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Early starts
By Mike Kennedy
After spending the last several weeks poring over the details of the dozens of entries in American School & University ’s 2024 Educational Interiors Showcase, I can’t help but think back to my long-ago student days and compare the schoolhouses where I spent my youth with the modern facilities being designed and built today.
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
I was especially drawn to the entries in the Pre-K/Early Childhood Education category, which was not a thing back in the day. When I was pre-K age, it seemed that no one felt pre-K was necessary (or even used the term “pre-K”). My early childhood education was of the stay-athome variety. It consisted mostly of watching “As the World Turns” and other soap operas at the feet of my mother as she folded laundry in front of the black-and-white TV.
In the intervening decades, education institutions have stepped up their pre-K efforts. Not only do many school systems provide dedicated early childhood education centers for pre-K students, but they also design the facilities with such care and expertise that they are singled out for recognition by fellow architects and educators.
The Jefferson Early Learning Center in the Alief (Texas) district is the latest example of an award-winning pre-K facility. The four jurors for the Educational Interiors Showcase, after reviewing all the projects and discussing their merits,
selected the Jefferson Early Learning Center as the top K-12 project and awarded it the 2024 Crow Island School Citation.
“The engaging design encourages exploration and interaction with the natural world, creating a vibrant, enriching environment,” the jury said.
The Jefferson project was one of 11 designs to receive Citations in the 2024 competition. The Collegiate Citation—the top honor for higher education projects—was awarded to Des Moines University’s new Medical and Health Sciences campus in West Des Moines, Iowa.
“The building has a bright and airy feel and uses finishes exceptionally to create environments conducive to teaching and professional development,” the jury commented.
The Citation recipients and the other outstanding interior designs on display in the pages that follow are intended to help education administrators and architects stay up to date with how schools and universities across the nation are addressing their facility needs. One of these projects may help spark an idea or create a discussion that will become a key element in your school or university’s next construction project.
Showcase your insights, leadership, projects, and more
American School & University is the publication for thought leaders shaping school and university facilities. The November 2024 Architectural Portfolio issue is the guidebook for those planning interior learning environments. Q&A pages are a unique, cost-effective way to show your expertise in this special magazine devoted to the best in educational interiors and facility planning.
Contact Heather Buzzard at hbuzzard@asumag.com or visit SchoolDesigns.com for 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 more than 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
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Mike Kennedy • mkennedy@asumag.com
ART DIRECTOR
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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen Ashkin; Paul Erickson; American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education
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IN late May, four education professionals agreed to devote their time to examining dozens of design plans and project descriptions and hundreds of photographs in a quest to determine which K-12 and higher education designs were most worthy of recognition. In June, the four came together via video conference to form the 2024 Educational Interiors Showcase jury. For several hours, they discussed and debated the pros and cons of the projects entered in the competition and identified which designs stood out from the others. Ultimately, the jurors decided that they bestow Citations on 11 facilities that represented the highest achievements in education design.
In evaluating the projects submitted, jurors highlighted some of the criteria they had in mind as they determined which interior designs should be awarded Citations. Among those::
• Spaces that demonstrate the implementation of pedagogical best practices.
• Spaces that engage the student
• Designs that promote tactile learning; facilities that encourage interaction
• Replicability
• Developmentally appropriate; designs aware of and responsive to student needs
• Designs that promote wellness and well-being
WHAT THE JURY SAID:
“Brilliantly fosters a sense of community through its thoughtfully organized villages and neighborhoods. Innovative approach to connecting to nature and establishing a sense of place.” p. 16-17
“Bright soaring public spaces. Incredible use of daylight. The building uses finishes exceptionally to create environments conducive to teaching and professional development.” p. 18-19
“A variety of flexible spaces—the space is thoughtfully planned, from spatial organization to finishes and furniture, conveying a much needed holistic vision for student well-being.” p. 20
“The equipment on display and use of bold colors give life to the spaces. Incredible branding and exposure to CTE. The demonstration courtyard provides a great space for making learning visible.” p. 21
Enrico Giori
Lisa Johnson Madalyn Montreuil Bryan Turner
Enrico Giori, Assoc. AIA
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
ARCHITECTURE FOR EDUCATION • PASADENA, CA
Enrico holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design’s Architecture Department. Enrico is a passionate professional, known for his expertise in participatory planning and co-design strategies, which he successfully integrates into the creation of state-of-the-art learning environments. Enrico believes that learning spaces driven by student agency stimulate curiosity, enhance well-being, and foster genuine and collaborative learning opportunities. His approach to master planning and architectural design is characterized by deep engagement with educators, students, and communities, aiming to create spaces that are adaptable, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of education. He meticulously integrates pedagogical best practices into his designs, ensuring that learning environments are aligned with curriculum and make learning visible. In 2023, Enrico received the prestigious Loris Malaguzzi International Prize for his children’s book, We Want a School! Vogliamo una scuola!, which tells the story of students who are empowered to envision and design their ideal school.
Lisa Johnson, FAIA, LEED-AP, Associate DBIA
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION | UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY • MANHATTAN, KS
Lisa oversees the campus planning, design and construction department, architectural and engineering review, project management and construction administration on the Manhattan, Salina, and Olathe campuses and K-State Research and Extension offices across the state of Kansas. In her capacity as University Architect, Lisa leads conversations with key university stakeholders to incorporate feedback and perspectives into workable action plans that align with the overarching university strategic plan and campus master plan. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University. She is a recognized fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a LEED-accredited professional and certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Prior to her role at Kansas State, Lisa led the design of learning environments on the practice side in the Pacific Northwest through a successful 20-plus-year career with DLR Group. Lisa has
held leadership roles in the Society of College and University Planning, the American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education, and AIA Seattle Fellow and Honors Committee.
