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Successful Strategies
By Mike Kennedy
What makes a school successful? Many elements go into the recipe—high-quality teachers, parental involvement, community support, sufficient resources.
What about the school facility itself? It’s possible that some students may eke out a decent education in bare-bones settings with few amenities—you might call that the “if it was good enough for me, it’s good enough for these kids” approach.
factors such as health and safety, security, sustainability, flexibility and a facility’s relationship with its community.
The 2024 jury of four education administrators and design professionals evaluated dozens of entries before coming to a consensus on the most noteworthy. They awarded citations to 11 projects.
EDITORIAL
ADVISORY BOARD
Bruce Mather Executive Director of Facilities Management
Elmhurst College, IL
Martin Montaño Capital Projects Administrator
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Rio Rancho, NM
James E. Rydeen
FAIA, Armstrong Torseth Skold and Rydeen, Inc. Minneapolis, MN
But it’s more likely that when facilities are inadequate, poorly designed or deteriorating, that obstacle is too difficult to overcome, and too many students fall through the cracks and don’t get the education they need and deserve.
American School & University’s editorial philosophy is based on the belief that well-designed educational facilities can have a significant positive impact on effective student learning.
Since the 1990s, schools and universities have spent billions of dollars on new and upgraded facilities, not just to accommodate growth or replace decrepit buildings, but to take the opportunity to provide environments that incorporate the latest innovations and accommodate a variety of teaching methods and learning styles.
AS&U’s Architectural Portfolio has for more than 40 years sought to recognize the educational facility designs that do more than merely provide space. The projects that stand out among the entries focus on students and consider modern learning strategies; their designs take into account
The William W. Caudill Citation—given to the design judged the best among preK-12 entries, was awarded to The Governor’s Academy Bill ’67 and Peter ’71 Alfond Coastal Research Center in Byfield, Massachusetts (pp. 20-21).
The Louis I. Kahn Citation, the top honor for higher education facility designs, was awarded to the Varner Hall Renovation and Addition at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan (pp. 22-23).
In addition to the citation recipients, the Portfolio includes many outstanding projects with unique elements or innovative strategies that may provide solutions or spark ideas for other educators and planners as they work on the next generation of facilities on their campuses.
2025 Projects Now Being Accepted
Enter your outstanding project into American School & University’s 2025 Educational Interiors Showcase awards competition.
Visit https://schooldesigns.com/educational-interiors-showcase/ to enter or for more information. Early-bird special ends January 17, 2025. Submission Materials are due April 25.
Contact Heather Buzzard, hbuzzard@asumag.com, for additional information.
Senior Editor Mike Kennedy has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.
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Your Web Source for Education Design
Design competition information and Citation recipients from previous years.
Searchable database of almost 6,000 educational facility projects with photos, descriptions and data.
Find the latest news about architects and design firms.
Find an architect, including links to that architect’s projects on the site.
www.asumag.com www.schooldesigns.com
CONTENT DIRECTOR/ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Joe Agron • jagron@endeavorb2b.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Mike Kennedy • mkennedy@asumag.com
ART DIRECTOR
Doug Coonrod • dcoonrod@endeavorb2b.com
AWARD PROGRAM MANAGER Heather Buzzard • hbuzzard@endeavorb2b.com
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen Ashkin; Paul Erickson; American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education
VP/MARKET LEADER— BUILDINGS & CONSTRUCTION
Mike Hellmann • mhellmann@endeavorb2b.com
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Future-forward Facilities
In early September, the jury for the 2024 Architectural Portfolio began their evaluations of the educational facilities that submitted entries to the design competition. Over several days, the four jurors—architects and school administrators—examined an array of photographs, renderings, project descriptions and data to determine which facility designs they believed stood out from the rest. After completing their individual assessments, the jurors came together via videoconference to discuss their findings and seek common ground on which projects deserved to be recognized for their exceptional designs. The most impressive of those designs were awarded Citations.
As the jurors went back and forth on the relative merits of the entries, they identified some of the qualities they were looking for in the designs that would signal to them that a project was worthy of a Citation. Among them:
• Future-forward design.
• Catalyst projects with creative and inspirational themes that point the way to new design possibilities.
• Designs with flexible furnishings to accommodate varied learning styles and active learning.
• Architecture that welcomes and enhances use by the community at large.
• Architecture that manifests a sense of place.
• Designs that promote sustainability, health and wellbeing.
• Designs that are student-focused.
• Projects that integrate natural light and views to the outdoors.
• Projects that strengthen connectedness to nature and enable hands-on learning.
• Cohesive designs that bring together the interior and exterior.
• Designs that support multimodal teaching and learning. n
“Simple and clean; elegant—it has views to nature from every space.”
WILLIAM W. CAUDILL CITATION, PP. 20-21
“Use of materials and how they are incorporated to the interiors creates a seamless experience.”
LOUIS I. KAHN CITATION, PP. 22-23
“The plan creates this place of wondery and discovery, carving out an interior oasis.”
SPECIAL CITATION, PP. 24-25
“A really excellent example of positioning a lab environment that is focused on student well-being.”
SPECIAL CITATION, P. 26-27
“Some compelling site design—the roof terrace, light-filled spaces. Gorgeous views.”
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CITATION, P. 33
“The use of color and pattern in the interior is dynamic and energizing.”
MIDDLE SCHOOLS CITATION, P. 47
“It creates a really nice place to get young people active and coming together to get fit.”
COMBINED-LEVEL SCHOOLS CITATION, PP. 53
“The design and material palette reflect the school’s history. Great use of color to promote school spirit.”
HIGH SCHOOLS CITATION, P. 59
“The site solution reinforces and accentuates the pathways through campus.”
POSTSECONDARY CITATION, PP. 70-71
Susan Moore
Dina Miris Sorensen
Alberto Alvarez
Valerie Sherry Caruolo
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ALBERTO ALVAREZ
Associate, Senior Design Lead WRA Architects
Alberto Alvarez has been a key member of WRA since 2016, contributing his expertise in commercial and student housing architecture. Over the years, he has specialized in design and architectural visualizations, playing an essential role in developing innovative concepts for WRA’s most complex educational projects. Some of his notable work includes Van Alstyne Elementary, Vanguard High School in Mesquite, the Walnut Hill Career North Institute for Dallas ISD, Hillsboro Elementary, expansions to Melissa ISD High School, and the ongoing Grayson College Health Sciences Building. His designs aim to enhance the learning environment, offering both functional and inspiring spaces for students and teachers. Alberto holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture degree from Texas Tech University. As an Associate and Senior Design Lead at WRA, he has made a significant impact on the firm’s K-12 and higher education projects. His innovative design solutions and strong client relationships have been key to his success, helping him bring to life spaces that reflect the unique needs of each community. Known for his collaborative approach, Alberto works closely with clients to ensure that each project not only meets functional requirements but also reflects the vision and aspirations of the people it serves.
VALERIE SHERRY CARUOLO
Founder and Principal
VSC Studios
Valerie Sherry Caruolo, BA Brown University, M.ARCH University of Maryland, CPHC, LEED AP, is a Design Principal, facilitator, researcher and former educator. As Founder and Principal of VSC Studios, and The 150 Minute Pledge, Valerie specializes in designing learning experiences and spaces that enhance student success and human flourishing. Valerie explores how environments affect the mental, physical health, well-being, and success of learners. A champion of radical collaboration, Valerie brings expertise in architecture, construction, design thinking, lean methods, ethnography, and education space design. As a nationally recognized practitioner and facilitator, Valerie investigates the conditions where innovation can occur, synthesizing evidence-based design findings, and translating, advocating, and advancing knowledge in architectural practice at the intersection of disciplines. Valerie is co-chair of the AIA National Committee on Architecture for Education Research Subcommittee.
SUSAN MOORE
Director of Facilities
Henrico County Public Schools
Susan Moore is the Director of Facilities for Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) in central Virginia. It is the sixth-largest school district in the state and educates about 49,000 students. The district has 73 school facilities encompassing over 7.6 million square feet of building space. The facilities department handles all maintenance, custodial, logistics and construction for the school system. Three years ago, HCPS completed the construction of two high school rebuilds along with an elementary school expansion; all three campuses are state of the art and achieved LEED gold certification. The district now is in the process of rebuilding two more elementary schools and a middle school, as well as building a sustainable classroom building that will serve the school system’s environmental education specialty center. It is the mission of the HCPS Facilities Department to provide well designed schools with engaging, flexible learning environments. Susan received a BS in Architecture from the University of Virginia and has worked in the design industry for 38 years. She has served as HCPS Director of Facilities for eight years.
DINA MIRIS SORENSEN Founder d.studio
Founder of d.studio and co-chair of the AIA-CAE Research Subcommittee on Architecture for Education, Dina is an awardwinning, nationally recognized education design leader, speaker, and author. Trained in fine arts and architecture, she works across disciplines to construct meaningful connections between people, place and pedagogy. Her innovative designs have opened the eyes of learners of all ages to the wonders of the natural world, and her collaborative research has made pioneering contributions to the field of school architecture and public health. Her passion for innovation resulted in the first Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Design Guidelines for School Architecture© as well as designs that have twice earned the U.S. Most Livable Building Award and AIA-COTE Awards. She co-founded and was editor of Dialogues: Emerging Research at the Intersection of Designs for Learning and now serves as designer in residence at the Center for Systems and Community Design at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health, where she leverages design thinking and public health research.
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Why are architects specifying Excel han ryers for e ucation?
There are three chief attributes of Excel hand dryers that make them especially well-suited to an educational facility:
1)
Hygiene & Cleanliness
Why are clean, ry han s important in e ucational facilities?
Excel Dryer’s touchless technology reduces potential encounters with surface-borne pathogens. The availability of electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA®) filtration enables the removal from the airstream of 99.999% of viruses and 99.97% of potentially present bacteria at 0.3 microns. Meanwhile, the elimination of paper towel waste results in cleaner-looking restrooms, drastically reduces instances of clogged toilets and sinks, and eliminates the need for constant maintenance.
2) Ecological Benefits
Educational facilities are typically required to meet stringent green criteria, and Excel hand dryers can do a lot to help meet those goals. For a high-use restroom like those found in educational facilities, making the switch from paper towels to Excel hand dryers can result in up to a 94% reduction of carbon footprint even versus 100% recycled paper towels.
3) Cost Savings
Using the XLERATOR® Hand Dryer as an example, a high-use facility can save up to 95% in costs compared to paper towels when factoring in purchasing, shipping and handling. That’s going to be a significant savings for a budgetconscious educational facility.
On campus, students, faculty, administrators and employees share a relatively closed environment, making hygiene a top priority. It is scientifically proven that germs spread to and from wet hands far more easily than dry hands—that’s why organizations like the CDC have been incorporating thorough drying into their handwashing recommendations.¹ An XLERATOR dryer dries hands completely in eight seconds and is motion-activated to reduce touchpoints. It’s also important to keep in mind that even unused paper towels can harbor bacteria, including E. coli, adding to the hygienic benefits of installing a touchless dryer in their stead.
What options, accessories an features shoul ecision makers be ma e aware of when it comes to Excel Han Dryers?
eHEPA® filtration removes 99.999% of viruses and 99.97% of potentially present bacteria at 0.3 microns from the airstream. Adjustable speed and sound control assist in fitting to the unique needs of any environment.
Antimicrobial wall guards fit securely below the Excel hand dryer to protect walls from water droplets and inhibit the growth of bacteria though Microban® technology. Recess kits make the XLERATOR or XLERATOReco® compliant with the 4” ADA protrusion requirement of four inches.
Michael Savitt
Additionally, Excel Dryer can customize covers with graphics, school/team colors, corporate logos, green messaging or any other high resolution imagery.
What han ryer mo els are i eal in areas where van alism is a concern?
The XLERATOR and XLERATOReco Hand Dryers are vandal-resistant. Because they are commonly installed in high-traffic, public environments like airports, train stations, sports stadiums, public parks and schools, this is a particularly valuable attribute, potentially saving facilities managers thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.
XLERATOR dryers are secured to the wall with a sturdy backplate, making them particularly difficult to remove.
All covers are strong and tamperresistant, secured with bolts that require a special wrench for removal.
Made from tough, damageresistant materials, the white models, such as the XL-BW, are often favored by school systems and public facilities for their durability and ability to minimize the visual impact of scratches.
Excel Dryer would like to congratulate our customers & their designers on their award-winning projects.
We are thrilled to be a part of not only your outstanding designs, but your continued success!
Butts County Performing Arts Center - Jackson, Georgia
Breaux & Associates Architects - Alpharetta, GA
Boys Town Education Center - Boys Town, Nebraska
DLR Group - New York, NY
Lake Orion Community Schools, Blanche Sims Elementary School - Lake Orion, Michigan
GMB Architecture & Engineering - Grand Rapids, MI
MAIN WINNERS
WILLIAM W. CAUDILL CITATION
LOUIS I. KAHN CITATION
FLANSBURGH ARCHITECTS
THE GOVERNOR’S ACADEMY | BILL ’67 AND PETER ’71 ALFOND COASTAL RESEARCH CENTER
Byfield, Massachusetts .......... p. 20-21
“Simple and clean; elegant—It has views to nature from every space.”
— 2024JURY
STANTEC ARCHITECTURE
VARNER HALL RENOVATION AND ADDITION
Rochester, Michigan ................p. 22-23
“Use of materials and how they are incorporated to the interiors creates a seamless experience.”
— 2024 JURY
SPECIAL CITATION
ENNEAD ARCHITECTS
AMERICAN SCHOOL IN JAPAN, MASTER PLAN
Tokyo, Japan ................................ p. 24-25
“The plan creates this place of wondery and discovery, carving out an interior oasis.”
— 2024JURY
SPECIAL CITATION
ZERR BERG ARCHITECTS
NDSU SUGIHARA SCIENCE HALL & SKYWAY
Fargo, North Dakota ................p. 26-27
“A really excellent example of positioning a lab environment that is focused on student well-being.”
— 20234JURY
THE GOVERNOR’S ACADEMY | BILL ’67 AND PETER ’71 ALFOND COASTAL RESEARCH CENTER
BYFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
The Coastal Research Center emphasizes experiential learning and ecological awareness, particularly in marsh ecosystems, by encouraging hands-on engagement with real-world data and projects. The building, strategically situated on a granite saddle, minimized environmental impact, preserving the shoreline, marshes, and wetlands. Its exterior, clad in sustainable wood, blends seamlessly with the surrounding forest, and steel frames with ample glazing
provide unobstructed views of nature, fostering study and observation. The design prioritizes outward views, creating “living calendars” of the natural environment.
Flexible classrooms support a range of disciplines, from traditional sciences to studies in climate justice and ethics. The center includes makerspaces and aquatic labs, featuring concrete floors and exposed systems for active learning. An elevated, gently sloping walkway winds through the woods to the shore,
making the marsh and riverbanks accessible to all, including those with disabilities. At the river, students engage in discovery, collecting specimens for study. The center also hosts a small residence for visiting scientists, enhancing both local and national research. An outdoor venue with stepped seating facilitates lectures, performances, and community outreach. n
Flansburgh Architects
Design team
David Croteau (Principal-in-Charge);
Daithi Blair (Project Architect); Will Merrill (Architectural Designer)
Client
The Governor’s Academy
Area
9,350 sq. ft.
Cost
$7,000,000
Cost/square foot
$749
Completion
January 2022
Images
Robert Benson
“Simple and clean; elegant— it has views to nature from every space.”
— 2024 JURY
VARNER HALL RENOVATION AND ADDITION
ROCHESTER, MICHIGAN
Recognizing the need to update a 1970s building, Oakland University embarked on a master plan for renovations and additions to its music, theater and dance department. With a goal of improving the user experience while replacing and updating building infrastructure, the design team developed solutions that make a significant impact with a limited budget on the functionality and public-facing spaces.
Design solutions include new lobbies
that clarify building circulation, address accessibility issues, and create a welcoming front door to the building. Renovations to the existing building’s interior space — the band practice room, sewing lab, set design makerspace and all circulation and restroom areas — provide a much needed refresh and unify the new additions with the older building.
The two 4,500-square-foot additions to the west and south create new elegant entryways to the building. The western
“The Varner Hall project has significantly enhanced the learning environment by providing versatile spaces for students to study, collaborate, and perform. Its welcoming entrance and improved connections throughout the building create an inviting atmosphere.”
—
JENNIFER MYERS, UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT, OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
addition enhances the entrance to the Recital Hall and creates pre-function and lobby space. The addition to the south increases the Studio Theatre back-ofhouse area with a renovated black box theater, reception lobby and back-ofhouse spaces. n
Stantec Architecture
Associated firms:
Jaffe Holden (Acoustics); Spalding DeDecker (Civil); Grissim Metz Andriese Associates (Landscape)
Images Justin Maconochie
“Use of materials and how they are incorporated to the interiors creates a seamless experience.”
— 2024 JURY
AMERICAN SCHOOL IN JAPAN, MASTER PLAN
TOKYO, JAPAN
Conceived as a “river of learning,” the master plan for the American School in Japan responds to the existing physical and pedological barriers, uniting the youngest and oldest learners into one connected academic environment that erodes divisions and promotes an interconnected community.
The American School in Japan, Tokyo’s leading international school, has developed a bold new academic mission that seeks to build a community of inquisitive learners and independent thinkers. The school enlisted Ennead to create a master plan that aligns the campus with this ambitious vision. The plan reshapes
Ennead Architects
Design team
Don Weinreich (Principal in Charge); Minh Tran (Project Manager); Mimoza Gjonbalaj (Project Accountant); Anders Evenson, Ingrid Evenson, Xinyue Liu, Alex O’Briant (Team Members)
Client
American School in Japan
Area
561,000 sq. ft.
Cost
Confidential
Images
Ennead Architects
the campus with a sinuous form that weaves through the property, uniting all school divisions into a singular, continuous structure. With undulating surfaces traversing a new campus green space, the plan physically mimics the curves of a river, creating continuity among grade levels, fostering social interaction, and offering dynamic connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design encourages students to visualize their academic journey through views and physical connections that offer constant opportunities to look back on where they’ve been, and forward to where they’re going. n
“The plan creates this place of wondery and discovery, carving out an interior oasis.”
