pieces in the company’s Nature View Collection, the world's first biophilia-inspired furniture line for Early Learning interiors and recipient of several international product design awards.

Scientific studies support that biophilic design can reduce stress, enhance creativity, focus clarity of
thought and improve well-being, important health benefits that can foster a young child's deep connection to their learning environment and set a positive trajectory for future learning outcomes.

“We’re especially honored to receive this award because it recognizes the importance of biophilic design to our youngest learners,” said Mike Jablonski, Whitney Brothers^® president. “The Sky View Sanctuary is another great example of how our fresh approach to furniture design thoughtfully enriches the classroom environment.”

About spaces4learning
spaces4learning is a leading publication for education institutions, the architectural community, service providers and others interested in creating high-quality educational facilities. The brand’s magazine, website and digital products bring together a broad array of vital resources and services that keep facilities professionals abreast of current issues, trends and research; provide professional development opportunities; and connect those sharing a common interest.

About Whitney Brothers^®
Founded in 1904, Whitney Brothers^® invented furniture for Early Learning and institutional childcare environments and pioneered its commercial distribution through educational distributors and dealers in schools, childcare centers, Head Start facilities, churches, libraries, museums, and residential homes throughout North America and around the world. The brand’s rich heritage spans 120 years of award winning products renowned for uncompromising quality, design, innovation, safety, durability and value. Each product is UL GREENGUARD^® Gold certified, qualifies for LEED credits, meets or exceeds applicable CPSIA, ASTM and BIFMA requirements, supported by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and proudly made in America.