Madalyn Montreuil
ASSOCIATE, WRA ARCHITECTS • DALLAS, TX
Madalyn Montreuil joined WRA in 2017 upon completion of her Interior Design bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University. In her professional career she has worked with numerous clients, each with different backgrounds and ideologies, but the objective is always the same: to provide design solutions that are custom to clients’ wants and needs and truly embody their vision and mission. Specializing in interior design, Madalyn has excellent design capabilities as well as a vast knowledge of products and materials. She strives to provide forward-thinking design while being practical and mindful of those occupying the space. She sees each project as an opportunity to harbor collaboration, encourage and support various learning styles and promote health and wellbeing—design is the driving factor behind it all. Madalyn has worked proficiently with WRA’s school district clients and held the position of design lead on numerous projects. She has played an integral role among some of WRA’s unique and most challenging educational projects, including wellness centers, STEM academies and various K-12 facilities.
Bryan Turner
DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DAVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT • FARMINGTON, UT
As the Davis School District’s director of architectural services for the last 28 years, Bryan oversees the design and construction of all projects in the district— work that ranges from $50 million to $400 million per year. He has served as a board member and chairman of the Utah State Architects Licensing Board and was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2018. Bryan is a member of the Utah Facilities Operations & Maintenance Association and has served as its president and chairman of its education committee. He also is a certified plans examiner and a certified energy plans examiner for the International Code Council. He is a member of the Association for Learning Environments and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Architectural Registration Exam (ARE 5.0) Committee. Bryan received a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from Brigham Young University and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Utah.
CROW ISLAND SCHOOL Citation
PBK
JEFFERSON EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Houston, Texas .................................................. p. 16-17
“Brilliantly fosters a sense of community through its thoughtfully organized villages and neighborhoods. Innovative approach to connecting to nature and establishing a sense of place....Playful spaces using bright colors.”
—2024 JURY
COLLEGIATE Citation
RDG Planning & Design
MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS
West Des Moines, Iowa .................................. p. 18-19
“Bright soaring public spaces. Incredible use of daylight. The building uses finishes exceptionally to create environments conducive to teaching and professional development.”
—2024 JURY
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River Vale, New Jersey ......................................... p. 20
“A variety of flexible spaces—the space is thoughtfully planned, from spatial organization to finishes and furniture, conveying a much needed holistic vision for student well-being.”
SPECIAL Citation
Ruhnau Clarke Architects
INDIAN SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTER
San Bernardino, California p. 21
“ The equipment on display and use of bold colors give life to the spaces. Incredible branding and exposure to CTE. The demonstration courtyard provides a great space for making learning visible.”
—2024
JURY
—2024 JURY
—2024 JURY
Weymouth, Massachusetts
“Beautiful attention to scale and relationships between spaces; the project enables readers of all ages to co-exist in the same space. Love the indoor-outdoor connection; transparency and flow.””
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JEFFERSON EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Houston, Texas
Alief ISD’s Jefferson Early Learning Center campus is organized into two villages that provide students with a sense of community and place. Each
village has three neighborhoods: Discovery, Inquiry, and Voyage. Each neighborhood has four houses or experiences with a shared collaboration area. Following the
“Brilliantly fosters a sense of community through its thoughtfully organized villages and neighborhoods. Innovative approach to connecting to nature and establishing a sense of place.... Playful spaces using bright colors.”
—2023 JURY
theme of connecting children to nature and a sense of place, each village has unique outdoor learning environments; a centralized courtyard and two outdoor exploration courtyards. The villages surround a central building spine that shares administrative spaces, instructional support, and shared core enrichment spaces like indoor play, art, and music.
Many students in Alief do not have access to nature or the benefits it provides for health and academics. An outdoor learning space at the early childhood center provides students an opportunity to safely enjoy time outside and experience the benefits of learning in nature.
PBK
Client Alief Independent School District Area
80,557 sq. ft.
Cost
$22,432,184
Cost/square foot
$278
Completion
August 2022
Images
Wade Griffith
The early childhood center has an alternative approach to site development. In lieu of a flat site with Bermuda grass and the city-required landscaping, this site will use low-impact development ideas with sheet flow, bio-swales, pocket prairies and even some reforestation.
Paths and outdoor classrooms throughout the undulating site encourage student and community engagement with nature. Students safely enjoy time outside to explore and play with water, plant, and harvest vegetables in an edible garden, and observe the nature and prairies in their backyard.
“This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and the entire Alief community. We are committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for our little learners to thrive and grow.”