— 2024 JURY
NDSU SUGIHARA SCIENCE HALL & SKYWAY FARGO,
NORTH DAKOTA
Sugihara Hall has created a shared state-of-the-art home for North Dakota State University’s chemistry and geoscience departments. Sugihara is a four-story laboratory-intensive building that incorporates right-sized labs with teaching labs, graduate student workspaces, classrooms and a variety of student support and study spaces — all within an energy-efficient
design. The building has more than 80 fume hoods, a chemical storage room, proper chemical storage in the labs, and a new rock sample processing and storage. A backup generator protects sensitive research.
One of the main project goals was making science and research accessible to students and visitors. The building was constructed on the corner of two main
thoroughfares into campus. This makes it easy for students, visitors and anyone passing through campus to see into the lab and research spaces.
To further the visual impact of the work and learning within Sugihara’s walls, the building was designed in an L shape. This created a quad-like space in the middle of the site for students to gather, study and
Zerr Berg Architects
Associated firm: BWBR
Client
North Dakota State University
Design team
Tony Wolf; Brian Berg; Brian Lapham; Craig Peterson; Leah Fagerland; Cesar Honorio-Arroyo
Area
107,500 sq. ft.
Cost
$45,000,000
Cost/square foot
$418
Capacity
500
Space per student
215 sq. ft.
Completion
October 2022
Images
Dan Francis Photography
pass through on their way to the Memorial Union or other buildings on campus.
The courtyard serves as a new main point of entry to the Memorial Union, a main hub of student and visitor activity on campus. This proximity and high visibility show how highly the university values the presence of science and STEM classes on campus. n
“A really excellent example of positioning a lab environment that is focused on student well-being.”
— 2024 JURY
CITATION
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
DESIGN RESOURCES GROUP ARCHITECTS
CHILDREN’S VILLAGE AT DOYLESTOWN HEALTH
Doylestown, Pennsylvania ........................................ p. 30
RDG PLANNING & DESIGN THE PLAMBECK EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER
Kearney, Nebraska ............................ p. 29
“It has a warmth and spatial organization that caters specifically to young learners.”
DAVID CORBAN ARCHITECTS VAN OTTERLOO FAMILY CAMPUS FOR LEARNING Immokalee, Florida ......................................................... p. 31
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THE PLAMBECK EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER
KEARNEY, NEBRASKA
The University of Nebraska collaborated with RDG Planning & Design to develop a new early education center on its Kearney (UNK) campus. The center is a key component of the College of Education’s early childhood education program, providing hands-on learning opportunities for university students. The facility’s flexible spaces enable continual supervision, with ample daylight and direct
access to thoughtfully designed, ageappropriate playgrounds.
With 11 high-quality classrooms accommodating up to 176 children, students gain practical knowledge and skills under the guidance of experienced educators. The center has generous corridors and activity spaces that promote exploratory learning beyond the classrooms.
The design reflects the university’s connection with the regional agricultural community by integrating color, texture, and patterns. Glazed brick provides a contrast to the traditional red brick and ties in UNK Blue, and engineered wood slats provide shade and rhythm at the entry and further incorporate the university’s iconic color. Balancing aesthetics and functionality, the center inspires curiosity and joy in children and adults and provides a foundation for life-long learning. n
“It has a warmth and spatial organization that caters specifically to young learners.”
— 2024 JURY
RDG Planning & Design
Associated firms: Alvine and Associates (MEP Engineer); Performance Engineering (Structural Engineer); Miller & Associates Consulting Engineers (Civil Engineer); RDG Planning & Design (Landscape Architecture)
Client
University
Cost/square
Space
Images Thomas Grady Photography
CHILDREN’S VILLAGE AT DOYLESTOWN HEALTH
DOYLESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
The Children’s Village at Doylestown Health, a renowned early childhood education center, was recreated after it was destroyed by a tornado in August 2020. Inspired by its name, the facility comprises structures resembling homes within a village. Distinct paint colors and roof angles denote the different program areas and give the Children’s Village an interconnected and inviting appearance.
From the exterior, two front wings
guide visitors to the lobby. Color-coded corridors extend into age-specific areas, including an art room, a teaching kitchen with a child-height oven, and a library with an interactive tree installation. This installation features a reading nook and a treehouse, which encourage storytelling and exploration. Classrooms have direct access to outdoor playgrounds via covered verandas for play even on rainy days. Expansive windows flood the inte -
Design Resources Group Architects
Design team
Hany Y. Salib, AIA, NCARB (President/CEO, Principal-in-Charge); Victor Rodriguez, RA, NCARB (Senior Associate, Director of Design); Phillip Cacossa, PE, LEED AP (Director of Construction Administration and Engineering)
Client Doylestown Health
Space
Images Ines Leong/L-INES Photo
riors with natural light, providing broad sightlines in and out.
Thoughtful design blends resilience and childlike joy to create a beloved environment for early childhood education. n
VAN OTTERLOO FAMILY CAMPUS FOR LEARNING
IMMOKALEE, FLORIDA
The challenge was to design a 12-classroom independent school, expandable to 24 classrooms, for preschool children of migrant and working poor families as well as provide space for a highly successful high school mentorship program.
The architect worked with the Guadalupe Center to develop a scalable program that serves the disparate functions of a school for toddlers and a mentorship program for teens. Classroom pods are arranged around three play courts that can be surveilled from corridors, classrooms and major spaces. Three identical fourclassroom pods were developed, and services are in place for expansion. The Tutor Corps high school mentoring building is pulled away from main structure and rotated slightly to provide a strong street presence.
Exits directly to the outdoors from all classrooms provide escape routes, and numerous impact-rated windows provide protection and enable staff to watch for threats.
Because daylight has an uplifting effect on well-being and health, the design introduces daylight through full-height windows and clerestories in all classrooms, corridors and major spaces. Separation of the Tutor Corps building opens up exterior interaction space for students and provides a prefunction area for special events.
In its first year, van Otterloo was at capacity with 300 toddlers and 120 high school students. With ample daylighting, protected playgrounds and structured open space, the
facility is an active participant in the education of these young children. n
David Corban Architects
Design
David Corban (Principal Architect); John Gerneth (Project Architect)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
CITATION
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
URBAHN
BSHM
FLANSBURGH ARCHITECTS
CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Tewksbury, Massachusetts .......... p. 33
“Some compelling site design—the roof terrace, light-filled spaces. Gorgeous views.”
DINISCO DESIGN
SGT.
BRESLIN ARCHITECTS
CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TEWKSBURY, MASSACHUSETTS
Awelcoming curved entrance to the school with generous seating options encourages informal interaction among students, staff, parents, and all members of the school community. A variety of right-scaled outdoor gathering spaces, both interior courtyards and exterior to the school, allow for outdoor classroom and social events. The shared plaza, curved pathway system and subtly raised planted areas with native plantings create
“Some
compelling site design—the roof terrace, light-filled spaces.
Gorgeous views.”
— 2024 JURY
the appearance of a lush campus linking the two schools and provide for more interaction and learning opportunities.
The three-story school is organized around a centrally situated outdoor classroom with classroom wings radiating outward into the landscape. Enrichment spaces such as art, STEAM labs with greenhouses, and music activate the outdoor classroom throughout the day. The community visioning sessions emphasized the need for outdoor learning, gardens, greenhouse space and accessible green roofs reflecting Tewksbury’s rich history of horticulture. n
Flansburgh Architects
Design Team
Kent Kovacs (Principal-in-Charge); Bill Beatrice (Project Manager)
Client
Tewksbury Public Schools
Area Cost
139,500 sq. ft. Not provided
Completion Images February 2023 Robert Benson
THE ABIGAIL ADAMS SCHOOL, PUBLIC SCHOOL 131
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Built as an expansion of the Abigail Adams School, otherwise known as Public School 131 in Jamaica, Queens, the four-story structure adds 384 seats to an elementary school already bursting at the seams. Serving a student population of 872 students, the existing
facility is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and as such, presented some challenges when it came to the design and construction of the new Lshaped building. To align the massing and work within the language of the historic two-story façade, the addition was set back along the upper levels to diminish its presence among the existing school and the low-lying residences nearby.
Critical to the mission of the project was to provide ADA compliance in the older structure and create an at-grade lobby to serve as an arrival point for students and staff. The addition also includes a new administrative suite, 20 new classrooms, a gymnasium, exercise room, an auxiliary dining space, library,
medical offices, and an expanded outdoor play area. n
Urbahn Architects
Associated firms: Leslie E. Robertson Associates [LERA] (Structural Engineer); Loring Consulting Engineers (MEP); Yu & Associates (Civil Engineers); Edgewater Design (Landscape Architect); Lumen Architecture (Lighting Engineer); Cerami & Associates (Acoustic Engineer)
Design team
Donald E. Henry Jr. (Principal); Martin Kropf (Project Manager); Oni Lloyd (Project Architect); Martin D. Stein (Planner); Jonathan C. Ruiz (Project Designer); Maggie Chuc (Detailer); Ruting Li (Design Team)
Client
Images
Ola Wilk
BLANCHE SIMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
LAKE ORION, MICHIGAN
Blanche Sims Elementary School replaces the oldest elementary building in the district with a modern facility serving students in developmental kindergarten through 5th grade. The school consists of 19 classrooms, a secure entry and office spaces, extended learning spaces throughout the building, a new kitchen with servery, cafeteria with stage, gymnasium, STEM center and media center. The building was designed into gradelevel pods with classrooms, interior extended learning areas and covered outdoor learning spaces. An emphasis
on integrating indoor and outdoor spaces enables students to easily engage with outdoor learning. One districtwide principle carried out in this project was the inclusion of a dedicated space focused on STEM learning. This center will help students develop their collaborative teamwork skills,
GMB
problem solving and creativity. Site access and the relationship to the building challenged the project team to think about how visitors and parents approach the building, compared with buses, and how the building and site can respond to each other to achieve a balanced and sensitive design. n
Associated firms: Frank Rewold & Sons (Construction Manager); JRA (Food Service Consultant)
Design team
Jordan Johnson (Project Architect); Mitch Duyser (Project Manager); Tom VanDeGriend (Client Lead)
Client
Space per student Completion 138 sq. ft. August 2023
Images John D’Angelo Photo
C.W. CLINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
The design for Cline Elementary School, a two-story preK-5 campus, emerged from a collaborative process involving administration, staff, parents, community, and students. The school is
organized around a central learning commons that serves as an educational hub, offering spaces for large group instruction and personalized learning. Each grade level has its own pod, connected to the commons, with unique collaboration areas to foster teamwork. Shared spaces include innovation hubs, a makerspace, art and music rooms, a cafeteria, and a gymnasium. The cafeteria and gym can be independently accessed for community events, and the adjacent courtyard and amphitheater support indoor and outdoor functions. The design emphasizes three key areas: cultivating community through PBK
spaces that support gathering and engagement; promoting “learning anywhere” by creating versatile, naturally lighted environments; and encouraging choice, with flexible learning spaces and outdoor areas that cater to individual student needs. Overall, the school fosters a supportive and dynamic learning experience for all students. n
DEER CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
NOBLESVILLE, INDIANA
The design of this two-story K-4 school was developed through a collaborative process with teachers and administrators. The team aspired
to create a reimagined, inquiry-based teaching and learning environment that is student-centered, collaborative, safe, and flexible.
Flexible collaboration was achieved through grade-level learning communities; six classrooms surround a multifunctional activity commons that extends each classroom. It also serves as a space for STEM activities, grade-level presentations, indoor recess, push-in remediation, and outdoor learning.
Five learning communities are positioned around a central media center, where a large, two-story open area draws students into zones for gathering
and reading, as well as spaces for media production. Interior courtyards flanking the media center flood the building with natural light and provide secure outdoor learning opportunities, while contributing to a compact building design that minimizes corridor space and maximizes instructional space.
Noise levels and traffic patterns were addressed through acoustic design and a separate wing for the gym and cafeteria, which includes small, round café tables that support language development and encourage quieter conversation. n
FARIAS-SPITZER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS
Farias-Spitzer Elementary, a new school for Comal ISD, redefines traditional educational environments with unique design elements. O’Connell Robertson’s innovative design was in -
spired by the concept of making the library the “heart” of the school. This central element became an expansive open space without walls, promoting accessibility and integration of the library into daily school life. This design encourages ongoing engagement rather than being a static destination, as the library is seamlessly integrated with natural traffic patterns for collaborative learning and exploration.
Architecturally, the school embraces a tree branch motif seen in angled columns reminiscent of the district’s logo. This innovation posed layout challenges,
O’Connell Robertson
Design team
Chris Narendorf, LEED AP (Principal in Charge); Nicole Nations, AIA (Architect); Nick Patterson, PE (Principal Engineer); Lucia Prado (Architectural Designer); Jayna Duke, IIDA (Principal Interior Designer); Patricia Runge, RID (Interior Designer)
Client
Comal Independent School District Area Cost 96,115 sq. ft. $40,900,000
Cost/square foot Capacity $426 800
Space per student Completion 120 sq. ft. August 2023
Images Doug Gaidry
resulting in triangular hallway configurations that complement the angular design while facilitating classroom alignment.
The design eschews traditional enclosed science labs, opting for integrated science-ready spaces within corridors. These areas support collaborative STEM learning and accessibility for all students.
A central courtyard, featuring a symbolic tree central to the district’s identity, enhances natural light and offers al fresco dining adjacent to the cafeteria. The design palette of greens and golds reflects growth and sunlight, integrating nature into the school’s aesthetic. n
JOHNSTOWN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
JOHNSTOWN, OHIO
Built in the early 1960s, the Searfoss Middle School facility, an elementary school until 2017, has undergone a significant transformation to become
Johnstown Intermediate School and accommodate the Johnstown-Monroe School District’s growing student population. This initiative involved renovating 27,000 square feet and adding 12,000 square feet to provide 25 classrooms, a full-service kitchen, small group rooms, and a multipurpose area. A new roof installation allowed for modern mechanical systems that have improved heating, cooling, and ventilation efficiency. Classrooms were equipped with advanced technology, and the courtyard was converted into a media center with high transom windows for ample natural light. To enhance secu-
rity, a new main entrance was constructed, that controls access and improves visitor monitoring by school administration. Situated adjacent to the district’s main middle school campus, the renovated facility now serves as a crucial transitional facility for students moving from elementary to middle school, offering a modernized learning environment supported by updated infrastructure. n
MIDDLE ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCE GEORGE, VIRGINIA
Recognizing the need for a new learning environment and community hub, Prince George County Public Schools built Middle Road Elementary School. Navigating the design process of this new school during the Covid-19 pandemic required innovative approaches to collaboration and communication. Because of the inability to meet in person, the planning process was conducted virtually, enabling all stakeholders to be heard and fostering
unity and shared purpose. Through collaborative efforts among the design team, school administrators, community members, and other stakeholders, a shared vision for the school emerged, one that would have a space for every member of the community. Additionally, the district maintained a community website for updates throughout construction.
Middle Road Elementary’s design encourages collaboration through open common spaces, adaptable classrooms, and abundant natural light and scenic views, while embracing technology as a tool for exploration; state-of-the-art resources are integrated seamlessly into the space. Middle Road Elementary School empowers students to become lifelong learners and active participants in their own education. n
Moseley Architects
Associated firms:
Timmons Group; Foodservice Consultants; Loughridge & Company; ECS Mid-Atlantic; McDonough Bolyard Peck (MBP); Studio HDP
Design team
Stephen Halsey, Emily Baker, Jackie Hall, Chris Brown, Pam Bullivant, Brian Winchester, Gongren Yuan, Frank Knott, Emily Hogan, Josh Landis, Larnecia Jackson, Tom Maynard, Eric Pegram
Client
Prince George County Public Schools Area Cost
96,000 sq. ft. $32,840,528
Cost/square foot Capacity
$342 850
Space per student Completion 113 sq. ft. December 2022
Images
Studio HDP
DESIGN
QUINTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
QUINTON, VIRGINIA
Quinton Elementary is a cherished symbol of community pride that was built to accommodate new and future enrollment in New Kent County. Through engagement with program department chairs, teachers, and staff, the design team conducted comprehensive assessments to identify priorities, strengths, and areas for improvement in the existing educational framework. Deviating from traditional elementary
school designs, the facility has a middle school-sized gymnasium, used yearround. The school houses a dedicated office for the New Kent Parks and Recreation Department, and the department’s summer programs use the public areas of the building.
Quinton Elementary prioritizes color and functionality. Careful thought went into selecting colors and materials for this project. The process started with giving
each grade level a specific color, and the color scheme extends from the grade wings to communal areas, symbolizing unity among the diverse student body. Within the academic wings, students have access to extended learning spaces that cater to diverse learning styles and activities. They provide a supportive environment for individual study and group projects with passive supervision from teachers and staff. n
Moseley Architects
Associated firms: Timmons Group; Heartland Construction; Foodservice Consultants Studio; ECS MidAtlantic; QPH Photo; Facility Dynamics Engineering
Design team
Stephen Halsey, Andrew Smolak, Jackie Hall, Emily Hogan, Stephen Lyons, Cory Covil, Felix Pyatigorskiy, Russell Roundy, Josh Landis, Pam Bullivant, Eric Pegram, Larnecia
Jackson
Client
New Kent County Public Schools
Space per student Completion 127 sq. ft. July 2022
Images
QPH Photo
SCHOOLCRAFT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, SCHOOLCRAFT ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLCRAFT, MICHIGAN
The design of the new Schoolcraft Elementary is a direct response to interactive visioning with the community and district. Areas of importance for the community were varied, and the district used this feedback to develop a series of promises to deliver: an inviting
exterior with a dedicated kindergarten playground; a welcome center that honors the past; flexible space for food, friends, and fun; a media center highlighting a new experience of learning; playgrounds harnessing the power of play; a competition gym to serve all district students; classroom collaboration ideal for agile and adaptable learners; STEM and art labs providing hands-on learning for all; and a commons space dedicated to collaboration, communication and creativity.
