I like #1 better. My reasons why (personal opinion only): It is more cohesive, has a better flow and is more powerful than #2. It looks like one united design. The three vertical colored sections outside of the black/brown sashings unite the whole thing beautifully, adding an 'encompassing' circular effect and making it softer yet still strong. The black/brown would be repeated at the bottom, right? The other one (#2) is choppy and looks like four separate parts to me.
If I were going to make #1 any wider, I'd just add black/brown borders to match what you already have for the sashings. That way the colored piecing will float and remain the focus. I'd love to hear more details about the class. Intuitive design by any chance?