— GLENN JARRETT, DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITIES, ALIEF ISD
MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS
West Des Moines, Iowa COLLEGIATE
Des Moines University’s new Medical and Health Sciences campus is a hub for innovation and sustainability in health care education. With cuttingedge facilities and technology, the campus supports new programs, research, simula-
tion 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
“Bright soaring public spaces. Incredible use of daylight. The building uses finishes exceptionally to create environments conducive to teaching and professional development.”
features, adding value and comfort to users between classes. The campus demonstrates sustainability and stewardship by achieving LEED Silver certification and is in line to receive WELL Building Standard Gold Campus certification. This designation will
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)
Client
Des Moines University
Area 88 acres (site); 527,740 sq. ft. (buildings)
Cost
Confidential
Completion
September 2023
Images
Michael Robinson Photography
make the campus the first of its kind in the world and create a welcoming setting for a diverse student body, faculty and staff. Sustainable practices such as local materi-
als and geothermal systems will minimize the campus footprint. The design reflects the university’s history while embracing the future, creating a vibrant and connected
“Des Moines University’s new campus embodies innovation and sustainability in health care education with technology-rich, flexible spaces linked with an interconnected architectural design. This new approach to the university campus fosters an inclusive and intuitive environment, strengthens community ties, and upholds high standards of academic excellence.”
—
learning environment. This project is a transformative opportunity to establish a new legacy for Des Moines University and health care education.
BENJAMIN KROLL, AIA, LEED AP, RDG PLANNING & DESIGN
HOLDRUM MIDDLE SCHOOL WELLNESS CENTER
River Vale, New Jersey
The Holdrum Middle School Wellness Center blurs the line between inside and outdoors to provide a serene respite for students at the River Vale,
“A variety of flexible spaces—the space is thoughtfully planned, from spatial organization to finishes and furniture, conveying a much needed holistic vision for student well-being.” —2024 JURY
New Jersey, school. The addition is part of a larger renovation that took a holistic design approach to improving student well-being and improving traffic flow through new school corridors.
Biophilic design elements with detailed finishes set the tone for the space, which has large glass walls on three sides that provide ample natural light. The glass wall facing the connected Living Learning Courtyard contains an operable partition that completely opens up, blending the indoor and outdoor spaces. Adaptability is at the forefront of the indoor space, which can be rearranged to host everything from traditional lessons to yoga and community gatherings. The Wellness Center is flanked on each side by small
LAN Associates
Client
River Vale Board of Education
Total area
10,807 sq. ft.
Area of project entry
2,071 sq. ft.
Total cost
$5,870,000
Cost of project entry
$1,750,000
Total cost/square foot
$543
Project entry cost/square foot
$845
Completion Images June 2023 Keith Williams
rooms for collaboration and counseling. The exterior glazed walls are adorned with solar shade blades.
The new corridors outside the Wellness Center feature artificial grass walls, breakout nooks for students to gather, and biophilicinfused graphics and branding throughout to improve wayfinding.
INDIAN SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTER
San Bernardino, California
Indian Springs High School is revolutionizing education for underserved students through a groundbreaking STEM initiative designed to make them career-ready upon graduation. The school’s new Manufacturing Technology Center, a collaborative effort between San Bernardino City Unified School District, HAAS Automation, and
the Gene Haas Foundation, provides highdemand job skills to students in an economically challenged region.
To equip students with essential handson skills, the district transformed four classrooms into three multifunctional spaces, featuring a 5,800-square-foot manufacturing lab, classrooms for digital modeling,
“The equipment on display and use of bold colors give life to the spaces. Incredible branding and exposure to CTE. The demonstration courtyard provides a great space for making learning visible.”
—2024 JURY
visualization, fabrication, and art, and a collaborative student common area.
The facility has vibrant graphics on flooring and walls that mimic safety coloring with imagery indicative of the tools used within the space. Color blocking under machinery creatively denotes caution areas, and open ceilings mixed with metal ceiling tiles lend themselves to the manufacturing aesthetic.
Upon completing the program, students earn a HAAS-certified operator certificate, empowering them with the skills in demand for rewarding careers in STEM fields.
Ruhnau Clarke Architects
Cost/square foot Completion
$266 January 2024
Images
Ruhnau Clarke Architects
Weymouth, Massachusetts
“Beautiful attention to scale and relationships between spaces; the project enables readers of all ages to co-exist in the same space. Love the indoor-outdoor connection; transparency and flow.”
—2024 JURY
Weymouth’s 400th anniversary celebration centerpiece, Tufts Library, delivers diverse reading, study, and interactive spaces to satisfy modern patrons’ needs. Local materials, historical connections and vistas help this civic center stay true to surrounding vernacular.
Eighteen unique rooms accommodate activities like preschool crafts and tutoring. Seating options abound with immersive book nooks, custom-lighted A-frame shelving, and a timeless color and material palette.
The first-floor gallery descends the site’s
slope, opening to a wide two-story curtain wall, blurring the inside and out with its thin profile. The curved wood slat ceiling extending across the spine of the library is inspired by a ship’s hull. The terrazzo flooring echoes local creek patterns and the tranquil water feature.
The children’s library, with dynamic wall graphics and cove lighting, features a story/ craft room and windows looking out to the adjoining park and terraced playground. The teens library, with exposed ceilings, chalkboard-like graphics and feature wall composed of walnut and sign lights, exudes coffee shop vibes. The heart of the second floor features a glass digital media lab.
GOLD Citation
Tappe Architects
SHARON HIGH SCHOOL
Sharon, Massachusetts ....................................... p. 26
“Beautiful use of biophilic design; uses daylighting effectively. Close attention was paid to emotional well-being and not only academic succes.”
GOLD Citation
Little Diversified Architectural
Consulting
“Attention paid to craftsmanship, and FF&E selection is commendable. The space created is truly inviting and inspiring for users to work in.”