Adjacent to the high school, the building was designed to blend with farmland and nearby residential developments. The flexible learning environments were distributed in two-story wings; lower-level
grades are on the first floor and upper grades on the second.
Reinforcing collaboration, each classroom wing provides two areas for individualized and group activities. These areas are open, flexible spaces outfitted with mobile furniture and seamless access to technology systems. Small group meeting rooms are also situated between classrooms for staff and student teamwork. n
TMP Architecture
Associated firms: C2AE; Nehil-Sivak; AR Engineering; Triangle Associates
Design team
Eduardo Blanc, International Assoc. AIA
Client
Schoolcraft Community Schools
Area
120,000 sq. ft.
Cost
$27,482,329
Cost/square foot
$229
Capacity
570
Space per student
211 sq. ft.
Completion
August 2023
Images
Tippett Photography
SGT. JORDAN SHAY MEMORIAL LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
AMESBURY, MASSACHUSETTS
DiNisco Design
Design team
Vivian Low (Principal in Charge); James Shuttleworth (Project Manager); Beneyam Shiferaw; Tom Mueller
Client
City of Amesbury
Area
9 8,200 sq. ft
Cost
$50,300,000
Cost/square foot
$512
Capacity
425 (k-2); 45 (preK)
Space per student
209 sq. ft.
Completion
August 2023
Images Peter Vanderwarker
The existing 1968 Amesbury Elementary School was undersized and didn’t accommodate modern educational needs ; its systems were end of life.
After the school district reconfigured its grade structure to ensure equity, a feasibility study determined that the best location for a new elementary school for grades preK–2 would be adjacent to the city’s other elementary school, serving grades 3–5, to create a unified elementary school campus. The new school incorporates districtwide pre-kindergarten classrooms and special education programs.
The building takes advantage of a sloping site to minimize the appearance of the three-story building within the natural setting. Exterior transparency enables students to feel connected to the natural settings.
Extreme site restrictions resulted in an easy-to-navigate compact floor plan with circulation spaces serving as adaptive teaching areas outside clustered classrooms, and academic spaces that are separated from public areas for greater security.
An interactive feature wall with a historical map and icons that represent aspects of Amesbury’s storied past is a dynamic centerpiece prominently displayed in the school’s lobby. n
WARRIOR RUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TURBOTVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
For eight years, the Warrior Run School District worked to realize its vision for a new elementary school on the district’s main campus. The new Warrior Run Elementary School provides a learning environment where students can thrive that will serve the community for generations.
A theme of the school is to put “learning on display.” At its core is a two-story skylighted lobby that provides abundant natural light and fosters a sense of community. Overlooking the lobby is a learning stair and small group areas for
student collaboration. All classrooms have windows to the corridor. The art and STEM rooms boast folding glass walls that can open up to create a shared work area for flexible learning.
To meet the district’s goals for site development, the location for the new school included a 45-foot elevation change across the site. The solution is a three-story school that steps with the slope and provides direct site access from all floors, including a bridge to an outdoor learning plaza from the third floor. n
Breslin Architects
Design team
Michael R. Bell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C (Principal-in-Charge); Michael K. Ackerman, AIA (Senior Design Architect); Kevin M. Miller, AIA, LEED AP BD+C (Project Manager); Chloe Fritz (Interior Designer)
Client Warrior Run School District
Area
99,900 sq. ft.
Cost
$29,034,000
Cost/square foot $291
Capacity 870
Space per student 115 sq. ft.
Completion
March 2023
Images Matt Wargo
Q&A with Charlotte Nienhaus Architect, ISG
How does ISG’s personalized approach helps PreK–12 educational leaders identify their facility needs?
ISG’s listen-first approach is integral to helping educational leaders effectively identify their facility needs. Recognizing the importance of user perspectives, we prioritize engagement with educational leaders and stakeholders to gather valuable insights from those within the classroom and community through VISIONING LABS . This interactive process allows us to hone in on wants and needs through information gathering activities and conversations, resulting in custom solutions that truly meet the daily functions and operational needs of spaces. This approach is supported with alternative analysis, which is a process where we provide options for consideration—one option being exactly what the client envisions, an idea that draws on ISG’s expertise, and an alternative concept to stimulate a broader discussion.
Having worked with hundreds of PreK–12 schools throughout the Midwest, we know that a one-size-fits-all mentality is limiting. Through collaboration, we ensure each option is explored and ultimately, the project will be customized to the specific needs of the school district. As a result of our approach and practices, educational partners are empowered to explore a variety of opportunities and identify solutions that will support short- and long-term visions for every learning environment.
In what ways can PreK–12 school districts benefit from a collaborative approach that focuses on understanding their students, faculty, and community?
ISG’s design process for a PreK–12 project is supported by collaborating with and gathering input from students, staff, and the community. We aim to ensure all voices are heard and do so by assembling a Core Planning Group, which consists of up to 30 community members with parents, school staff, and students. Over the course of three months, their unique perspectives guide the project vision and high-level planning through a variety of brainstorming activities. These collaborative efforts allow each member of the Core Planning Group
to express what they envision for their school, helping to define its identity. For many communities, school facilities become a central part of their identity and pride, making it essential that the design reflects their values.
In addition to fostering a tailored design that meets community needs, these work sessions promote a sense of ownership, generate consensus, and build support. Since schools are typically funded by public tax dollars, it is vital that students, faculty, and community members have a voice in how funds are allocated. As a result of stakeholder engagement, ISG creates solutions that consider the diverse perspectives and effectively serves the community.
What unique needs do small and rural school districts have that are often overlooked in broader educational discussions?
Small and rural school districts strive to provide opportunities similar to large and urban districts, yet they typically operate with significantly smaller budgets and enrollment numbers. Financial constraints often cause districts to prioritize current student offerings over necessary
short- and long-term investments in building maintenance and programming to prepare the future workforce.
ISG has extensive experience working with rural school districts to strategically address gaps with customized options. We focus on creating right-sized solutions for districts that address funding limitations and opportunities, space and building efficiency, and program offerings, such as Career and Technical Education spaces.
Our team actively involves the community in each discussion to generate a broader understanding of the options available for them to address the challenges they face. We take pride in delivering school designs that are functional and aesthetically pleasing to serve as valued community assets and landmarks. Regardless of size and location, our goal is to create flexible, 21st-century educational environments that will uphold district goals for years to come.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
CITATION
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
MOSELEY ARCHITECTS
ODESSA SHANNON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Silver Spring, Maryland ..............................................
BRESLIN
HMFH ARCHITECTS
MARIA WESTON CHAPMAN
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Weymouth, Massachusetts .......... p. 47 “ The use of color and pattern in the interior is dynamic and energizing.”
CSO TRI-NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL Bloomington, Indiana
MOSELEY ARCHITECTS WEST MILLBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL Raleigh, North Carolina
CITATION MIDDLE SCHOOLS
MARIA WESTON CHAPMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
WEYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
Designed to embrace hands-on learning and foster student well-being, Chapman Middle School replaces Weymouth’s two middle schools with a facility that provides an equitable educational experience and town-wide resources.
The school’s Town Square is a central light-filled gathering area for dining and community use. Three academic wings radiate off this activity hub, each marked by a distinct tower-like structure that is home to specialized lab spaces supporting the school’s “exploratories”— intro
“The use of color and pattern in the interior is dynamic and energizing.”
— 2024 JURY ductory elective tracks in career technical education.
As a feeder for Weymouth High School and its robust CTE programs, Chapman Middle enables students to explore programs from robotics and fabrication to culinary arts and broadcast media.
To create small learning communities within the large school, grade-level academic wings are organized into neighborhoods—clusters of classrooms surrounding a double-height presentation space, work area, and support rooms.
This structure provides a “home base” for students and ensures that their needs are met with expanded resources, focused attention, and supervision. The LEED Gold-certified school provides sustainable, healthful spaces that will support future generations. n
HMFH Architects
Design team
Philip Lewis AIA, LEED AP (Project Director); James Liebman AIA, LEED AP (Project Manager); Matthew LaRue AIA, LEED Green Associate (Design Leader); Alicia Crothers AIA, LEED AP (Project Architect)
Client
Town of Weymouth
Space per student Completion 171 sq. ft. September 2022
Images
Ed Wonsek Artworks
ODESSA SHANNON MIDDLE SCHOOL
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
Montgomery County Public Schools has replaced Odessa Shannon Middle School, built in 1966, with a facility for 1,008 students in grades six through eight.
Many aspects of the building design, site plan and phasing were influenced by the 40-foot sloping terrain and the continued operation of the existing fa -
cility during construction. The building design uses the sloping terrain to provide at-grade access to multiple levels of the building.
To accommodate a diverse population, the design team was challenged to elevate the middle school experience with learning spaces that support students academically and socially. The school of-
fers a modern learning environment with flexible and collaborative spaces. One of the main features is the social stair. It connects students and staff to the three floors, provides a space for students to socialize in between classes or at lunch, and offers a space for class presentations. Odessa Shannon received federal recognition as a “Designed to Earn the Energy Star” project and was the first district school to received three Green Globes. n
Moseley Architects
Associated firms: ADTEK Engineers; Downey & Scott; Keller Brothers; Paul Burk Photography; NyikosGarcia Foodservice Design; Polysonics
Design team
Jim Henderson, Eric Garcia, Pam Bullivant, Chris Farmer, David Goldrick, Bryan Taylor, Kenny Durrett, Seth Lehman, Pat Mesich, Kathy Brown, Roseanne Marrero, Shawn Ruehl, Daniel Bryant, Molly Merlo, Phuvinh Nguyen, Jonathan Shaw, Josh Landis, Eric Pegram, Yvonne LeFrancois, Bryna Dunn
Client
Montgomery County Public Schools
Space per student Completion 164 sq. ft. May 2022
Images
Paul Burk Photography
DESIGN
SANDY RUN MIDDLE SCHOOL DRESHER, PENNSYLVANIA
Anew middle school was developed on the same site as the building it replaced. The gradually sloping site is bordered to the south by the Sandy Run Creek. The academic wing runs parallel to it, and collaborative areas on each floor provide views of the creek. The school is divided into a three-story academic wing for grades six to eight and a one-story shared-use wing. These two components are separated by a courtyard that provides daylight to the north-facing classrooms and creates an open outdoor learning space. A circular planetarium
anchors the western edge of the courtyard. The splayed academic wing allows for the creation of a central node that houses the library and large collaborative areas. Science labs, special education classrooms and smaller collaboration zones are equally dispersed on all three floors. Access between the academic wing and the public/shared-use wing occurs at the middle level; a glazed cross-corridor bridge at the eastern end of the courtyard provides an additional connection. This project achieved LEED Gold certification. n
Breslin Architects
Design team
Robin W. Breslin, AIA (Principal-inCharge); Michael K. Ackerman, AIA (Senior Design Architect); Chloe Fritz (Interior Designer); Daniel R. Hersh, Jr., AIA, LEED AP, BD+C (Project Architect)
Client
Upper Dublin School District
Space per student Completion
212 sq. ft. August 2022
Images Matt Wargo; Breslin Architects
TRI-NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA
Tri-North Middle School has a rich history of serving its community for six decades. The district sought to honor this legacy when it decided in 2017 to replace the aging facility. CSO approached the design with care, understanding the need to meticulously integrate past memories, present needs, and a challenging site. The new design is an evolution of the midcentury-modern language of the original building, car -
rying forward the use of native Indiana limestone, large expanses of glass, and a clean, modern aesthetic. Inside, designers removed visual and physical barriers for students by opening the learning center and increasing visibility into surrounding spaces. The large student commons serves as a cafeteria, learning space, and lobby for after-hours events in the adjacent performance and athletic areas. Prioritizing sustainability, this Green Ribbon School is equipped with a geothermal system, LED lighting, and a rooftop solar array. Built low on the exist-
ing football field, the new building now faces north, serving as a beacon to its community. n
WEST MILLBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Moseley Architects conducted a study to evaluate options for the middle school site and identified a same-site replacement as the most
effective. The existing school remained occupied during construction, requiring a clear separation between new construction and the functioning campus.
A defined main entrance emphasizes site and building presence, and a separate entrance provides after-hours access for community events. Improved spaces include larger science labs and adequate gymnasium and auditorium space. Teaching spaces for the international baccalaureate magnet school include foreign language, visual arts, and support spaces. Previous middle schools in the district housed sixth graders in a separate build-
ing; the new school places them on the third floor, creating a degree of insulation while keeping all students under one roof.
In addition to multiple collaboration spaces in each classroom wing, built-in reading nooks provide seating where students may pause to study or chat.
The site also has a bus transportation center, a maintenance cluster, and parking for 60 district buses. n
Moseley Architects
Associated firms: Clancy & Theys Construction Company; CLH Design; Lynch Mykins Structural Engineers; Progressive Design Collaborative; McDonough Bolyard Peck; Foodesign Associates
Design team
Ashley Dennis (Managing Principal); Kathy Brown (Project Manager); Melissa Almond (Interior Designer); John Faron (Quality Control Reviewer)
Client
Images
Peter Brentlinger
COMBINED-LEVEL SCHOOLS
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
MCCARTY HOLSAPLE
“It creates a really nice place to get young people active and coming together to get fit.”
THE BAILEY FAMILY FITNESS & TRAINING CENTER
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
“It creates a really nice place to get young people active and coming together to get fit.”
— 2024 JURY
With a focus on health and fitness, The Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center was designed to be welcoming and inclusive to the full school community.
It features a space for nutrition education/group exercise/yoga classes, golf simulation, weight and resistance training, cardio workouts, an indoor turf space that opens to an outdoor athletic field, and an office for the athletic director. It is designed in a palette of patterned brick, glass, Kalwall, and metal panels; all materials are matched from buildings throughout campus. Fenestration is defined with
glazed voids where the brick clad volumes open to enable ample daylight to wash the interiors.
Interior materials are modest; the lobby and circulation areas have concrete floors, and sports performance flooring and turf are in active areas. Interior CMUbearing walls are exposed, painted, and branded, and stud walls are infill.
With ample transparency, the building is easily read and understood from inside and out. Using light, vibrant color, and dynamic interconnected volumes, it promotes discovery and delight in the pursuit of health and fitness. n
McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects
Associated firms: Albert F.G. Bedinger Consulting Engineers; Ardurra Group; Hedstrom Landscape Architecture; Ross Bryan Associates; Vreeland Engineers
Design team
Margaret Butler, Haley Zimmerman, Gray Taylor, Callie Elonen, Emanuel Huber-Feely, Aaron Miller, Ben Brewer, John Hockensmith
Client
$390 March 2024
Images
Denise Retallack
BOYS TOWN EDUCATION CENTER BOYS
TOWN, NEBRASKA
Since Boys Town High School opened in 1948, it has continually provided safe and inspiring learning experiences for its students. The design for the new Boys Town Education Center captures the spirit of the intricacies that make Boys Town unique. Research surrounding trauma-informed design is the driving factor behind the design. Most of the students at Boys Town have experienced trauma in their lives. Consideration for the mental health and well-being of students and staff is thoughtfully woven into the spaces at
DLR Group
Associated firms: Lamp Rynearson; MCL
Construction
Design team
Vanessa Schutte, AIA, ALEP (DLR Group Principal and K-12 Education Leader)
Client Area
Boys Town
Capacity
Completion Images
August 2023 Michael Robinson, courtesy of DLR Group
Boys Town Education Center. The new school serves 450 students in grades four to 12. Classroom studios of different sizes are included. Small group rooms are dispersed throughout the building to accommodate group work, acoustic separation, and student and teacher one-on-one time. Elementary and middle school students have access to learning commons for collaboration and hands-on learning. Makerspaces give high school students an opportunity to immerse themselves in technology and STEMrelated activities. Spirit Hall occupies the main level and is visible to every level, looking over the three-story volume with fully transparent glass on the east side for spectacular views of the landscape and Omaha skyline. n
KEITH BELL OPPORTUNITY CENTRAL FORNEY, TEXAS
Nicknamed “The OC,” the building offers a new concept for career and college instruction that also engages the community through lifelong
learning, special events, wellness activities, business partnerships and more. The OC serves Forney ISD students during school hours and remains open on evenings and
Huckabee
Client
weekends for college and community activities.
The OC has eateries, retail and services that are supported by students. Flexible and technology-rich learning space supports a range of CTE programs, dualcredit programs and college coursework. Co-working space is on the first floor; the second and third floors have classrooms, labs and multipurpose instructional space.
An arena at the heart of the facility features retractable seating on the first and second floors, along with instructional space on the third floor that overlooks the venue.
Several spaces overlook the “front yard,” a green space that features a paved plaza, rolling hills and an outdoor venue.
Forney ISD worked diligently with business and college partners—including Dallas College and Texas Tech University—to ensure the highest-quality programs for its students. n
ST. CLOUD MIDDLE AND MICHIGAN AVENUE ELEMENTARY COMBINATION SCHOOL
ST. CLOUD, FLORIDA
The goal of this project was to design and build a 948-student elementary school campus and an adjacent 1,480-student middle school campus
on a 21-acre parcel. The intent was to share as many campus infrastructure elements as possible. Two excellent educational facilities have been achieved on four to eight fewer acres than typical.
Shared elements include a central energy plant; a dining/multipurpose building with separate serving lines and folding wall; a bus circulation loop; a parent dropoff circulation path; 50% of retention area; after-hours parking; and a new entrance drive with traffic signal. An estimated $2 million was saved with this approach.
Aesthetically, it was important to unify the complex, with clearly distinct school
Song + Associates
Associated firms: BBM Structural Engineers; OCI Associates; Osceola Engineering; Galvin Design Group
Design team
Youn Lee, LEED AP (Director of Design); John Quattrone, RA, LEED AP (Project Management, Design and Programming); Jeanne Martin, NCIDQ (Interior Design); Perry Douglass, RA (Document Production and Specifications); Kate Donovan, AIA (Document Production)
Client School District of Osceola County
Area
136,100 sq. ft. (elementary); 172,200 (middle)
Cost
$55,500,000 (both schools)
Cost/square foot
$178
Capacity 948 (elementary); 1,480 (middle)
Space per student
143 sq. ft. (elementary); 116 sq. ft. (middle)
Completion
October 2019
Images Chad Baumer
images and well-defined entrances into the two schools’ secure lobbies and administration areas. This was achieved using distinctive entrance forms.
