Tables for flexible learning centres

MIT's iCampus computer aided flexible learning centres are pictured with round tables seating nine students. But where do you get a circular table seating nine people? Would such a table be too difficult to install and move?

With a quick web search I came across some modular classroom tables seating eight.Assuming a seven foot (2.134 meter) table is used. This provides 7.151 m around the table, or .795 m per student.

This is more than provided for a typical .7m student table. A modular system could use three modules each seating three students. Each module would be a segment 2.39 m by 1.067 m. For more flexibility the modules could be made from straight sided segments, as with the tables illustrated, to allow other arrangements.

Update: 17 August 2007

A common design for modular classroom tables are Trapezoidal ( about 1500 x 750 x 750 x 750 mm). There are also some folding models, but some are designed for a meeting room, with the legs on the wrong side for classroom use. There are also Kidney-Shaped Tables.