—2024 JURY
—2024 JURY
BRONZE CITATION |
SILVER Citation PBK
CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Cypress, Texas ......................................................... p. 30
“Visually stunning. A gorgeous performing arts space.”
—2024 JURY
BRONZE Citation
Flansburgh Architects CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Tewksbury, Massachusetts p. 31
“Strong indoor-outdoor connection. The scalar relationships create environments that encourage simultaneous collaboration and individual work.”
—2024 JURY
BRONZE Citation
DLR Group
STORM LAKE EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Storm Lake, Iowa .................................................... p. 32
“The project showcases an in-depth understanding of how educational spaces can foster meaningful and impactful learning experiences for students of all ages. Impressive use of color and subtle age-appropriate nature motifs.”
—2024 JURY
BRONZE Citation
McKinney York Architects
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, HOGG MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Austin, Texas p. 33
“A thoughtful adaptive reuse approach for a community space. Creative balance of tradition with modern updates. Love the introduction of daylighting into this historic space.”
—2024 JURY
GOLD CITATION | COMMON AREAS
SHARON HIGH SCHOOL
Sharon, Massachusetts
“Beautiful use of biophilic design; uses daylighting effectively. Close attention was paid to emotional well-being and not only academic succes.” —2024 JURY
Nestled in a picturesque New England town, the new Sharon High School building embodies the district’s core values: acceptance, equity, integrity, respect, kindness, and teamwork. The design deliberately integrates these principles using vibrant graphics, colors, and layout to foster inspiration, connection, and a sense of belonging. Notably, common areas like breakout spaces along the main corridors, the cafeteria, library, and academic support centers help cultivate community and social and emotional well-being by enabling students to collaborate and foster meaningful relationships.
The black box theater and cutting-edge auditorium underscore the school’s dedication to its distinguished performing arts
program. Showcased physical education studios and gym, situated centrally, infuse well-being into the school culture, making it a priority for students. Flexible spaces, including STEAM labs, breakout areas, small study rooms, makerspace, and SPED suites, accommodate diverse educational needs. Embracing hands-on learning, the design
encourages adaptability and future-focused education initiatives. Biophilic design elements like green roofs, outdoor patios, and expansive glass windows with lake views seamlessly merge the school with its natural surroundings and enrich the learning environment.
CONGRATULATIONS
to the designers, architects, and schools with award-winning projects.
At KI, we’re passionate about creating dynamic and engaging learning environments that inspire both students and educators. We’re thrilled to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the designers, architects, and schools behind these award-winning projects. It’s an honor to collaborate with such talented professionals in delivering innovative design services and high-performance furniture solutions that make a real difference in K-12 education.
Sharon High School Sharon, MA
Tappe Architects
Storm Lake Early Elementary School Storm Lake, lA
DLR Group
Holdrum Middle School Wellness Center River Vale, NJ
LAN Associates
Tufts Library Weymouth, MA
Tappe Architects
VFES Media Center Malvern, PA
Heckendorn Shiles Architects
Festus School District High School Festus, MO
Archimages, Inc.
Belmonte Elementary School Saugus, MA
Tappe Architects
UNC KENAN-FLAGLER EXECUTIVE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Charlotte, North Carolina
The UNC Kenan-Flagler Executive Business School expanded its footprint with a new location serving Charlotte, North Carolina. The project is a testament to innovation in educational interiors.
“Attention paid to craftsmanship, and FF&E selection is commendable. The space created is truly inviting and inspiring for users to work in.”
—2024 JURY
Designed to meet the needs of working professionals seeking MBA education, the space integrates classrooms, a grand reception area, a pantry, and meeting rooms. Responding to the university’s vision of fostering future leaders, the design emphasizes integrity, inclusion, innovation, and impact.
Craftsmanship and attention to detail characterize the project, elevating the MBA program’s stature in Charlotte. With sustainability as a priority, the team leveraged existing amenities and incorporated local art and greenery throughout the design. The project exemplifies collaboration between consultants and owners, culminating in a space that embodies the school’s values while
addressing the practical needs of students and faculty. The UNC Kenan-Flagler Executive Business School sets a new standard for educational interiors, shaping the future of business education in Charlotte.
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 of the visual and performing arts programs for CypressFairbanks ISD (CFISD). The building 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 is designed
“Visually stunning. A gorgeous performing arts space.”
to support a variety of programs and performances. The performance stage will have 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 will also host University Interscholastic League events and various other competitions and 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. Ad-
PBK
Client Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District Area Cost
Images Wade Griffith
ditional amenities include multiple walkway canopies, a walking track around an existing lake amenity, multiple concrete parking lots, plaza areas, and landscaping.
CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Through an extensive evaluation process, the community decided to construct a 790-student elementary serving grades 2 through 4 on the campus of the existing Ryan Elementary School. This districtwide approach brings students together early in their academic careers; it minimizes transitions between grade levels and facilitates a shared class identity. Upon completion of fourth grade, students will move into the adjacent Ryan School on the
“Strong indoor-outdoor connection. The scalar relationships create environments that encourage simultaneous collaboration and individual work.”
Flansburgh Architects
Client
Tewksbury Public Schools
Area Cost
139,500 sq. ft. Not provided
Completion
January 2023
Images Robert Benson
same campus. Pursuing this facilities plan will enable the district to take two aging facilities offline and alleviate crowding at two other schools .