Community events are facilitated by a shared multipurpose and dining building that has two stages, full kitchen, and a folding wall. This space can be opened to accommodate 400 people or used to accommodate separate events with a folding acoustic wall. The media centers of each school are easily accessible with convenient parking.
“Song + Associates has delivered innovative, technology-rich, 21st-century schools utilizing green and sustainable features. They worked collaboratively with our school district stakeholders and our construction manager to achieve complex phasing and resolution of design/construction coordination issues, and met our strict budget parameters with innovative solutions that maximized opportunities to create an exceptional learning environment.”
— DAVE SHARMA, CHIEF FACILITIES OFFICER, FACILITIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OSCEOLA COUNTY
Every educational space is equipped with smart boards, including STEM labs, skills labs, resource rooms, music instruction, media centers, and conference rooms. In the STEM labs and computer labs, laptop charging stations are provided. The buildings also have a wireless network for handheld devices.
Sustainability features include highperformance glass and insulated windows; high insulation values; low-albedo Energy Star roofing; bipolar ionization to reduce air handler size; low-VOC and green-certified interior finishes; occupancy sensors; and energy management. n
HIGH SCHOOLS
CITATION
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
BRW ARCHITECTS
BRYAN ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL
Dallas, Texas .......................................... p. 59
“ The design and material palette reflect the school’s history. Great use of color to promote school spirit.”
TAPPE ARCHITECTS
BRYAN ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL DALLAS, TEXAS CITATION
The Bryan Adams High School campus redesign nurtures tomorrow’s leaders by enhancing access and fostering a sense of identity that honors the school’s history and local
heritage. Through state-of-the-art facilities, the school offers flexible spaces for private and collaborative learning, tech-integrated labs, leadership programming, early college accreditation, technical education, performance spaces, and fully accessible cutting-edge sports facilities. Ambitious and forward-thinking, the school creates unparalleled opportunities for a diverse student body to excel by unifying all school choice pathways on one campus.
The addition of three major buildings—performing arts, athletics, and administration and classroom—on the historically significant campus expands the campus, providing space for special education classrooms, small group nooks, and makerspaces supporting STEM and
“The design and material palette reflect the school’s history. Great use of color to promote school spirit.”
— 2024 JURY
vocational learning. Acoustic enhancements create an environment conducive to concentration and comfort for diverse dispositions and learning styles.
Natural light floods through windows, drawing light into classrooms and providing long sightlines of old-growth oaks and rolling hills. Furthermore, wayfinding systems and a proper wayfinding strategy became vital components to the wellbeing and safety of the new campus. n
BRW Architects
Design team
Lisa Lamkin, FAIA, LE Fellow (Principal); Anne Hildenbrand, AIA, ALEP (Principal); Chris Sano, AIA, LEED AP BD+C (Design Director); Abby Hiles, AIA (Senior Project Architect)
Client Dallas Independent School District Area Cost
Cost/square foot Capacity $193 2,000
Space per student Completion 145 sq. ft. August 2022
Images
Parrish Ruiz De Velasco
CAREER INSTITUTE NORTH DALLAS, TEXAS
After an EF3 tornado ripped through Northwest Dallas in October 2019 and caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damages, Walnut Hill Elementary was left in ruins. Dallas ISD saw an opportunity to transform the site into Career Institute North, a cutting-edge career and technical education (CTE) facility.
The vision for CI North aligned with the district’s goal of establishing four CTE locations for grades 9-12 that provide hands-on training led by industry experts. The facility offers programs in high-demand fields such as aviation, automotive technology, health care and software development. Students can earn certifications and dual credit prior to graduation, preparing them for high-skill, high-wage occupations.
The new facility retained elements of Walnut Hill Elementary’s 1920s Mediterranean-style architecture. The design incorporates similar materials and colors, including a white color palette and terracotta panels, preserving the building’s historical features.
The renovation also emphasized sustainability. About 5,200 tons of materials were diverted from landfills, and the use of new materials was minimized.
Inspired by Google and Apple campuses, the interior design has metallic colors softened with wood, collaborative spaces, and modern design elements. Key features like arched windows and terracotta tiles were preserved. An enclosed WRA Architects
Design team
Seth Stevens, AIA, NCARB (Principal in Charge); Donovan Howard, AIA, NCARB (Project Manager); Nathan Havens (Project Coordinator); Alberto Alvarez (Design Lead); Lindsey Freund
Client
Dallas Independent School District
$383
Space per student Completion
212 sq. ft. August 2023
Images Gary Logan Photography
courtyard and green space allow for media projections, and the cafeteria’s design maximizes natural light while providing acoustic control.
Meeting CHPS standards, the site’s landscaping preserved many native Texas plants, creating a low-maintenance and diverse ecosystem. n
CI North serves five high schools in the district’s northern quadrant: Hillcrest, Conrad, North Dallas, Thomas Jefferson, and W.T. White.
Q&A with WRA Architects
Designing a Community-Focused Middle School for Irving ISD
How did you engage with the community and stakeholders to ensure that every voice was heard?
From the outset, we prioritized community involvement in the design process for the new Crockett Middle School, a groundbreaking 4-story facility for Irving ISD. After the bond passed, we held organized meetings with students, teachers, parents, and community members to gather insights and ideas. We also facilitated tours of similar schools and hosted design charrettes to encourage brainstorming sessions and a collaborative deep dive.
These sessions provided a platform for stakeholders to share their priorities while we gained a deeper understanding of their needs and wants. The process was focused on listening to multiple perspectives and learning how to support different groups, while also inquiring and studying various pain points and aspirations. We followed up with multiple meetings with Irving ISD
to ensure alignment with their goals for this school. This open dialogue directly shaped the project’s vision from the start.
What defined the success of Crockett Middle School?
Success is defined by how well the design aligns with the community’s vision and the project’s mission and goals. Through ongoing post-charrette planning meetings, we ensured the design not only reflected the charrette outcomes but also honored the school’s tradition while embracing future-forward thinking.
The dynamic spaces—including the media center as the heart of the school, a lecture lab with tiered seating, and a competition gym—are all crafted to empower students as visionary leaders, fearless innovators, and tenacious problem solvers.
The integration of scaled collaboration areas for students and positive learning
spaces for teachers, as well as distributed administrative and special education spaces, ensures that all users are supported in this inspiring learning environment.
What was the outcome, and how did it align with the community’s vision?
The result of Crockett Middle School perfectly reflects the community’s vision of creating dynamic and inspiring positive experiences. The well-defined visual “wow factors” coupled with standout amenities like a two-sided presentation stage, a two-story skybridge with views of the lush courtyard, and a four-story atrium adds a sense of openness, enhancing the connection between students and their environment.
Thoughtfully situated within the district, the building offers green spaces and walking paths, creating a welcoming and harmonious environment. With construction set to be completed by winter 2026, the school will provide an unprecedented 4-story campus designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders, fully aligning with the community’s vision and goals.
CHAPARRAL HIGH SCHOOL KILLEEN,
TEXAS
The high school, inspired by the Texas Hill Country, marks a significant milestone as the Killeen district’s first new comprehensive high school in 22 years. This state-of-the-art facility, funded as part of a $426 million bond program, elevates traditional school design by integrating natural materials and ample daylight to create a welcoming, adaptive
environment. The heart of the school is a central hub that maximizes student engagement and serves as a dynamic community space for events and gatherings. Organized around a central media center, commons, and outdoor courtyards, the two-story building promotes connectivity, collaboration, and wellness. Designed with input from stakeholders, the school features durable, low-maintenance materials and flexible spaces that support diverse learning styles, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria, and library are easily accessible for both school and community use, reflecting modern values and celebrating school pride. This innovative design sets the stage for new traditions and success within the district,
providing a high-quality learning environment that inspires students and staff. n
Images Jud Haggard
EASTSIDE EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL AUSTIN, TEXAS
Eastside Early College High School embodies a vision of academic excellence, multiculturalism, and community connectivity. Relocated to the historic site of the Original L.C. Anderson High School, it honors an 82-year legacy of serving the African American community in East Aus-
tin with outstanding academics, fine arts, career preparation, and athletics. Closed in 1971 because of desegregation orders, the original school saw its students scattered to other campuses. The building, vacant for decades, was left structurally condemned.
The school has been revived through historical reconstruction, an alumni gallery, and graphic history walls. Perched on a hilltop, the campus offers stunning 360-degree views, with a four-story tower featuring continuous glazing to maximize daylight. Salvaged materials from the original building, including brick, glass block, wood flooring, and décor like old scoreboards, are incorporated into the new design. Additionally, new materials were carefully selected to ensure material
health, avoiding carcinogens and asthma triggers. This effort rebuilds not only the physical structure but also hope and pride of education in the community. n
Perkins&Will
Associated firms: Cadence McShane; Civilitude; Coleman & Associates; Intelligent Engineering Services; Jose I. Guerra; True North Consulting; Worrell Design Group
Design team
Angela Whitaker-Williams, Manuel Cadrecha, Koleman Uresti, Travis Hughbanks, Emilie Ogburn, Patrick Reinhard, Keith Curtis, Jared Serwer, Steven Brown, Christine Burton, Barbara Crum, Floyd Cline, Christian Fraser, Jennifer Ingram, Kathryn Moyers, Lauren Neefe, Hillary Pritchett, Kathryn Watson
Client
Austin Independent School District Area Cost
174,240 sq. ft. $ 67,531,000
Cost/square foot Completion
$387 October 2022
Images
Dror Baldinger
SENECA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GERMANTOWN,
MARYLAND
The new Seneca Valley High School was constructed only 20 feet from the nearly 50-year-old facility it replaced. Through careful coordination with the contractor, the existing school continued to operate throughout construction. Once the new building reached substantial completion, the existing building was demolished and converted to parking and athletic fields.
The school is divided into two zones. A four-story academic wing houses most of the academic classrooms, as well as the administration and guidance suites. An after-hours zone houses a 900-seat
auditorium, dining area, and gymnasiums/athletics spaces. The two zones are separated by a hallway that serves as an after-hours entrance and showcases many of the unique features of the building, including technology labs, a TV studio, a media center, a dining commons, and a community-based wellness center.
To take advantage of the new construction, the district included a new CTE wing at Seneca Valley High School.
The school also incorporates many sustainable features and is certified LEED Silver; a significant portion of the roof is a vegetated roof system. n
Moseley Architects
Associated firms:
ADTEK Engineers; Strickler Associates; ECS Mid-Atlantic; Nyikos-Garcia Foodservice Design; Lutz Engineering; Dustin Construction
Design team
Jim Henderson, Eric Garcia, Chris Farmer, Chris Deker, Phuvinh Nguyen, Roseann Marrero, Molly Merlo, John Shaw, Matt Robbins, Cornelius O’Neill, Billy Riggs, Michael Zazzaretti, Bryna Dunn, Derek Larimer
Client
Montgomery County Public Schools
Area Cost 435,646 sq. ft. $148,019,511
Cost/square foot Capacity
$340 2,600
Space per student Completion
168 sq. ft. July 2020
Images
Prakash Patel
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SHARON HIGH SCHOOL
SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS
Sharon High School’s new building embodies the district’s core values: acceptance, equity, integrity, respect, kindness, and teamwork. The design integrates these principles using vibrant graphics, colors, and layout to foster inspiration, connection, and a sense of belonging.
The school is sited and arranged to maximize adjacent lake views and shaped at the classroom wing endcaps to match the scale of surrounding houses. Biophilic design elements like green roofs, outdoor patios, natural wood finishes and expansive glass windows enrich the learning environment by seamlessly merging the school with its natural surroundings.
Entry from either side of the building places one immediately into the central corridor. A punched-out second floor hallway enables sunlight to stream in through expansive skylights. The preserved moss feature wall echoes the green roofs and lakefront access outside.
Common areas like breakout spaces along main corridors, the cafeteria, library, and academic support centers
help cultivate the district-wide emphasis of community and social and emotional wellbeing by enabling students to collaborate and foster meaningful relationships.
Tappe Architects
Associated firms: Warner Larson (Landscape Architect); Engineers Design Group (Structural Engineering)
Design team
Charles Hay, AIA (Principal in Charge); Chris Blessen, AIA (Managing Principal); Wendy Hynes, IIDA (Interior Design Director); Chris Sharkey, AIA (Project Manager)
Client Sharon Public Schools
Space per student Completion 192 sq. ft. August 2022
Images
Ed Wonsek Art Works
The black box theater and auditorium underscore the school’s dedication to its distinguished performing arts program. Showcased physical education studios and gym infuse well-being into the school culture, making it a priority for students.
Each academic wing is preceded by STEAM/makerspace areas and fronted by science classrooms to maximize the display and visual cross-pollination of cutting-edge tech ed. The two-story
wings are punctuated by natural colors and environmental graphics that break down the scale of the building into smaller academic pods. Along the corridor, formal and informal breakout spaces emerge, capped by glass-encased small group rooms that afford views and natural light.
The design also prioritizes dedicated special education spaces in and near academic wings, community education and local TV studio suite. The design en-
courages adaptability and future-focused education initiatives. n
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
URBAHN ARCHITECTS
LEHMAN COLLEGE, NURSING EDUCATION, RESEARCH & PRACTICE CENTER
New York, New York ............... pp. 70-71
“ The site solution reinforces and accentuates the pathways through campus.”
RDG PLANNING & DESIGN
WILLIAMS BLACKSTOCK ARCHITECTS HORTON HARDGRAVE HALL
HANDEL ARCHITECTS, CORE ARCHITECTS
COMMONS PASSIVE
LEHMAN COLLEGE, NURSING EDUCATION, RESEARCH & PRACTICE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
The new nursing school at Lehman College, aptly named the Nursing Education, Research, and Practice Center, was created to expand instructional and hands-on lab space and meet the growing need for health care workers in underserved communities in the Bronx. The health care sector is the borough’s largest employer, and as
the only public college in the Bronx to offer bachelor and graduate degrees in nursing, the new school is poised to contribute significantly to the pipeline of highly skilled, diverse, and competent nursing professionals who live and work in the area. Offering students hands-on training is essential to prepare them so they can deliver the best possible care to
“Urbahn’s design merges a state-of-the-art simulation lab, sensitive siting, and innovative construction to create a new home for Lehman’s Nursing Department.”
— NATALE V. BARRANCO, PRINCIPAL, URBAHN ARCHITECTS
Urbahn Architects
Associated firms:
HKS Architects (Associate Architect); Vanderweil Engineers (MEP); LERA Consulting Structural Engineers (Structural Engineer); Langan Engineering (Civil and Geotechnical Engineer); Edgewater Design (Landscape Architect); Domingo Gonzalez Associates (Lighting Engineer); Cerami & Associates (Acoustic Engineer); Yu & Associates (Hazardous Materials Consulting); BET Consultants (Surveyor); AB Consulting (Elevator Consultant); Outsource Consultants (Expeditor); Mazzetti + GBA (Health Care Technology Consultant); VJ Associates (Cost Estimating) FNA Engineering Services (SOE Engineer)
Design team
Natale V. Barranco (Principal); Joseph Zappulla (Project Manager); Bridgette Van Sloun (Project Architect); Martin D. Stein (Planner); Jonathan C. Ruiz (Project Designer); Karla Gutierrez (Designer)
Client
College/City University of New York
their patients.
The nursing center is in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx, sitting cozily along the Jerome Park Reservoir between two large buildings of the Lehman College campus. The stateof-the-art facility is situated in a new five-story building; it houses classrooms, simulation labs, student lounges, faculty offices, and a cellar that holds the bulk of the building’s many services. Biophilic design principles were used to develop a sense of connectivity to daylight and the natural environment. Students have ample places to take a break, recharge
“The site solution reinforces and accentuates the pathways through campus.”
— 2024 JURY
and restore themselves.
At the core of the nursing program is a nursing simulation lab with 22 programmable, computerized patient simulators. It provides a full-size replica of a clinical environment in which students are exposed to real-world procedures. A 20-bed nursing skills and physical assessment lab is outfitted with debriefing rooms so students and faculty can assess their training in real-time. The intent is to offer an immersive training experience in a realistic, busy, hospital setting so that students may respond in kind to a variety of incidents. n
ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE, MATADOR ACTIVITY CENTER YUMA,
ARIZONA
The Matador Activity Center (MAC) at Arizona Western College was designed as a vibrant hub to keep students engaged and encourage live-at-home students to stay on campus between classes. Offering versatile spaces for lounging, playing games, collaborating, and learning, the center enriches the campus experience and houses the TV and radio stations, providing hands-on learning opportunities in broadcast media. The design balances a student-focused activity hub with faculty offices, a lecture hall, and
a makerspace conducive to collaboration.
The MAC features large north-facing glass walls to maximize natural light and reduce heat gain, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Recognized by Arizona Public Service for energy savings, the MAC achieved annual savings of 53,000 kWh and a carbon offset equivalent to 550 trees planted. This aligns with the college’s vision, highlighting thoughtful design that enhances student well-being and fosters a more engaged campus community. n
EMC2 Group
Design team
Charles Lemasters, RA; Anthonette Sandoval; Solana Pearson; Richard Clutter, RA, AIA, REFP, LEED AP
Client Arizona Western College Area Cost
Space per student Completion 47 sq. ft. August 2023
Images
Leland Gebhardt Photography
BELMONT UNIVERSITY MASSEY CENTER WELCOME EXPERIENCE
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
The new Jack C. Massey Center is home to the 3D Initiative —Design, Discovery, Data: state-of-the-art collaborative spaces on the upper floors, and a Welcome Center on the first floor. The Welcome Center, central to Belmont’s admission team and the starting point for tours, needed to bring the student experience to life.
Previously, the admission tours began in an historic antebellum mansion that was elegant and formal but did not reflect the future-facing strategic vision of Belmont President L. Gregory Jones. Advent’s story, design, and digital teams infused storytelling elements that are interactive and informative. A digital table enables families to explore all of Belmont’s academic offerings; the “map
wall” of Nashville (a huge selling point for Belmont) is anchored by another digital tool that enables students to explore campus housing and local gathering places. The 3D Bruin enables visitors to customize the projected design via a QR code for the ultimate photo opp!
As visitors exit the elevators from the parking garage, they are welcomed by a wall of small video windows that can rotate between individual faces of Belmont students and faculty waving as they approach or a singular message video wall. A central eye-catching piece is the 21-foot LED mesh vertical screen hanging over the Welcome Desk. The mesh, also viewable from the street, can display video or custom messages. As a nod to Music City, a recording studio was included
that enables visitors to record their own video messages and listen to podcasts and music featuring Belmont alumni. An unexpected surprise for Belmont is that the space has become a favorite hangout and study space for all students. With the cafe and coffee bar, as well as the comfortable seating, students can be found at the Massey Center at almost any time. n
Advent
Design team
Reese Stevens, Dustin Waltke
Client
Belmont University
Area
24,745 sq. ft.
Cost
$2,728,639
Cost/square foot
$110
Completion
August 2023
Images
Yeah Yeah
Creative/Advent
CENTER FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING BIG
RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
The Center for Virtual Learning consolidates the university’s distance learning programs with its most advanced digital technologies-based programs to create a center that serves as an innovative hub for exploration of technology across digital media. The atrium is the heart of the LEED-certified building, offering a place for student gathering and
spectator viewing for the esports arena. Also overlooking the atrium are a green screen studio, live broadcast, VR/AR laboratory, podcast and one-button studios. The laboratories, evidence exam suite, and Faraday Lab for the Information Security and Intelligence program offer learning opportunities in cybersecurity and information infrastructure.
Learning environments include classroom spaces, laboratories, offices, support spaces, computer and research laboratories, distance learning facilities, and broadcasting.
Undergraduate and graduate programs and faculty offices for the Virtual Learning Department, School of Digital Media, School of Information Security and Intelligence, and School of Education
also are in the building, bringing these programs together and exploring the intersections among these digital areas of practice. n
Stantec Architecture
Associated firms: BrightTree Studios (Technology), Novus Environmental, now SLR Consulting (Acoustics); Driesenga and Associates (Civil); VIRIDIS Design Group (Landscape); InkSpot Design (Signage); Catalyst Partners (LEED); Energy Studio (Energy Modeling), Amy Baker Architects (Specifications)
Client Ferris State University
Space per occupant Completion 108 sq. ft. August 2023
Images
Jason Keen Photography
CL & RACHEL WERNER CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
Creighton University’s new CL and Rachel Werner Center in Omaha is a national leader in health sciences education. This building is the main entrance to the university’s
shared space for its health science programs. The center has advanced learning environments, such as a simulation center, research labs, and cooperative classrooms. Its design supports interprofessional education by creating linked spaces with plenty of natural light and collaboration technology. Sustainability is a priority, with energy-efficient features and rooftop solar panels to supply power for all building lighting. Physical and mental health is enhanced through views of nature, natural materials, outdoor areas, and open stairs.
The transparent exterior design connects users with one another and the nearby community. Circadian-tuned lighting was used in simulation areas that
are deep within the floor plan. A variety of open and private areas use flexible furniture to accommodate teamwork and individual work. A unique forum space fosters interprofessional collaboration among all disciplines. Overall, the center offers a cooperative environment to advance Creighton’s mission of health science education. n
RDG Planning & Design
Associated firms: Morrissey Engineering (MEP & Lighting Engineer); Thompson, Dreessen & Dorner (Civil/ Structural Engineer); RDG Planning & Design (Landscape Architecture)
Client Creighton University
Area Cost
148,450 sq. ft. C onfidential
Completion Images December 2023 Michael Robinson Photography
GREAT COMMISSION CENTER
MARSHALL, TEXAS
With the completion of the Great Commission Center, East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) melds modern design with Classical Georgian collegiate architecture. The interior finishes reflect traditional elegance combined with a contemporary layout that invites student engagement. The striking and attractive color palette , complemented by appointed artwork,
encourages creativity, innovation and collaboration. Inspired by Baker Library at Harvard University, the Great Commission Center housing the Fred Hale School of Business stands at the forefront of the ETBU campus. The academic facility has become a symbol for quality Christian education, servant leadership, ethics, and excellence in business leadership throughout the East Texas region. This
“God etched a vision to construct a center for academic learning, spiritual discipleship, business leadership, and career development. It is the physical manifestation of ETBU’s mission to develop Christian servant leaders and encourage students to fulfill the Great Commission.”
— DR. J. BLAIR BLACKBURN, PRESIDENT, EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
beautiful, iconic building accommodates the growing student body of ETBU with a large lecture hall, medium-sized classrooms, conference meeting rooms, collaborative lab, and dedicated space for individual and group study.
The Great Commission Center houses the university’s Office of Career Development, bridging students from academic study to career preparation to vocational placement. The Great Commission Center Program serves as a catalyst for teaching students by promoting missions and ministries, preparing individuals for serving, and providing opportunities for service and ministry locally and globally. The Great Hall, on the top floor of the
BMA Architects
Design team
Andrew Booher, AIA (Principal in Charge); Dr. J. Blair Blackburn (Project Executive); Cameron Burger (Construction Manager); Kendall Westbrook (Project Coordinator/ Interior Designer); Robert Erickson (Landscape Designer)
Client
$370 April 2023
Images
Alyssa Rummel, Will Edwards
center, is the centerpiece for Christian scholarship, business leadership programming, performing arts, worship activities and community life enrichment. It fulfills the university’s need for expanded, multipurpose event space.
The Great Hall features shaker-style wainscoting and crystal chandeliers, providing a transitional design that complements the building’s traditional architectural exterior. n
HORTON HARDGRAVE HALL AUBURN, ALABAMA
The design of Horton Hardgrave Hall supports the growing graduate program needs of the Auburn University Harbert College of Business.
Williams Blackstock
Architects
Design team
Stephen Allen (Principal); Lauren Gwaltney (Project Manager); Ryan Stechmann; Anthony Penny; Nathan Varner
Client
The building has a variety of classrooms, a flexible multipurpose lecture hall, an innovation lab, study and team areas, various conference and reception-style areas, and administrative offices for the college’s MBA program.
This new facility serves as a unified business education campus by creating a connection between the new graduate business building and the adjacent business school facility.
The exterior creates a flagship appearance that complements the surrounding buildings, while also balancing the classic Auburn University character and image.
An expansive façade of glass faces the courtyard between the two buildings to promote a visual connection.
Tiered seating at the edge of the connected courtyard, which addresses the significant change in grade, connects the buildings and activates the space. The Auburn Creed is etched into the terraced seating, reinforcing the school’s unique values, culture and tradition.
The building is organized around a main, two-story atrium space and central stair that serves as the heart and living room for the entire College of Business. This dynamic, active space provides an identity for the college and creates a hub for faculty and student interaction.
A variety of relaxed areas are situated strategically to provide open spaces for group study, individual study, collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
The college’s desire to have a unique
feature, unlike any other on campus, led to the design of the expansive, multilevel rooftop terrace. The space enables students and faculty to take in the panoramic views of the campus and stadium, or just get away from their traditional classroom surroundings. n
HARMONY COMMONS PASSIVE HOUSE DORMITORY SCARBOROUGH,
ONTARIO
Harmony Commons at the University of Toronto Scarborough is a key part of the campus’s 300acre expansion, housing 718 first-year students and resident advisors along with the campus’s
first full dining hall and offices for student life and campus security. The building is designed to take advantage of its natural surroundings, offering views of a preserved grove of trees and ensuring as many
occupied spaces as possible feel a connection to the outside.
As the largest Passive House project in Canada and the world’s largest Passive House residence hall, Harmony Commons reduces energy use by 70% to 80% and enhances indoor air quality and comfort. The building’s design includes a highperformance envelope with vertically patterned aluminum cladding and earthy tones inspired by Scarborough’s geography. Double-story layering reduces its perceived height and it integrates seamlessly into the low-rise neighborhood.
The ground floor has a dining hall, event spaces, and offices; peer resources are situated at the main entrance. Upstairs, dormitory rooms are organized into “communities,” each with private study and gathering spaces and a common kitchen to foster interaction. n
Handel Architects, CORE Architects
Associated firms: Arcadis IBI Group
Design team
Integral Group; Jablonsky, Ast & Partners; Steven Winter Associates; The Planning Partnership; WSP; Bousfields; Matteo Gilfillan & Associates; Human Space; PARTISANS
Client
University of Toronto Scarborough, Fengate
Asset Management
Area Cost
270,000 sq. ft. $120,000,000 (USD)
Cost/square foot Capacity
$444 746 beds
Space per student Completion
362 sq. ft. September 2023
Images
CORE Architects; Ryan Fung; Tom Arban
MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA
Des Moines University’s new 88acre Medical and Health Sciences campus is a hub for innovation and sustainability in health care education. With cutting-edge facilities and
technology, the campus supports new programs, research, simulation and clinical services that are developed with the highest fidelity possible to ensure mastery of skills and learning. The entire campus, which consists of four buildings, is interconnected with pathways that are programmed to include social and academic features, adding value and comfort to users between classes.
The campus has demonstrated sustainability and stewardship by achieving LEED Sil-
ver certification, and is anticipated to receive WELL Building Standard Gold Campus Certification. This will make it the first of its kind in the world and will create a welcoming setting for a diverse student body, faculty and staff. Sustainable practices like local materials and geothermal systems will minimize the campus footprint. The design reflects the university’s history while embracing the future, creating a vibrant and connected learning environment. This
project is a transformative opportunity to establish a new legacy
for Des Moines University and health care education. n
RDG Planning & Design
Associated firms:
IMEG (MEP); KPFF (Structural Engineer); RDG Planning & Design (Landscape Architecture, Lighting, Wayfinding and Graphics); Stok, AV (Sustainability); NV5 (IT); Rippe Associates (Food Services); Turner Construction (Contractor)
Design team
Joe Lang, AIA & Mike Houston (Planning and Programming); Benjamin Kroll, AIA (Lead Design Architect); Steve King, AIA (Project Manager); Scott Lundberg, AIA, Eric Winkler (Project Architect); Hilary Navratil, Alex Nickels, Sam Edmundson (Interior Design); Jonathan Martin, Sara Davids Poetting (Landscape Architect); Lane Pralle (Project Architect, Construction Administration)
Client
Des Moines University
Area Cost
527,740 sq. ft. C onfidential
Completion Images
September 2023 Michael Robinson
Photography
MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY, CENTENNIAL HALL HEALTH SCIENCE & HUMAN SERVICES CENTER
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS
The architect crafted a legacy design and visual landmark for Midwestern State University that has become a destination for all campus tours. Centennial Hall has consolidated the university’s School of Nursing, Simulation Center, Radiologic Sciences, Respiratory Care, Dental Hygiene, and Social Work departments. Each of these departments leveraged a variety of active learning classrooms, distance learning, skills labs, university clinics, cross-discipline learn-
ing, augmented reality, and high-fidelity simulation suites.
Each classroom was designed around a curated furniture solution germane to its unique learning style. An example of this approach is evidenced in the anatomy classroom designs, which revolved around augmented-reality, life-sized “Anatomage” touchscreen tables.
The monumental design features a three-story atrium from which interprofessional simulation suites and dynamic
skills labs are visible to generate excitement in current and prospective students. The design embodies the idea of “Science On Display” with a goal of visually celebrating medical pedagogy in action. n
Randall Scott Architects
Design team
Randall B. Scott, AIA (Principal in Charge); Preston Scott, AIA (Principal)
Client
Midwestern State University
Area
Cost
93,000 sq. ft. $34,300,000
Cost/square foot Completion
$369 July 2019
Images Craig Blackmon FAIA
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, PLANT PATHOLOGY & MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH BUILDING
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
The new Plant Pathology and Microbiology Building has a four-story research wing with flexible BSL-2P laboratories and a large rooftop greenhouse. Adjacent is a three-story wing housing the dean’s suite, a 300-seat auditorium, distance learning instructional labs, and active learning classrooms, connected by a glazed lobby and outdoor courtyard. The facility leveraged 21st-century classroom initiatives established through a nationwide benchmarking tour and supports remote pedagogy from world-renowned experts in agricultural research.
The facility has 20 faculty and graduate student research labs, two 75-seat multipurpose registrar-controlled seminar rooms with technology that enables remote faculty to instruct via distance
learning when necessary.
Designed with “science on display” as a central theme, the building engages the community, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and sparks prospective student interest. This concept serves as a powerful recruiting tool and educational resource for visitors. Situated at the nexus of a new pedestrian mall on West Campus, the building provides state-of-the-art, flexible labs and preparation spaces to support constantly evolving agricultural research. n
Randall Scott
Architects
Associated firm: Flad Architects
Design team
Randall B. Scott, AIA (Principal in Charge); Preston Scott, AIA (Principal)
Client
Texas A&M University
Area Cost
87,260 sq. ft. $ 38,839,815
Cost/square foot Completion
$445 June 2019
Images
Craig Blackmon FAIA
THOMAS F. FRIST, JR. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT BELMONT UNIVERSITY
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine is designed to nurture a holistic interdisciplinary learning atmosphere that fosters collaboration between students and future medical practitioners, and mirrors authentic clinical settings. The building’s design paral-
leled curriculum development and permits real-time adjustments to meet educational requirements. Forward-thinking design elements, including designated shelf space for future expansions like additional faculty offices, underscore the building’s visionary design approach.
The third and fourth floor of the Frist College of Medicine is home to the 65,000-square-foot Center for Interprofessional Engagement and Simulation. The state-of-the-art facility offers a dynamic environment where students come together to learn, practice and refine their skills in a realistic setting. One of the largest of its kind in the nation, the center features cutting-edge equipment, technologies and resources to provide students with interdisciplinary experiential learning. It features a series of immersive technology, skills, assessment and apartment labs; fully simulated hospital rooms with debrief spaces; a preparation clinic suite; and inpatient and community pharmacies. Through collaborative planning sessions, deliberate design choices, and a commitment to integrating the latest technologies, the center has emerged as a beacon of innovation in medical education. With its sleek interiors, student-friendly environment, and forwardthinking approach, the Thomas F. Frist, Jr., College of Medicine embodies Belmont’s ethos of fostering collaboration, pushing boundaries, and preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow’s health care landscape. n
Capacity
600: 400 medical students and 200 simulation center students
Space per student
330 sq. ft.
Completion
April 2024 Jeremiah Hull
CITATION
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
BREAUX & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS
BUTTS COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Jackson, Georgia.................................................. pp. 88-89
PBK
CYPRESS FAIRBANKS ISD VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Cypress, Texas ....................................................... pp. 90-91
SCHRADERGROUP
CAREER & ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania .pp. 86-87
“The building itself is a billboard, and it shows how the structural system and mechanical system are working together.”
HARVARD JOLLY | PBK
THE PHILLIP & PATRICIA FROST INSTITUTE FOR CHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR SCIENCE Coral Gables, Florida ....................................................p.
LITTLE DIVERSIFIED ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING WEST ASHLEY CENTER FOR ADVANCED STUDIES Charleston, South Carolina ......................................
CAREER & ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
The Community College of Philadelphia’s Career and Advanced Technology Center provides career readiness training for students entering the city’s workforce, with a focus on transportation, manufacturing, and health care fields. The center accommodates the community and features public spaces, encouraging neighbors to use the resources. The facility includes advanced and adaptive technology for instructional and study areas, laboratory service bays for automobiles and small engine equipment, and spaces for diesel technology. Pro -
grams include transportation and logistics technology training, advanced manufacturing training, entry-level health care career training, and an innovation hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The new facility has adaptive technology for instructional spaces and study areas, and laboratory service bays for automobiles and equipment. Comprehensive programs on the ground floor service existing and future technologies, including diagnostic and repair procedures, and techniques for many types of vehicles. The upper floors consist of a variety of classrooms and
“The building itself is a billboard, and it shows how the structural system and mechanical system are working together.”
— 2024 JURY
laboratory spaces supporting automotive, materials technologies, and health care programs. This facility represents incredible possibilities for the Community College of Philadelphia and its surrounding community. n
SCHRADERGROUP
Associated firm: Lavallee Brensinger Architects
Design team
SCHRADERGROUP; Lavallee Brensinger Architects; Arora Engineers; International Consultants; KS Engineers; Metropolitan Acoustics; New Age Development Group; Re:Vision Architecture
Client
Community College of Philadelphia
Area
75,000 sq. ft.
Cost
$27,000,000
Cost/square foot
$360
Capacity
464
Space per student 162 sq. ft.
Completion
August 2022
Images
Halkin Mason Photography
“The Center represents more than just bricks and mortar; it stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and discovery for the City of Philadelphia. It is a space where ideas are born, and futures are shaped.”
— TIMOTHY S. TRZASKA, DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION, COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA
BUTTS COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
JACKSON, GEORGIA
Jackson, Georgia, is home to the Butts County School System’s gorgeous new facility for performing arts students. The facility was constructed in 13 months, and despite 51 rain days, was completed on time.
The performing arts center lobby is
a striking blend of design and materiality, where abundant natural light pours through expansive windows to create a bright and inviting atmosphere. The extensive use of glass blurs the boundaries between the interior and the exterior of the building, and tray ceilings featuring
a dynamic wave design with integrated lighting add a sense of movement overhead. A rich palette of brick in varying tones adds warmth, pattern, and texture— beautifully contrasted by sleek LVT flooring. The lobby also features two recessed galleries dedicated to showcasing student art at all levels. It adds a personalized and ever-changing visual element that celebrates the creativity of the community.
The auditorium houses 1,000 seats, features state-of-the-art AV technology, and is fitted with theater-grade lighting. The wave design concept used in
Breaux & Associates
Architects
Design team
Kate Fijalkowska (Project Architect)
Client
Butts County Schools
Area
33,100 sq. ft.
Cost
$14,443,500
Cost/square foot
$436
Capacity
1,000 (fixed seats)
Completion
November 2023
Images
Karl Moore, Mooreshots Photography
the lobby is carried into the auditorium through decorative wall panels, subtly inspired by sound waves. Backstage, the performing arts center is equipped with two 850-square-foot dressing rooms, ample storage, and a 1,500-square-foot scene shop with loading dock so that students can build sets on site.