The three-story school is organized around a centrally situated outdoor classroom with classroom wings radiating outward into the landscape. Interior collaborative spaces are bright and colorful. These spaces are adjacent to Art, STEAM and the general classroom wing to maximize use and display the great work of the students. Community visioning sessions emphasized
the need for outdoor learning, gardens, greenhouse space and accessible green roofs reflecting Tewksbury’s rich history of horticulture.
BRONZE CITATION | PRE-K/EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
STORM LAKE EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Storm Lake, Iowa
Drawing inspiration from nature, Storm Lake Early Elementary School invites outdoor activities reminiscent of days spent during summer camp. Unbounded adventure is always around the corner here for the littlest of learners. A call to energize, inspire, and ignite young minds into a lifelong love of learning is the primary design focus, prompting non-traditional spaces that emerge bursting with energy and enthusiasm. From the moment students are greeted at the campground to when they hike to their neighborhoods, learners are immersed in a world of color and pattern. Collaborative, hands-on learning spaces, which didn’t exist in the district before this school was built, are shifting the community’s mindset to new and exciting opportunities. Grade-level neighborhoods flank adaptable
“The project showcases an in-depth understanding of how educational spaces can foster meaningful and impactful learning experiences for students of all ages. Impressive
use of color and subtle age-appropriate nature motifs.”
—2024 JURY
DLR Group
Images Michael Robinson
discovery areas that enable students to express their creativity while also fostering friendships. Mobile furniture supports flexible spaces and inclusive learning modalities for all in this active and rapidly growing age group. Beacon spaces, with their soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, connection to outdoors, and spirited murals, inspire the most eager minds to dream big.
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, HOGG MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Austin, Texas
Hogg Memorial Auditorium, designed by architect Paul Cret and opened in 1933, served The University of Texas at Austin for nearly a century. Over time, the building fell into a state of disrepair and struggled to support the myriad of events needed for an evolving campus community
This major renovation of the 1,000-seat auditorium, slated for LEED Platinum certification, celebrates the historical significance of the architecture while resolving the technical constraints of an aging structure with the functional needs of the next generation.
The design reintroduces natural light,
“A thoughtful adaptive reuse approach for a community space. Creative balance of tradition with modern updates. Love the introduction of daylighting into this historic space.”
—2024 JURY
encourages communal gathering, expands access for students of all abilities, and celebrates the building’s past by carefully balancing tradition with innovation. The need for additional area to address deficiencies and add infrastructure was solved through creative spatial thinking within the existing building footprint. The solution protected an adjacent grove of heritage oaks and enabled the historic façade to remain unaltered. Acoustical improvements such as the careful addition of wall panels, new upholstered seating, and relocation of the mixing booth support a new state-of-the-art audiovisual system. Adaptations to public spaces, such as the patterned wood wall in the lobby, draw inspiration from the historical details and are woven seamlessly into the existing building fabric.
This transformational revitalization returns an underused building to its traditional role as a lively hub for students and visitors to the university.
McKinney York Architects
Associated firm: Jacobs
Client
The University of Texas at Austin Area Cost
25,000 sq. ft. $22,000,000
Cost/square foot Completion
$880 April 2023
Images
Patrick Wong
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS |
AUDITORIUMS/MUSIC ROOMSCHIMAGES
Archimages
Festus School District High School Band & Choral
Addition
Festus, Missouri ........................................................................ p. 38
Highland Associates
Wayne Highlands School District, High School Auditorium
Honesdale, Pennsylvania .................................................... p. 39
John Sergio Fisher & Associates
Crane Country Day School Wolf Theatre Renovation
Santa Barbara, California .................................................... p. 40
CAFETERIAS/FOOD SERVICE AREAS
Moseley Architects
Social 704 at Popp Martin Student Union Renovation Charlotte, North Carolina .................................................... p. 41
CLASSROOMS
Design Development Architects Clover Garden School Burlington, North Carolina ................................................. p. 42
COMMON AREAS
Flansburgh Architects Bourne Intermediate School
Breaux & Associates Architects
Cottrell Elementary School Dahlonega, Georgia
GWWO Architects
Crofton High School
Perkins Eastman
Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate/Middle School Common Areas
School
Middle School
Scholer Corporation
Harrison High School, Commons Areas Renovations
BSHM Architects
Licking Heights Local School District, High School
DiCara Rubino Architects
Dewberry
Olympia South Elementary School, Gymnasium and Flexible Learning Center
WRA Architects
Opal Smith Elementary School Crandall, Texas
Stantec Architecture
UPMC Health Sciences Tower Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ....................................................
COMMUNITY CENTERS/JOINT-USE FACILITIES
Bergmeyer
Lowry Center at The College of Wooster Wooster, Ohio ............................................................................. p. 56
Lamoureux Pagano Associates
WPI Center for Well-Being
Worcester, Massachusetts p. 57
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES/TEACHING
HOSPITALS
RDG Planning & Design
CL & Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences
Education
Omaha, Nebraska p. 58
BKP Architects
Stephanie T. Niciszewska Mucha and Joseph J.