The performing arts center also features a 2,500-square-foot multipurpose room that can be divided into two. The multipurpose room, dressing rooms, and lobby are all outfitted with monitors that display live performances.
Beyond serving as a venue for theater, symphonic band, and choral performances, the facility is also a valuable community asset. Butts County extends the use of this facility to the public, and it is regularly reserved for community events, making Butts County Performing Arts Center a versatile and inclusive space for all. n
“We are pleased to offer our students that have a passion for art a place where they can not only hone their skills but also showcase their abilities to the community. We have been able to provide Butts County with shows such as student plays, middle and elementary school musicals, choral performances, and band concerts in this beautiful state-of-the-art facility.”
— BRENT LOWE, BUTTS COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT
CYPRESS FAIRBANKS ISD VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
CYPRESS, TEXAS
The new Visual and Performing Arts Center is a centrally situated event venue supporting all the visual and performing arts programs for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (CFISD). The building design features a 1,500-seat state-of-the-art auditorium with two balconies, a small secondary theater, visual arts display and support spaces, a multipurpose room, dance studio, ticketing, and concessions. The main audience chamber and performance stage are
designed to support a variety of programs and performances.
The performance stage features an automated orchestra pit, full-fly loft, and is appropriately sized to accommodate the full CFISD orchestra, dance, and various art program presentations. The building also will host athletic and other extracurricular events and various other competitions. It includes practice rooms and other spaces needed for preparation by performers.
Site improvements to the venue include facility parking, drop-off areas, loading docks to serve the back of house, covered walkways, modified roadway island cuts, and all associated infrastructure and utilities. Additional amenities include multiple walkway canopies, a walking track around an existing lake, multiple concrete parking lots, plaza areas, and landscaping. n
PBK
Client
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
Area
87,039 sq. ft.
Cost
$51,135,800
Cost/square foot
$588
Completion
November 2023
Images Wade Griffith
THE PHILLIP & PATRICIA FROST INSTITUTE FOR CHEMISTRY &
CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
The Institute aims to establish a cutting-edge research laboratory at the university’s core, using recent advances in cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-EM). These advanced instruments offer near-atomic resolution, driving progress in biological, material, and chemical sciences. Workshops involving university donors, the facilities team, and researchers have set the following goals:
• Develop a high-level chemistry and materials research lab with adaptable, modular benches connected to a ceiling grid for data, fluids, and gases.
• Maximize natural, glare-free light in all areas except microscopy, with large windows offering park views.
• Ensure security while promoting undergraduate and visitor engagement with interdisciplinary research and accommodating ground-level campus traffic.
• Plan for clear wayfinding to encourage informal meetings among leaders, researchers, visitors, and graduate assistants.
• Highlight the green campus setting, optimizing views from labs, write-up spaces, meeting rooms, and offices.
• Ensure the new facility complements neighboring buildings and integrates with campus pedestrian traffic flow.
Achieving LEED Gold certification was a primary goal set by the donors and university. The process involved careful consideration of siting, energy efficiency, lighting, and material choices. n
MOLECULAR
SCIENCE
Harvard Jolly | PBK
Design team
Rene Tercilla, AIA, ALEP, A4LE, Yann Weymouth, FAIA, Amy Bradlow, AIA (Harvard Jolly|PBK); Research Facilities Design (Laboratory Design); WSP Engineering (MEP/FP); Bliss & Nyitray (Structural); Kimley-Horn (Civil)
Client Area Cost
University of Miami 89,799 sq. ft. $68,576,008
Cost/square foot
Completion
WEST ASHLEY CENTER FOR ADVANCED STUDIES
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
The West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies was designed to address the critical educational needs of the community through a unique partnership between local industry and the Charleston County School District. This K-12 center offers specialized programs in mechatronics, digital and traditional welding, auto tech, allied health sciences, AV production, cybersecurity, engineering studies, and industrial design studies. The design reinterprets traditional Southern side porches with a canopy over a public green plaza, creating a hub for both students and community events.
The design supports differentiated learning with multimedia digital spaces, maker labs, and immersive “learningscapes.” Challenges included integrating industry spaces within an educational setting and ensuring flexibility for evolving educational methods. The construction used sustainable materials and advanced mechanical systems to provide an efficient and adaptable learning environment. The facility exemplifies a modern approach to vocational education, fostering essential skills for the future workforce while serving as a community landmark. n
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
Associated firms:
SGA|NW (Architect of Record); ADC Engineering (Civil Engineer); MMSA (Structural Engineer); RMF Engineering (MEP Engineer)
Design team
Tom Balke (Principal in Charge); Tomas Eliaeson (Design Principal); Jennifer Spinks (Project Architect); Christopher Tymoff (Senior Designer); Don Baus (Project Manager)
Client Charleston County School District Area Cost
84,415 sq. ft. $29,200,000
Cost/square foot Completion
$346 March 2022
Images
Keith Isaacs Photo
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
PERKINS EASTMAN DC
BARD HIGH SCHOOL EARLY COLLEGE DC
Washington, D.C. ............................................................ p. 95
THENDESIGN ARCHITECTURE (TDA)
GILMOUR ACADEMY HOWLEY COMMONS
Gates Mills, Ohio............................................................. p. 96
MSA DESIGN
LIVE OAKS CAREER CAMPUS
Milford, Ohio ....................................................................... p. 97
LANCER ASSOCIATES
LAWRENCEBURG HIGH SCHOOL ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS
Lawrenceburg, Indiana ....................................... p. 98-99
THE BOURNE GROUP
MACLEAN MARINE SCIENCE CENTER
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands ........................... p. 100
TMP ARCHITECTURE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF PACKAGING RENOVATION/ADDITION
East Lansing, Michigan ............................................. p. 101
ETBU CONSTRUCTION
SYNERGY PARK
Marshall, Texas................................................... pp. 102-103
ARCARI + IOVINO ARCHITECTS
ONE-STOP CENTER
Paramus, New Jersey ................................................ p. 104
SPORTS STADIUMS
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS
TRIAD ARCHITECTS
FRANK E. MURPHY ’54 CONVOCATION CENTER
Columbus, Ohio ............................................................ p. 105
SMRT ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS
PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY, MORGRIDGE
STRENGTH & PERFORMANCE LAB
Holderness, New Hampshire ............................... p. 106
KEI ARCHITECTS
ROBINS STADIUM LUXURY SUITES Richmond, Virginia ...................................................... p. 108
SMRT ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS
THOMAS COLLEGE, SUKEFORTH FAMILY SPORTS CENTER
Waterville, Maine .......................................................... p. 109
BARD HIGH SCHOOL EARLY COLLEGE DC
WASHINGTON, D.C.
This project marks the transformation of an obsolescent, open-plan elementary school building to support an innovative early college high school program. The dramatic transformation of this building creates a healthful, high-performance learning environment by leveraging a netzero energy process that has resulted in
this building becoming one of the nation’s most energy-efficient high school facilities.
The goal for the campus — the first early college program in the District of Columbia east of the Anacostia River — was to create a cutting-edge facility that enhances equity, promotes intellectual challenges, and nurtures the next generation of environmental stewards. This project aimed to provide an innovative facility that not only upholds Bard DC’s impressive record of a 98.4% graduation rate and an 82.4% associate degree attainment rate, but also enhances it.
The design of the school includes an assortment of indoor and outdoor spaces that metaphorically and literally connect to Bard’s mission and vision. It is a testament to the architect’s commitment to creating
Images Joseph Romeo Photography educational spaces that are catalysts for learning and growth. n
Perkins Eastman DC
Associated firms:
R.McGhee & Associates; Daniel Curry Architect
Design team
Sean O’Donnell (Principal in Charge); Mary Rose Rankin (Project Manager); Omar Calderon (Design Principal); Kristina Vidal (Senior Project Architect); Hui Sheng (Project Architect); Blair Davenport (Interiors)
Client
District of Columbia Department of General Services | DC Public Schools Area Cost
108,200 sq. ft. $ 81,890,593
Cost/square foot Capacity
$757 500
Space per student Completion 216 sq. ft. August 2023
GILMOUR ACADEMY HOWLEY COMMONS
GATES MILLS, OHIO
The new Gilmour Academy Howley Commons merges a 1924 Tudorstyle building with the original 1969 student commons and 1995 chapel structures. Designed to emulate a college-
style dining experience, the new facility features multiple food stations that offer a variety of healthful options in a dynamic, multiuse space. The versatile furniture can be configured in various ways, and
the interior design reflects the faith-based education philosophy, the lively spirit of the student body, and timeless educational design principles.
Outstanding design features include the openness and use of daylight, the seamless integration of the original dining area with the additions, and a terrace that expands the space outdoors and connects the 1925 building with the newly renovated commons. This enhanced facility provides flexible spaces for dining, meetings, after-school activities, and serves as a pre-function space for the adjacent Center for Performing Arts, fostering a vibrant community and aiding future recruitment efforts.
Blending architectural styles and expanding the existing student dining commons, this renovation aims to enrich the daily student experience and the school community for years to come. n
ThenDesign Architecture (TDA)
Design team
Robert Orovets, RA, LEEP AP (Project Architect, Designer, Construction Manager); Lindsey Burke, NCIDQ, LEED Green Associate (Lead Interior Designer) Alek Bosoy (Project Designer)
Client
Gilmour Academy Area
15,976 sq. ft.
Cost
Private donor
Space per student
53 sq. ft.
ThenDesign Architecture
LIVE OAKS CAREER CAMPUS MILFORD,
OHIO
Live Oaks is a career technical campus built in 1971. This project set out to establish a strong identity and create a professional environment where students felt respected and their passion for a chosen career path could unfold with discovery and wonder.
The existing facility was unwelcoming; it had a receding, dark entry that posed a security risk with no barrier into the school’s circulation and broken sight lines for student supervision.
The new entry clarifies the entrance with a secure sequence that stops guests at reception before going farther into the building; it creates a welcoming environment that reveals a new perspective from each changing vantage point while maintaining important sight lines. The entry lobby is an asymmetrical high/low combined, expansive volume that creates a varied experience leading visitors into the central “commons.” The second level holds all the core curriculum, and the first
floor branches into differing “academies” for each field of study. New gathering nodes are dotted throughout the school: the collaborative stair in the commons, bench seating, and lounge spaces scattered along circulation paths. n
MSA Design
Design team
MOTZ Engineering (MEP Engineers); Julie Cromwell & Associates (Structural Engineer); Kleingers (Civil Engineer)
Client
Great Oaks Career Campuses
Space per student Completion 236 sq. ft. March 2024
Images
Tyler Gentry
LAWRENCEBURG HIGH SCHOOL ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS
LAWRENCEBURG, INDIANA
In 2020, the Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation embarked on a project to update all its education facilities. The biggest project was the
high school, which was built in 1937. The extensive renovation of the four-story building was a complicated multiphase project that saw a complete overhaul of the educational spaces. The design reorganized and upgraded departmental layouts to meet modern curricular needs while preserving the heritage of the original structure.
A significant part of the project dealt with safety, security, and well-being. The door access and building security systems were upgraded throughout the building. The HVAC system was upgraded to enhance air quality and tem-
perature comfort, and a new sprinkler system improved fire safety.
Upgraded shared science labs were created in the middle of the newly reorganized science department. The labs were designed to be clean, contemporary, and reminiscent of higher education facilities. The art classrooms were moved from an interior space to a ground-floor location with abundant natural light.
The outdated library was replaced with a modern media center in the original gymnasium’s third-floor infill. The media center is the school’s central hub. Surrounded by language arts, foreign
Lancer Associates
Design team
Primary Engineering; Lynch, Harrison, & Brumleve; Civil & Environmental Consultants
Client
Lawrenceburg Community School
Corporation
Area
108,805 sq. ft.
Cost
$21,266,917
Cost/square foot
$195
Completion
August 2023
Images
Megan Ratts Photography
language, and business classrooms, it fosters a dynamic learning environment. A student-run café offers practical business experience for students, and spaces are provided for independent study and group projects. The design incorporates elements of the school’s history, such as the original brickwork and roof trusses, and includes subtle orange features that pay homage to the Lawrenceburg Tigers.
Overall, the renovation at Lawrence -
“The renovations at Lawrenceburg High School have transformed our learning environment, providing students and staff with a modern, collaborative space that fosters creativity and innovation. Updated labs, classrooms, and areas for students to gather offer the vibe of a postsecondary institution. This investment in our community will benefit generations to come.”
— KARL GALEY, SUPERINTENDENT, LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
burg High School is about not only modernization but also preserving the institution’s rich heritage; the project
has revitalized the learning environment, preparing students for future success while preserving the legacy of the past. n
MACLEAN MARINE SCIENCE CENTER
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN
ISLANDS
After Category 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the destruction of the Marine Science Center at the University of the Virgin Islands was overwhelming: The roof was breached, causing the steel frame to twist; it mangled interior walls, separated exterior walls, and caused lower-level flooding and severe erosion of the surrounding mangrove lagoon and shorelines. The building was ultimately reduced to its bare steel frame and a resilient concrete retaining wall.
Key enhancements include a public conference center addition with expansive exterior public spaces. The new resilient envelope has a stronger steel frame, roof parapets,
impact-resistant windows and doors, concealed hurricane shutters and a substantial new concrete lower level. Efficiencies were achieved through revived underground cisterns, storm water trench drains, strategically placed generator, efficient HVAC systems and turtle-friendly lighting. The exterior learning labs and plazas are blended with native landscaping, permeable parking, riprap shoreline erosion prevention, and reestablished coastal habitats.
The rebuilt center is a model of coastal resilience for laboratories, classrooms, conferencing and research, setting a new standard for sustainable design in hurricane-prone regions. n
The Bourne Group
Client University
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF PACKAGING RENOVATION/ADDITION
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN
For Michigan State University’s School of Packaging addition, TMP was asked to give it a new, modern feel, bring in more natural light, and make spaces for students, faculty, and corporate partners to meet and collaborate. Incorporating accessibility, sustainability, and durability into the school’s finishes was also a high priority.
The addition and renovated main entry establish a new face to the public. Major features of the space include a welcome center, small meeting rooms, administrative and faculty offices, dedicated graduate student workstations, and
collaboration zones.
Originally an underused, open courtyard space, the reimagined main concourse has been transformed into a flexible collaboration area designed for students, faculty, and industry partners to gather, study, present, and network with one another. Running the full depth of the building, the space is capped by a translucent skylight that floods the corridor with daylight.
The school’s large lecture hall was redesigned with accessibility in mind; a zero-slope floor, flexible seating, and acoustic treatments ensure that students of all abilities get the most out of classroom opportunities.
To meet sustainability goals, durable flooring and acoustical baffles made from recycled materials were used. Blending aesthetic value with functionality ensures the School of Packaging remains a timeless campus destination able to withstand a variety of student and faculty activities. n
TEXAS
Built in 1973 as the First National Bank of Marshall and considered East Texas’ most contemporary financial services facility for that period, the
building’s postmodern exterior design features a sustainable combination of structural concrete and glass, mixing the complexity of geometric and symmetrical facades. The venue in the city’s historic downtown district has been revitalized by East Texas Baptist University to become Synergy Park, an educational training and business development collaboration center that seeks to effectively engage employers, community-based organizations, business owners, and educational institutions.
Synergy Park, an initiative to spur innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce training, showcases an integrated
approach to economic development. As the corporate headquarters for 13 different organizations and five small businesses, Synergy Park is a diverse economic ecosystem encompassing a
ETBU Construction
Design team
Dr. J. Blair Blackburn (Project Executive); Chris Crawford (Construction Manager); Kendall Westbrook (Project Coordinator/ Interior Designer); Robert Erickson (Landscape Designer)
Client East Texas
Completion May 2023
Images
Will Edwards, Alyssa Rummel
mix of non-profits and for-profits. These entities represent a wide range of sectors, including higher education, behavioral/ social services, mental health counseling, economic development, entrepreneurial services, financial services, adult education/literacy development, congressional leadership, and legal services.
The vision for renovation capitalized on the former bank’s history and preserved the architectural character of the simple, minimalist design, while incor-
“East Texas Baptist University sought to create a synergistic business park in the city’s downtown historic district. Synergy Park encompasses a dedicated center for workforce development, educational learning, business workspace cooperative, and community organizational networking.”
— DR. J. BLAIR BLACKBURN, PRESIDENT, EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
porating the bold revolution of the 1970’s interior design styles. The grey and white monochromatic shades of the sustainable granite, slate, and marble materials provide a contrast to the vibrant yellows,
greens, browns, oranges, reds, and blues layered with graphic patterns featured in wall coverings, artwork, and furniture that characterize the mosaic of the postmodernist era. n
ONE-STOP CENTER
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY
The project goal was to improve students’ experiences with admissions and registration. The college understood the need to enhance their experience s by reducing frustration and anxieties in that process.
Through discussions with college leadership, a clear understanding of One-Stop’s tier 1, 2, and 3 levels of student interaction was established. Recognizing how the students enter the main building and their approach to the new One-Stop Center, the architect devised a design that creates a separate glassenclosed welcome center that acts as a tier 1 gateway into the more private tier 2
Arcari + Iovino Architects
and 3 service areas. This room also is an acoustic buffer to the lively adjacent student center and conversation levels that naturally occur in the welcome center.
In contrast to the original configuration, the new One-Stop Center is an open floor plan with natural light and a contemporary aesthetic.
This approach has created a warm and welcoming space that offers students a respite from the more active areas of the building.
The design received a design award from NJ Business magazine and was visited by First Lady Jill Biden for its official opening. n
FRANK E. MURPHY ’54 CONVOCATION CENTER
COLUMBUS, OHIO
St.Charles envisioned the creation of a new Convocation Center, and integral to its design were state-ofthe-art locker rooms and athletic
facilities. The emphasis on modern amenities reflects a commitment to providing top-tier resources for athletes and attendees alike. The architectural plan carefully incorporates these facilities, ensuring they meet the highest standards of functionality and innovation.
The inclusion of a beautiful plaza adds a touch of elegance and serves as a versatile space for events and gatherings. This comprehensive approach not only caters to the practical needs of the center but also contributes to the creation of a visually appealing and engaging environment. St. Charles’ dedication to excellence
Triad Architects
Associated firms:
Schaefer Engineering; Korda Engineering; EP Ferris; Robert Corna Architects
Design team
Brent Foley (Principal in Charge); Casey Byrnes (Project Manager); Trevor Swanson (Project Designer); Rachael Schultz (Project Design Associate); Lauren Voiers (Interior Design Lead)
Client
St. Charles Preparatory School Area
22,000 sq. ft.
Cost
$12,000,000
Cost/square foot
$545
Capacity 1,200
Space per student 18 sq. ft.
Completion August 2023
Images Kate Horgan
is vividly expressed in the thoughtful integration of cutting-edge features and aesthetic elements within the new Convocation Center. n
PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY, MORGRIDGE STRENGTH & PERFORMANCE LAB HOLDERNESS, NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Morgridge Strength & Performance Lab transforms the strength and conditioning experience for Plymouth State University students and athletes in a renovated 17,500-squarefoot field house, the largest for NCAA Division III athletics.
Significantly enhancing university recruitment and retention, the renovation triples the capacity; it enables multiple teams to train simultaneously and plays a crucial role in the hands-on learning of clinical-academic programs. The facility is equipped with lifting and cardio equipment and a 45-yard strip of artificial turf dedicated to rehabilitation and speed training.
Design challenges included demolishing and replacing the asphalt floor with a high-quality concrete slab poured at various depths to accommodate rubber athletic flooring and drop pads. The design process required coordination with equipment vendors and the construction manager to ensure the appropriate floor layout for existing and future equipment. The design incorporates new electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems that reduce the university’s carbon footprint and ensure improved air quality, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort. SMRT worked with Acentech to minimize vibration and acoustic disturbance for adjacent spaces in the building. n
SMRT Architects & Engineers
Associated firms: Engelberth Construction; Acentech; Rider Levett Bucknall
Design team
Nicholas Vaughn; Timothy Mahoney; Emma Blair; Bradley Littlefield; Matthew McCammon; Bruce Anderson; Keith Berry
Client
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ROBINS STADIUM LUXURY SUITES
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
The new luxury suites at the University of Richmond’s Robins Stadium are housed within what was a shell space from the original stadium, which opened in 2010. The suites provide an enhanced gameday experience for fans and guests. The space includes a warming kitchen, two private suites, and one large gathering area, addressing the athletic department’s goal to diversify ticket offerings. The architect’s response to the athletic program requirements focused on creating a functional, energized and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Integrating the new outdoor seating for the suites with the existing aluminum
bleachers proved to be a challenge but was a task skillfully managed to ensure seamless cohesion.
Each private suite has foldable windows, providing a unique game-day experience and enhancing the connection between indoor comfort and outdoor excitement. The construction used highquality materials and advanced mechanical systems to ensure durability, comfort, and energy efficiency.
This renovation not only elevates the spectator experience but also demonstrates the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence in its facilities. n
KEi Architects
Design Team
Taylor & Parrish Construction (General Contractor); Quinn Evans (Interiors); Dunbar (Structural); eTEC
Mechanical (Mechanical, Plumbing & Fire Protection); Ace Electric (Electrical)
Client
University of Richmond Area
2,800 sq. ft.
Cost
$1,300,000
Cost/square foot
$464
Capacity 108
Completion August 2023
Images Chris Cunningham Photography; Mindie Ballard Photography
THOMAS COLLEGE, SUKEFORTH FAMILY SPORTS CENTER
WATERVILLE, MAINE
The Sukeforth Family Sports Center is the first phase of a multibuilding sports complex. It serves as an athletic department hub and plays a vital role in recruiting and retaining athletes, students and coaches. Athletics are core to campus life, where 40% of the student
body are student-athletes.
The design balances premier athletic facilities with an approachable space for the student population and the public. The center includes a strength and conditioning center, athletic training room, varsity esports cave, and locker rooms de-
signed to promote equitable experiences across genders and sports. It also has equipment storage and laundry amenities, office suites for coaches and staff, and a multipurpose classroom.
The student population and the public can enjoy the light-filled, celebratory reception area that features a Hall of Fame wall and a spectator area overlooking the athletic fields. The center supports the college’s culture with experiential graphics and school branding.
The building is constructed with durable, long-lasting materials like metal roof and brick base, and features a robust thermal envelope and a highly energyefficient VRF system. n
SMRT Architects & Engineers
Associated firm:
Sheridan Construction
Design team
Nicholas Vaughn; Bradley Baker; Jeana Stewart; Peter Rand; Lura Wade; David Farrell; Wendy MacDaniels; Toby Richards; Richard Webb; Kerry Dineen; Matthew McCammon; Kenneth Costello
Client
Thomas College
Area
18,000 sq. ft.
Cost
$10,200,000
Cost/square foot
$567
Capacity
362
Completion
May 2023
Images
Ryan Bent Photography
sustainability
Transluc ent Kalwall panels provide per fec tly dif fuse daylighting that evenly bathes s pac es in natural light, meaning fewer lights on during the day Our high recyc labilit y and low emb odied carb on ratings are planet-friendly Even bet ter, our best- in - c las s thermal per formanc e means you get superb daylight without any s olar heat gain That means savings for elec tric al and c ooling c osts, whic h is good for b oth your b ot tom line and the environment.
To be most produc tive, one needs to be c omfor table
photo: Jeffrey Totaro
TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER
TERRELL, TEXAS
Trinity Valley Community College acquired a dilapidated hospital from the city of Terrell for $1 as part of an EDC initiative with the goal of revitalizing it into a state-of-the-art health science center to support rural nursing education. Its location along the main highway serves as a beacon for new development in partnership with the city. The program
also included a partnership with the local school district to introduce high school students to health professions. The center offers many advanced medical education spaces such as high-fidelity simulation suites, mock operating rooms, virtual reality ambulance trauma simulators, procedural skills rooms and a high-capacity active learning classroom. n
Randall Scott Architects
Design team
Randall B. Scott, AIA (Principal in Charge); Preston Scott, AIA (Principal)
Client
Trinity Valley Community College Area Cost
58,000 sq. ft. $ 12,250,000
Cost/square foot Completion
$211 January 2021
Images Craig Blackmon FAIA; Randolph Scott Architects
FAITH LUTHERAN CRUSADER TECHNOLOGY CENTER
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
TThe Crusader Technology Center will house biology, chemistry, physics, math, genetics, environmental science, computer science, e-sports, robotics, computer aided drafting, and trades classrooms.
In support of the classrooms, the center has a lobby, offices, teachers’ lounge, a second-level outdoor patio and a multipurpose space.
The multipurpose space will provide a location for lectures, robotics competitions, small banquets, and other events. The main entrance will have curtain wall glazing, and the adjacent Crusader Hall will be clad with multidirectional sloped
metal panels.
The two courtyards will be covered by canopies with translucent panels that will let diffused light into the spaces. The existing drop-off/pickup area will be modified to create a pedestrian connection between the Faith Lutheran Crusader Technology Center and the existing campus of Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School.
The building will create its own identity, while integrating into the architectural vernacular of the campus. n
he Faith Lutheran Crusader Technology Center is a two-story STEM building with 33 classrooms on the south parcel of the Faith Lutheran
Middle School and High School campus in Las Vegas.
Photo Credits—January: Slyworks Photography; February: Stantec Architecture; March: Feinknopf Photography/ Brad Feinknopf; April: Sully Clemmer; May: Tim Wilkes Photography; June: Gaffer Photography; July: Halkin Mason Photography LLC; August: Peter McCullough; September: Justin Maconochie Photography; October: Brett Beyer Photography; November: Karl. L Moore/ Mooreshots LLC; December: Peter Brentlinger
STATE LISTINGS
ALABAMA
Horton Hardgrave Hall (Auburn)
Williams Blackstock Architects pp. 78-79
ARIZONA
Arizona Western College, Matador Activity Center (Yuma)
EMC2 Group p. 72
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Bard High School Early College DC (Washington)
Perkins Eastman DC ................................... p. 95
FLORIDA
The Phillip & Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry & Molecular Science (Coral Gables)
Harvard Jolly | PBK p. 92
St. Cloud Middle and Michigan Avenue Elementary Combination School (St. Cloud)
Song + Associates pp. 56-57
van Otterloo Family Campus for Learning (Immokalee)
David Corban Architects p. 31
GEORGIA
Butts County Performing Arts Center (Jackson)
Breaux & Associates Architects pp. 88-89
INDIANA
Deer Creek Elementary School (Noblesville)
CSO p. 37
Lawrenceburg High School Additions & Renovations (Lawrenceburg)
Lancer Associates pp. 98-99
Tri-North Middle School (Bloomington)
CSO ......................................................................p. 50
IOWA
Medical & Health Sciences Campus (West Des Moines)
RDG Planning & Design .............................p. 81
MAINE
Thomas College, Sukeforth Family Sports Center (Waterville)
SMRT Architects & Engineers ............. p. 109
MARYLAND
Odessa Shannon Middle School (Silver Spring)
Moseley Architects ......................................p. 48
Seneca Valley High School (Germantown)
Moseley Architects p. 64
MASSACHUSETTS
*Center Elementary School (Tewksbury)
Flansburgh Architects p. 33
*The Governor’s Academy | Bill ’67 and Peter ’71 Alfond Coastal Research Center (Byfield)
Flansburgh Architects pp. 20-21
*Maria Weston Chapman Middle School (Weymouth)
HMFH Architects p. 47
Sgt. Jordan Shay Memorial Lower Elementary School (Amesbury) DiNisco Design .............................................. p. 43
Sharon High School (Sharon)
Tappe Architects pp. 66-67
MICHIGAN
Blanche Sims Elementary School (Lake Orion)
GMB p. 35
Center for Virtual Learning (Big Rapids)
Stantec Architecture ................................... p. 74
Michigan State University, School of Packaging Renovation/Addition (East Lansing)
TMP Architecture .........................................p. 101
Schoolcraft Community Schools, Schoolcraft Elementary (Schoolcraft)
TMP Architecture .......................................... p. 42
*Varner Hall Renovation and Addition (Rochester)
Stantec Architecture pp. 22-23
NEBRASKA
Boys Town Education Center (Boys Town) DLR Group p. 54
CL & Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education (Omaha)
RDG Planning & Design ............................ p. 75
*The Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center (Kearney)
RDG Planning & Design ............................ p. 29
NEVADA
Faith Lutheran Crusader Technology Center (Las Vegas)
kga........................................................................ p. 112
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Plymouth State University, Morgridge Strength & Performance Lab (Holderness)
SMRT Architects & Engineers ............. p. 106
NEW JERSEY
*Citation recipient
One-Stop Center (Paramus) Arcari + Iovino Architects p. 104
NEW YORK
The Abigail Adams School, Public School 131 (New York)
Urbahn Architects p. 34
*Lehman College, Nursing Education, Research & Practice Center (New York)
Urbahn Architects pp. 70-71
NORTH CAROLINA
West Millbrook Middle School (Raleigh)
Moseley Architects .......................................p. 51
NORTH DAKOTA
*NDSU Sugihara Science Hall & Skyway (Fargo)
Zerr Berg Architects pp. 26-27
OHIO
Frank E. Murphy ‘54 Convocation Center (Columbus)
Triad Architects p. 105
Gilmour Academy Howley Commons (Gates Mills)
ThenDesign Architecture ......................... p. 96
Johnstown Intermediate School (Johnstown)
BSHM Architects .......................................... p. 39
Live Oaks Career Campus (Milford)
MSA Design p. 97
PENNSYLVANIA
*Career & Advanced Technology Center (Philadelphia)
SCHRADERGROUP pp. 86-87
Children’s Village at Doylestown Health (Doylestown)
Design Resources Group Architects ..p. 30
Sandy Run Middle School (Dresher)
Breslin Architects p. 49
Warrior Run Elementary School (Turbotville)
Breslin Architects.......................................... p. 44
SOUTH CAROLINA
West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies (Charleston)
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
................................................................................. p. 93
TENNESSEE
*The Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center (Knoxville)
McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects ....... p. 53
Belmont University Massey Center
Welcome Experience (Nashville)
Advent p. 73
Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University (Nashville)
ESa ........................................................................ p. 84
TEXAS
*Bryan Adams High School (Dallas)
BRW Architects .............................................. p. 59
C.W. Cline Elementary School (Friendswood)
PBK p. 36
Career Institute North (Dallas)
WRA Architects..............................................p. 60
Chaparral High School (Killeen)
PBK p. 62
Cypress Fairbanks ISD Visual and Performing Arts Center (Cypress)
PBK ............................................................. pp. 90-91
Eastside Early College High School (Austin)
Perkins&Will ....................................................p. 63
Farias-Spitzer Elementary School (New Braunfels)
O’Connell Robertson p. 38
Great Commission Center (Marshall)
BMA Architects .................................... pp. 76-77
Keith Bell Opportunity Central (Forney)
Huckabee .......................................................... p. 55
Midwestern State University, Centennial Hall Health Science & Human Services Center (Wichita Falls)
Randall Scott Architects p. 82
Synergy Park (Marshall)
ETBU Construction pp. 102-103
Texas A&M University, Plant Pathology & Microbiology Research Building (College Station)
Randall Scott Architects ...........................p. 83
Trinity Valley Community College, Health Science Center (Terrell)
Randall Scott Architects p. 111
VIRGINIA
Middle Road Elementary School (Prince George)
Moseley Architects p. 40
Quinton Elementary School (Quinton)
Moseley Architects ....................................... p. 41
Robins Stadium Luxury Suites (Richmond) KEi Architects ............................................... p. 108
JAPAN
*American School in Japan Master Plan (Tokyo)
Ennead Architects .............................. pp. 24-25
ONTARIO, CANADA
Harmony Commons Passive House
Dormitory (Scarborough)
Handel Architects, CORE Architects ........... p. 80
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
MacLean Marine Science Center (St. Thomas)
The Bourne Group p. 100
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ADVENT
INDEX TO ARCHITECTS
3011 Armory Drive, Suite 380 Nashville, Tennessee 37204
615-516-6669
https://adventmovespeople.com/ Belmont University Massey Center
Welcome Experience .........................p. 73
ARCARI + IOVINO ARCHITECTS
1 Katherine St. Little Ferry, New Jersey 07643
201-641-0600
www.aiarchs.com
One Stop Center .............................. p. 104
THE BOURNE GROUP
3004 Altona and Welgunst Suite 1-200 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802 340-714-1430
www.thebournegroup.com
MacLean Marine Science Center..p. 100
BMA ARCHITECTS
545 Fuller Drive, Suite 414 Irving, Texas 75038
972-572-0431
https://bma-arch.com/ Great Commission Center ...... pp. 76-77
BREAUX & ASSOCIATES
ARCHITECTS
5955 Shiloh Road East, Suite 200 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
678-585-4508
BxArch.com
Butts County Performing Arts Center .. ......................................................... p. 88-89
BRESLIN ARCHITECTS
1226 Union Boulevard Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109
610-437-9626
breslinarchitects.com
Sandy Run Middle School ............... p. 49
Warrior Run Elementary School .... p. 44
BRW ARCHITECTS
3535 Travis St. Dallas, Texas 75204
214-528-8704
brwarch.com
*Bryan Adams High School............. p. 59
BSHM ARCHITECTS
117 S. Champion St., Suite 201 Youngstown, Ohio 44503
330-744-4401
bshm-architects.com
Johnstown Intermediate School p. 39
CORE ARCHITECTS
130 Queens Quay East, West Tower, Suite 700 Toronto, Ontario M5A 0P6 416-343-0400
www.corearchitects.com
Harmony Commons Passive House Dormitory ............................................ p. 80
CSO
8831 Keystone Crossing Indianapolis, Indiana 46240
317-848-7800
www.csoinc.net
Tri-North Middle School .................. p. 50 Deer Creek Elementary School ......p. 37
*Citation Winner
DAVID CORBAN ARCHITECTS
5012 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida 34103 239-234-2500
www.davidcorban.com
van Otterloo Family Campus for Learning ................................................ p. 31
DESIGN RESOURCES
GROUP ARCHITECTS
270 Davidson Ave., Suite 303 Somerset, New Jersey 08873 732-560-7900
drg-architects.com
Children’s Village at Doylestown Health ................................................... p. 30
DINISCO DESIGN
99 Chauncy St., Suite 901 Boston, Massachusetts 02111 617-426-2858 www.dinisco.com
Sgt. Jordan Shay Memorial Lower Elementary School ............................
DLR GROUP
6457 Frances St., Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68106 402-393-4100 dlrgroup.com Boys Town Education Center ......... p. 54
EMC2 GROUP
1635 N. Greenfield Road, Suite 144 Mesa, Arizona 85204 480-830-3838 www.emc2group.com/ Arizona Western College, Matador Activity Center ....................................p. 72
ENNEAD ARCHITECTS
1 World Trade Center New York, New York 10007 212-792-5868 www.ennead.com/ *American School in Japan Master Plan ....................................................... pp. 24-25
ESA
1033 Demonbreun St., Suite 800 Nashville, Tennessee 37203 615-329-9445
esarch.com
Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University....................... p. 84
ETBU CONSTRUCTION
One Tiger Drive Marshall, Texas 75670
903-923-2222
etbu.edu
Synergy Park .......................... pp.