Mucha Patient Welcome Center
Buffalo, New York..................................................................... p. 59
INTERIOR RENOVATION
MSA Design
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Indian Hill, Ohio .............................................................. pp. 60-62
Tappe Architects
Belmonte Elementary School
Saugus, Massachusetts....................................................... p. 64
Plunkett Raysich Architects
Lincoln High School Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.......................................... p. 65
MSA Design
Madeira Elementary School Renovation
Madeira, Ohio ............................................................................. p. 66
ThenDesign Architecture
Rocky River Middle School, Media Center
Renovation
Rocky River, Ohio ..................................................................... p. 67
TMP Architecture
School of Packaging Addition
East Lansing, Michigan p. 68
DLA Architects
The Joseph Sears School Renovation Kenilworth, Illinois.................................................................... p. 69
Perkins&Will
The University of Texas at Austin Esports Arena Austin, Texas ............................................................................... p. 70
Jack L. Gordon Architects
Walter and Shirley Wang Pavilion New York, New York .............................................................. p. 71
TowerPinkster
Women’s Basketball Locker Room Renovation
Kalamazoo, Michigan ............................................................ p. 72
INTERIOR WORK IN PROGRESS
Beck Design
McPherson College, Campus Commons
McPherson, Kansas ..................................................... pp. 74-75
LABORATORIES
Sizemore Group
Design and Construction of Building B
Lawrenceville, Georgia ......................................................... p. 76
LIBRARIES/MEDIA CENTERS
Huckabee
Cerritos High School
Cerritos, California ................................................................... p. 77
DLA Architects
Farmington Central Elementary School Library
Renovation
Farmington, Illinois .................................................................. p. 78
Archimages
Kirkwood School District, Tillman Elementary School Library
Kirkwood, Missouri ................................................................. p. 79
Media Center Addition Cairo, New York ....................................................................... p. 82
Stantec Architecture
Shapiro Library Third Floor Renovation Ann Arbor, Michigan .............................................................. p. 83
Heckendorn Shiles Architects
Valley Forge Educational Services Media Center Malvern, Pennsylvania ..........................................................
MULTIPURPOSE ROOMS
Esa
St. Paul Christian Academy, Dining Hall and Theater Renovation
Nashville, Tennessee ............................................................. p. 87
PHYSICAL EDUCATION FACILITIES/ RECREATION CENTERS
TMP Architecture Jackson High School Aquatic Center Jackson, Michigan ................................................................... p. 88
Hastings+Chivetta Architects
Saint Louis University, O’Loughlin Family Champions Center
St. Louis, Missouri ................................................................... p. 89
PRE-K/EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Bailey Edward Design
Barbara Vick Western Branch Chicago, Illinois ......................................................................... p. 90
O’Connell Robertson
Early Childhood & John L. Santikos Micronaut Centers
San Antonio, Texas ................................................................... p. 91
Smallwood
J.H. House School
Conyers, Georgia p. 92
RDG Planning & Design
The Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center
Kearney, Nebraska .................................................................. p. 93
RESIDENCE HALLS/LOUNGES
MSA Design
Calhoun Hall Renovation
Cincinnati, Ohio ......................................................................... p. 94
Stantec Architecture
Louisiana State University, Medical Student
Housing
New Orleans, Louisiana p. 95
RAMLOW/STEIN Architecture + Interiors
South Residence Hall, University of WisconsinStout
Menomonie, Wisconsin ....................................................... p. 96
SPECIAL NEEDS INTERIORS
DLA Architects
Lake Zurich Young Adult Center Renovation
Lake Zurich, Illinois ................................................................. p. 97
TECHNOLOGY/STEM CENTERS
Harvard Jolly|PBK
Angeline Academy of Innovation
Land O’ Lakes, Florida .......................................................... p. 98
SCHRADERGROUP
Benjamin Franklin Middle School, STEAM Center
Levittown, Pennsylvania p. 99
VOCATIONAL/INDUSTRIAL ARTS AREAS
GSR Andrade Architects
Green B. Trimble Technical High School
Fort Worth,Texas ........................................................ pp. 100-101
MSA Design
Live Oaks Career Campus Cincinnati, Ohio ....................................................................... p. 102
FESTUS SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL BAND & CHORAL ADDITION
Festus, Missouri
The new Festus High School Band & Choral Addition enhances the educational environment for music instruction and rehearsals. Flexible, acoustically appropriate spaces promote creativity and provide needed classrooms that meet the specific requirements of music students and instructors. The addition features a two-story high-bay rehearsal venue with a sizable window element to provide ample daylight and outdoor views.
Exterior venue doors provide easy loading and unloading of equipment into vehicles and buses. Modern, lockable instrument storage and mezzanine storage adjacent to the venue are easily accessed to provide quick stowing and retrieval of equipment. Large, custom wall graphics and acoustical panels properly balance sound absorption and diffusion while displaying school brand elements and infusing school pride. Numerous additiona l music classrooms
and rehearsal spaces increase opportunities for students to practice and collaborate. A daylight-filled connection corridor features interior windows to transfer natural light into interior spaces. The addition’s exterior materials and finishes blend with the existing school campus for continuity and harmony.
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS | AUDITORIUMS/MUSIC ROOMS
WAYNE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL DISTRICT, HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Highland Associates was selected by Wayne Highlands School District to perform a comprehensive renovation of its existing 978-seat high school auditorium. The goal was to revitalize and modernize an existing facility to meet the evolving needs of students and the community. The renovation focused on
Highland Associates
Associated firm: NV5 (Acoustics, Theatrical Lighting, and AV)
Client Wayne Highlands School District
Total area
23,973 sq. ft.