FLANSBURGH ARCHITECTS
77 N. Washington St. Boston, Massachusetts 02114
617-367-3970
www.flansburgh.com
*Center Elementary School ............ p. 33
*The Governor’s Academy | Bill ’67 and Peter ’71 Alfond Coastal Research Center pp. 20-21
GMB
85 E. Eighth St., Suite 200 Holland, Michigan 49423 616-796-0200
www.gmb.com
Blanche Sims Elementary School . p. 35
HANDEL ARCHITECTS
120 Broadway New York, New York 10271 212-595-4112
https://handelarchitects.com/ Harmony Commons Passive House Dormitory ............................................ p. 80
HARVARD JOLLY | PBK
2047 Vista Parkway, Suite 100 West Palm Beach, Florida 33411
www.harvardjolly.com
The Phillip & Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry & Molecular Science .... p. 92
HMFH ARCHITECTS
130 Bishop Allen Drive Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 617-492-2200
www.hmfh.com
*Maria Weston Chapman Middle School ...................................................p. 47
HUCKABEE
801 Cherry Street Suite 500 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817-377-2969
www.huckabee-inc.com
Keith Bell Opportunity Central ...... p. 55
KEI ARCHITECTS
100 W. Franklin St., #400 Richmond, Virginia 23220
804-788-0338
www.keiarchitects.com
Robins Stadium Luxury Suites ..... p. 108
KGA
9075 West Diablo Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89148
702-367-6900
www.kga.design
Faith Lutheran Crusader Technology Center .................................................. p. 112
LANCER ASSOCIATES
145 N. East St. Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
317-797-6595
lancerarchitects.com
Lawrenceburg High School Additions & Renovations ........................... pp. 98-99
LITTLE DIVERSIFIED ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING
615 S. College St., Suite 1600 Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
704-525-6350
www.littleonline.com
West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies ................................................. p. 93
MCCARTY HOLSAPLE
MCCARTY ARCHITECTS
550 W. Main St. Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
865-544-2000
www.mhminc.com
*The Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center ................................................... p. 53
MOSELEY ARCHITECTS
911 Morrison Drive, Suite 01 Charleston, South Carolina 29403 843-577-5063
www.moseleyarchitects.com West Millbrook Middle School ........ p. 51
MOSELEY ARCHITECTS
85 W. Gay St. Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 540-434-1346
www.moseleyarchitects.com
Odessa Shannon Middle School p. 48
MOSELEY ARCHITECTS
3200 Norfolk St. Richmond, Virginia 23230
804-794-7555
www.moseleyarchitects.com/ Middle Road Elementary School ... p. 40 Quinton Elementary School............. p. 41 Seneca Valley High School ............. p. 64
MSA DESIGN
316 W. 4th St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513-241-5666
msaarch.com
Live Oaks Career Campus................p. 97
O’CONNELL ROBERTSON
4040 Broadway, Suite 300 San Antonio, Texas 78209 210-224-6032
https://oconnellrobertson.com/ Farias-Spitzer Elementary School .. p.38
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INDEX TO ARCHITECTS
PBK
11 Greenway Plaza, 22nd Floor Houston, Texas 77046
713-965-0608
pbk.com
Chaparral High School ..................... p. 62
C.W. Cline Elementary School p. 36
Cypress Fairbanks ISD Visual and Performing Arts Center ........... pp. 90-91
PERKINS EASTMAN DC
1 Thomas Circle NW, Suite 300 Washington, D.C., 20005
202-861-1325
www.perkinseastman-dc.com
Bard High School Early College DC ....... ................................................................ p. 95
PERKINS&WILL
310 Comal St. Austin, Texas 78702
512-997-5260
https://perkinswill.com/ Eastside Early College High School ...... ................................................................ p. 63
RANDALL SCOTT ARCHITECTS
4975 Preston Park Blvd. Plano, Texas 75093
972-664-9100
www.rsarchitects.com
Midwestern State University, Centennial Hall Health Science & Human Services Center ................... p. 82
Texas A&M University, Plant Pathology & Microbiology Research Building p. 83
Trinity Valley Community College, Health Science Center ..................... p. 111
RDG PLANNING & DESIGN
1302 Howard St. Omaha, Nebraska 68102 402-392-0133
rdgusa.com
CL & Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education p. 75 Medical & Health Sciences Campus .....
................................................................. p. 81
*The Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center .............................. p. 29
SCHRADERGROUP
555 E North Lane
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428 215-482-7440
sgarc.com
*Career & Advanced Technology Center .......................................... pp. 86-87
SMRT ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS
75 Washington Ave. Portland, Maine 04101
877-700-7678
smrtinc.com
Plymouth State University, Morgridge Strength & Performance Lab p. 106 Thomas College, Sukeforth Family Sports Center ................................... p. 109
SONG + ASSOCIATES
618 E. South St., Suite 500 Orlando, Florida 32801
561-655-2423
www.songandassociates.com
St. Cloud Middle and Michigan Avenue Elementary Combination School ........... ....................................................... pp. 56-57
STANTEC ARCHITECTURE
2338 Coolidge Hwy., Suite 100 Berkley, Michigan 48072
248-336-4700
stantec.com
Center for Virtual Learning p. 74
*Varner Hall Renovation and Addition ........................................................ pp. 22-23
TAPPE ARCHITECTS
6 Edgerly Place Boston, Massachusetts 02116 617-451-0200
www.tappe.com
Sharon High School pp. 66-67
THENDESIGN
ARCHITECTURE
4230 River St. Willoughby, Ohio 44094 440-269-2266
www.thendesign.com Gilmour Academy Howley Commons .... ................................................................ p. 96
TMP ARCHITECTURE
1191 W. Square Lake Road
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302 248-338-4561
www.tmp-architecture.com
Michigan State University, School of Packaging Renovation/Addition .. p. 101 Schoolcraft Community Schools, Schoolcraft Elementary p. 42
TRIAD ARCHITECTS
172 E State St. Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-942-1050
wearetriad.com
Frank E. Murphy ‘54 Convocation Center ................................................. p. 105
URBAHN ARCHITECTS
306 West 37th St., 9th Floor New York, New York 11418 212-239-0220
Urbahn.com
The Abigail Adams School, Public School 131 ............................................ p. 34
*Lehman College, Nursing Education, Research & Practice Center .... pp. 70-71
WILLIAMS BLACKSTOCK
ARCHITECTS
2204 1st Ave. South, Suite 200 Birmingham, Alabama 35233 205-252-9811
https://www.wba-architects.com/ Horton Hardgrave Hall ............... p. 78-79
WRA ARCHITECTS
12377 Merit Drive, Suite 1800 Dallas, Texas 75251 214-750-0077
www.wraarchitects.com Career Institute North ...................... p. 60
ZERR BERG ARCHITECTS
510 4th Ave N Fargo, North Dakota 58102 701-280-0187
zerrbergarchitects.com
*NDSU Sugihara Science Hall & Skyway ......................................... pp. 26-27
By Paul Erickson
Let The Performance Begin!
Performance spaces in K-12 facilities add an essential dimension to learning experiences. Because these spaces often require large amounts of square footage, it is essential to create effective designs that provide the most impact.
At the outset of a project, it may be necessary to justify the functions and amount of square footage needed for performance space and ancillary areas. Programs for theater, dance, and music typically use the most space.
Research shows that performing arts education and performance space enhances student learning and personal development. R.J. Marzano, D.J. Pickering, and J.E. Pollock, in Classroom Instruction that Works published in 2001, said that student involvement in performing arts programs brings about increased problem-solving and social skills, creativity, and academic prowess.
Additional research published in 2016 by M. Hogenes, B. van Oers, R.F. Diekstra, and M. Sklad in the International Journal of Music Education concluded that positive interpersonal skills and social development are strongly linked with performing arts education.
Common learning themes associated with theater and performance include opportunities to develop a student’s creativity, on-stage confidence, public speaking skills, and comprehension of literature and history. Students develop collaboration skills that can carry over to life skills in their careers.
School-to-community connections are enhanced through performance spaces. Schools generate revenue through ticketed events and rentals to outside groups.
Design elements
When designing an auditorium, the shape of the house is strategic. Calculations of width, length, and height are critical for maximized sightlines, acoustics, and comfort. Sightline studies are essential for determining proper house depth, floor slope, arch/angle layout of seating, and stage height and depth. Also, will a proscenium arch, traverse, thrust, in-the-round, or black box be the most advantageous for the school and community?
Auditorium house support areas typically include side stages, crossover, apron, orchestra pit, and control booth. Utility areas include scene set construction space, prop/costume storage, trap room, and catwalk system. Backstage space includes a green room, dressing and makeup space, and performer restrooms. Support areas include a box office, concessions, restrooms, and lobby.
Site design considerations include providing sufficient nearby parking, universal accessibility, exterior lighting, way-finding signage, and loading dock access to scene set and music areas. Performance and practice spaces beyond the auditorium frequently include a black box, music/ dance rehearsal hall, presentation learning stairs, theater commons, recording studio, and outdoor amphitheater.
Specialty considerations
Paul
W. Erickson, executive officer and partner, is past president
of ATSR Planners/ Architects/Engineers, a multi-disciplined firm specializing in school planning and design. He has 47 years of experience in school planning, design, and construction. Erickson can be reached at perickson@atsr.com
Typical rental requirements include technology and design components that enable live streaming, recording, acoustic/electric performances, and voiced presentations. Additional criteria for renting may include the need for auditorium full-fly space, an orchestra pit, dressing/makeup rooms, and controls technology.
Although these features increase initial construction costs, the expense is an investment that can be offset through well-scheduled rental operations.
When designing theater lighting, rigging equipment, sound systems, ventilation systems, and mixing board components, expertise is needed from product design specialists. Decisions regarding provisions for a full/partial fly, seating, stage-type, acoustics, floor level, accessibility, and space divisibility require guidance from specialized designers.
Performance space designs may incorporate multiple considerations. Learning labs, classrooms, and makerspaces should be designed for presentation—consider acoustics, technology, floor slope, movable walls, and garage doors to support this function. Cafetoriums and auditerias may be designed to serve dining functions as well as performance activities—exercise caution designing these spaces because results may be marginal for either function.
PRIVATE PATHS
Colleges and universities may be able to ease their housing crises by partnering with private firms that specialize in student housing.
by Miles Orth
Student housing shortages continue to be a huge challenge for many colleges and universities. The lack of available space often affects the well-being and academic performance of students who are forced to scramble for housing.
Many universities typically plan to house from 25% to 35% of their students on campus. That leaves most students responsible for finding their own off-campus living arrangements. The struggle many students encounter in their search for affordable housing creates additional concerns for higher education.
The demand clearly exists for additional oncampus university-sanctioned student housing, but many institutions lack the funding sources and time to fully address student housing concerns through new developments or renovations.
Instead, they often try to address their immediate housing demands by increasing the number of beds in existing facilities.
That may lead to overcrowding, and students are faced with less than ideal options: paying higher rent because of the greater market demand for offcampus housing; longer commutes for students because affordable housing may be farther from campus; and even deferrals from enrolling in classes in hopes of securing on-campus housing in subsequent semesters.
Private partners
Colleges and universities may be able to ease their housing crises by partnering with private developers and operators that specialize in student housing. Such developments can alleviate the financial
Outsourcing student housing development and management helped Howard University lower its financial risk. Campus Apartments
and logistical strain on higher education institutions and their students.
University housing officials should seek out firms with expertise in student housing, development and construction, and facilities management. They also should have an understanding of the importance of the residence life needs for a campus. These firms may also have keen knowledge of permitting and construction regulations and access to capital to carry out housing projects more efficiently.
Firms that specialize in student housing are up to speed on new and evolving amenities that make campus living more desirable, as well as the latest efforts to bolster campus safety. They can make sure that a school’s residential life program aligns with the culture of a campus and meets the specific needs for undergraduate or graduate housing.
Aside from development expertise and management, one of the greatest benefits of a private partnership is financial. Universities can circumvent financial barriers by partnering with a third-party developer that can finance new developments or renovations.
In recent years, privatized university housing has emerged as an important alternative. Many higher education institutions have used Public-Private Partnerships (P3) financing to build student housing.
By providing universities with capital management, operational expertise and business acumen, private sector partnerships can be an alternative approach that enhances the housing experience for the institution and for students.
Partnership model
In 2012, Howard University was looking to build residence halls on its Washington, D.C., campus that reflected its historic character while offering modern housing and amenities to meet the demands of students.
It collaborated with a private partner to construct undergraduate housing and meet the increasing demand for campus living. The partners sought to ensure each project decision prioritized the student experience while balancing financial resources.
The two suite-style residence halls—College Hall North and College Hall South—opened in 2014 and provided 1,360 beds in 699 units.
Following the successful delivery of the buildings, Howard University asked its private partner to handle the transition from construction to operations and manage the buildings in coordination with the university’s Student Affairs and Residence Life teams.
Howard subsequently chose the partner to manage the day-today property and facilities management for on-campus residence halls and two residence halls off campus.
For Howard University, outsourcing student housing development and facilities management has helped lower its financial risk. It has provided student housing structures that are marketcompetitive, attentive to students’ maintenance requests and meet other important university objectives.
The future of student housing
As students decide where to attend college, the importance of housing continues to be critical. The living experience on and off campus is an essential part of college life, and institutions that fail to address these needs will be less competitive over time.
It is imperative that colleges and universities address their student housing challenges so that they can attract and retain their student population long-term—whether that be through new developments or renovations.
Removing the financial and logistical barriers to student housing via private partnerships enables colleges and universities to provide an intentional and thoughtful housing product, and focus on their core competency: education. n
Miles Orth is the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Campus Apartments.
Howard University partnered with a private developer to build residence halls on its Washington, D.C., campus. Campus Apartments
Many universities have turned to public-private partnerships to build student housing. Campus Apartments
PUMPING UP ENERGY SAVINGS
Funding decarbonization strategies through heat pump adoption.
by Rob Tanner and Jonathan McCrea
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that higher education facilities account for 13 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year—a hefty footprint many colleges and universities have publicly committed to reduce. However, the path to decarbonization is littered with obstacles. The average campus is a diverse facility with complex heating and cooling requirements, and many institutions were built around aging infrastructure that creates unique retrofitting challenges. Combined with the financial constraints faced by many postsecondary schools, net-zero goals can feel increasingly out of reach.
Even with these hurdles, prioritizing sustainability has become a necessity, and it is important to begin carving pathways now toward decarbonization. Partial decarbonization with hydronic heat pumps provides an opportunity for campuses to quickly improve energy efficiency while reducing operational expenses.
Teams that take this approach can leverage cost-savings to pay for continued sustainability efforts as they work toward full decarbonization over time. And for many campuses, this solution lies within the existing heating and cooling infrastructure.
Taking advantage of simultaneous heating and cooling with hydronic heat pumps gives colleges and universities an opportunity to achieve partial decarbonization while providing a funding source for future sustainability projects.
Simultaneous heating and cooling loads
The average campus requires simultaneous heating and cooling to serve a variety of buildings, from energy-intensive laboratories and medical buildings to student housing and athletic facilities. When a standard chiller and boiler system is used, these functions operate independently. Traditional chillers extract heat from the chilled water loop and then release it to the atmosphere using cooling towers, where it is largely wasted. At the same time, boilers are burning fossil fuel to generate hot water or steam to satisfy campus heating requirements.
In comparison, a water-to-water heat pump is a single piece of equipment that contains dual functionality to move heat to where it is needed. Just like traditional chillers, heat pumps contribute chilled water to the campus loop, extracting heat removed by air handling and terminal units as they cool campus buildings. That same heat is then raised to a higher temperature by the heat pump and used to generate heating hot water through refrigerant compression instead of combustion. This process of generating chilled and hot water simultaneously with a heat pump can be four to five times as efficient as a conventional chiller and boiler system. Historically, retrofitting existing buildings for heat pump conversions was complex and costly. Older buildings are often designed for higher hot water temperatures than legacy heat pumps could achieve. But newer heat pump technologies are delivering heating hot water temperatures in the range of 170 to 180 degrees F, meeting the requirements of most existing infrastructures. These new, high temperature heat pump designs are enabling schools and universities to improve energy efficiency, support water stewardship, and reduce carbon emissions.
High-performance heat pumps are able to provide flexibility that enables the equipment to be integrated within many existing HVAC infrastructures and scaled over time. Even for campuses using centralized steam heating systems, small-footprint compound centrifugal heat pumps and variable-speed screw heat pumps can enable a decentralized approach with heat pumps installed in parallel with existing steam-to-hot water heat exchangers at each building. In this configuration, the heat pump extracts low-grade heat from the return chilled water loop, reducing the cooling tons that the main central plant needs to provide. Simultaneously, the heating hot water generated by the heat pump to serve the building reduces the fossil fuel generated steam that the campus boiler plant needs to produce. This increases system efficiency and, in most cases, significantly reduces heating and cooling utility costs.
Carving out funding
Taking advantage of simultaneous heating and cooling with hydronic heat pumps creates an opportunity to achieve partial decarbonization while freeing up a funding source for future
sustainability efforts. In fact, moving away from conventional chiller and boiler systems to simultaneous heating and cooling with heat pumps can lead to substantial utility cost savings because the single electricity input to the heat pump is providing two beneficial outputs: chilled water and hot water. These cost-savings result in fast paybacks on the initial heat pump investment and establish a source of funding for fullscale decarbonization.
On average, campuses that have installed water-to-water heat pumps have achieved four to five times the efficiency of a traditional chiller and boiler system. These savings can net a system payback in two to five years. And because cooling tower usage is minimized, both water and sewage utilities and water treatment costs are proportionately reduced. Water savings in the millions of gallons annually are common.
In addition to the powerful cost-savings delivered by heat pumps, their flexible design provides an opportunity to scale strategies as teams navigate their long-term sustainability roadmap. Heat pump installation can be applied to a single building, a defined zone or an entire campus. Combined with central plant optimization software, performance can be measured and reported against benchmarks or modeled by projected student occupancy and external weather conditions. These outcomes can then be used to estimate energy, water and cost savings, providing realistic proof-points that can inform capital investment decisions and long-term strategic plans.
As decarbonization goals continue to shift across higher education, one point remains clear: decarbonization can no longer wait for the future. Partial decarbonization that leverages simultaneous heating and cooling creates an opportunity to begin reducing emissions and deliver significant cost savings that lead to further enable equipment upgrades and emission reductions.
Jon McCrea is the HVAC Equipment Area General Manager for Johnson Controls for the Southeastern United States. Rob Tanner is the Director of Marketing for Applied Equipment at Johnson Controls.
On average, college campuses that have installed water-to-water heat pumps have achieved four to five times the efficiency of a traditional chiller and boiler system. Johnson Controls
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