Total cost
$7,700,000
Total
$321
Project
Project
$4,500,000
Project entry cost/square foot
$306
Completion
August 2023
Images Quandel Enterprises
enhancing the functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics of the auditorium while preserving the historical significance of its original brick aesthetic. Key components of the project include updating audiovisual equipment, installing new stage and house lighting, improving acoustics and sound, providing new curtains and rigging, providing new seating to maximize accessibility and capacity, and upgrading HVAC and electrical systems. Additionally, the renovation addressed multiple accessibility requirements to ensure inclusivity for all patrons. Through careful planning and collaboration with district stakeholders, the renovated auditorium serves as a versatile venue for a wide range of cultural,
educational, and entertainment events. It will contribute to the vibrancy of the Wayne Highlands community and enrich the cultural landscape for years to come .
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL WOLF THEATRE RENOVATION
Santa Barbara, California
The project scope consists of the renovation of the existing Cate Hall Theatre (new seating and seat risers, interior finishes and acoustical treatments) and the addition of a new lobby with a wheelchair lift and a control room.
The theater, mechanical and electrical systems are also new.
Architectural improvements: New lobby and control room addition with spiral stair and wheelchair lift; new seating risers and storage underfeed; new accessibility
ramps inside the audience chamber and outside the building; new light lock from the lobby.
Theater system upgrades: New main drape and border; new front of house motorized electrics batten; new theatrical lighting control and distribution and reuse of electrical receptacles at stage; new AV system.
Structural improvements: structural framing and foundations for new addition; structural support for seating and risers; reinforcing electrical structure and new framing for ramp into stage.
Mechanical upgrade: new VRF system and heat pump systems to serve the stage, audience chamber and drama classroom.
Electrical upgrades: new electrical wiring and conduit for added systems and HVAC; new power outlets and lighting to comply with Title 2 including 2 new electrical panels.
John Sergio Fisher & Associates
Client Crane Country Day School Area
7,661 sq. ft. Cost $3,829,025
Cost/square foot $500
Completion October 2023
Images Patrick W. Price Architectural Photographer
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS | CAFETERIAS/FOOD SERVICE AREAS
SOCIAL 704 AT POPP MARTIN STUDENT UNION RENOVATION
Charlotte, North Carolina
Popp Martin Student Union at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) serves as a central hub in which the school’s diverse student population can dine, study, and congregate. Recognizing that modern students desire multiple dining options and an inviting communal space, UNCC sought to renovate its Crown Commons dining hall. The updated cafeteria, now called Social 704, has an open-floor concept and offers expanded food stations and improved circulation, as well as an inviting entrance and seating area. The new floor plan removes barriers, minimizing traffic, providing multiple entry points to food venues, and alleviating line congestion. The
Moseley Architects
Client University of North Carolina at Charlotte Area
25,000 sq. ft.
Cost
$7,885,000
Cost/square foot
$315
Completion
August 2023
Images Peter Brentlinger
space also features movable furniture and a variety of seating options for group gatherings and independent dining. To increase natural light and foster a connection with the outdoors, the design extends the floor plan into the existing patio. Contemporary light fixtures are incorporated to further illuminate dining options and student activity. Finally, the architect’s engineering team analyzed and advised on updating building systems and food service equipment to improve functionality and facility efficiency
CLOVER GARDEN SCHOOL
Burlington, North Carolina
This rural site outside Burlington, North Carolina, provides a naturally beautiful setting for a new high school campus. Capable of accommodating 450 students, the two-story design boasts state-of-the-art technology throughout its classrooms, laboratories, dance, art, and band areas, as well as administrative spaces
One of the architect’s goals was to create a sense of transparency for students,
staff, and visitors by enabling them to enjoy different views of the property through large glass windows as they walk down main corridors. The stadium seating in the commons area offers opportunities for students and faculty to interact with one another between classes. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a spectacular view of the rear courtyard.
Interior design elements and finishes were curated to create smaller, more inti - mate gathering spaces, enhance wayfinding, and create a variety of different visual experiences throughout the building. The exterior, clad in masonry, metal, and composite wood panels, was intricately detailed to project the school’s growing brand, values, and presence in the community.
Design Development
Architects
Interior design: Raleigh Design Associates
Client
42,500 sq. ft. $14,000,000
Cost/square foot Completion
$329/sq. ft. January 2024
Images Medlin-Williams
BOURNE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Bourne, Massachusetts
The new school serves students in grades 3 to 5 students throughout the district and complements the existing academic campus. Material, scale and texture replicate Cape Cod’s coastal character in building and site.
This school hosts a variety of opportunities for student and community use both inside and out. The gymnasium and cafeteria serve as venues for the town meeting, club
activities and summer programs. For example, the stage opens to both the cafeteria and gymnasium for events of different sizes. Audiovisual provisions, acoustical strategies and fixture accommodations maximize flexibility of the spaces. All indoor and outdoor spaces meet universal design principles.
The interior enrichment spaces are filled with natural light from the courtyard and gardens. The classroom wing contains
general classrooms, special education inclusion spaces, and informal “team rooms” that encourage group learning opportunities. This team room has direct access to the green roof overlooking an outdoor classroom below.
Flansburgh Architects
Interior design firm: LAB [3.2] Architecture
Client Bourne Intermediate School Area Cost
72,680 sq. ft. $39,900,000
Cost/square foot Completion
$549 February 2019
Images
Robert Benson
COTTRELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dahlonega, Georgia
Tucked in the misty foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Dahlonega, Georgia, Cottrell Elementary School is the Lumpkin County School System’s new two-story school designed to accommodate up to 885 students in 57 instructional units. Replacing and modernizing an aging facility, Cottrell Elementary School is home to grades K to 5. Tasked to create a space that felt dynamic, uplifting, and vibrant, Breaux & Associates Architects prioritized adaptable, flexible learning spaces and a confident and
playful use of color throughout the facility
Cottrell Elementary features energyefficient systems to reduce operating costs, and the facility was designed to include sustainable materials, locally sourced where practical.
The main entrance corridor boasts a stunning 24-foot arched ceiling with elegant linear wood paneling and abundant natural light, leading to a grand stairway that serves as a secondary presentation platform and overlooks a built-in commons area. The
jewel of the school is without a doubt its media center. It features a cheerful hanging art installation meant to resemble flying books, as well as beautiful jewel-toned custom casework, a sleek all-glass breakaway makerspace, and a whimsical twisty slide in the Lumpkin County School System’s signature purple.
Classrooms wings are subdivided into neighborhoods, consisting of four class -
Breaux & Associates Architects
Client
Lumpkin County School System
Area
113,400 sq. ft.
Cost
$21,600,000
Cost/square foot
$190
Completion
July 2023
Images
Karl. L Moore/Mooreshots
rooms within each cluster. The neighborhoods have diffused skylights that provide daylight to the surrounding spaces. Each wing has its own color identity, helping students and faculty with wayfinding.
Cottrell Elementary’s STEM hands-on
learning lab and art design lab overlook the mountain view and provide an environment where the school mission “Challenge, Edu-
cate, Succeed” is nurtured, and the vision to develop responsible, lifelong learners is easily achieved.
“Cottrell Elementary School is truly a point of pride for our community. After working on a plan for a replacement elementary school for many years, we could not be more pleased with the results of this beautiful, fun, and creatively designed facility.”
— SHARON HEAD, SUPERINTENDENT
CROFTON HIGH SCHOOL
Gambrills, Maryland
GWWO Architects
Client Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Area
275,764 sq. ft.
Cost
$95,800,000
Cost/square foot
$347
Completion
August 2020
Images Tom Holdsworth
Sited within a wooded community recreational area, the school’s design embraces nature to provide students with an inspirational and flexible learning environment. Through an innovative use of materials, moments within the design bring the outdoors in. An organic frit pattern reminiscent of leaves falling to the ground— developed using computational design—is screen-printed on the glass curtain wall. As the sun shines through the glass, the pattern reflects on the floor while reducing solar heat gain. Within the lobby, custom-designed, backlit perforated panels illuminate a view of the forest.
Natural light and ventilation are maximized within the primary
learning environments; nearly every window offers views of the surrounding forest. Flexibility drives the organization, supporting the full range of learning and instructional styles and fostering collaboration at and across grade levels and subject areas. Free of lockers, corridors serve as breakout spaces with benches, whiteboards, and pinup space for collaboration. Sustainable design features integrate with the school’s learning goals, conserve resources, minimize waste, support the site’s ecosystem, and promote occupant well-being.
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS | COMMON AREAS
DENNIS-YARMOUTH INTERMEDIATE/MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMON
AREAS
South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Situated in the “Mid Cape” region of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the DennisYarmouth Intermediate/Middle School is the physical joining of two existing and separate schools. The new school was designed with an emphasis on biophilic principles; it prioritizes universal design for learning methods. Using biomorphic shapes, colors that draw from the site’s abundant ecology, natural materials, and soothing rounded edges to ease transitions, the building connects occupants to nature. Conceptually, the building represents a journey through Cape Cod’s rich habitats, drawing
inspiration from the shores, marshes, and forests of the Mid Cape. Students are led through vibrant, creative spaces that support 21st-century learning. Splashes of colors and complementing supergraphics help differentiate zones and serve as wayfinding tools to provide a sense of place and belonging. Ties to the outdoors and sustainability are embedded in the design and support the overarching goals for the project. This school is a beacon of education for the community and was designed to be a gathering place for academics, the arts, athletics, and leisure.
Perkins Eastman
Client
Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District
Total area Total cost 189,000 sq. ft. $81,646,000
Total cost/square foot
$432
Project entry area 35,350 sq. ft.
Completion Images May 2023 Andrew Rugg
GARDEN PRAIRIE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Beloit, Wisconsin
Garden Prairie Intermediate School is a uniquely designed school for grades 2 to 5 that celebrates the connection between the school and the community through vivid, expressive, and tangible design choices.
Beyond fostering a sense of place, the school’s interior serves as a teaching tool. Each grade level has its wing of the school, in what are called neighborhoods that represent the outside community — industry, farmland, wilderness, and riverfront. Large common areas are anchored in the middle,
which can be adapted to suit a multitude of learning activities. These areas transition into an extended classroom by employing accordion-fold glass doors.
Additionally, students and staff can occupy the colorful steps area to sit and enjoy story time or have one-on-one learning in the small group instruction rooms. Carpet patterns were carefully selected to correlate with the shapes of each community theme, helping both students and staff make the connection from the classroom to the community. Graphic installations on the walls
are highlighted by the natural light from clerestory windows and evoke the neighborhood’s identity.
Bray Architects
Client School District of Beloit Turner
Total area
84,678 sq. ft.
Total cost
$18,500,000
Total cost/square foot
$218
Project entry area
7,683 sq. ft.
Project entry cost
$1,678,633
Project entry cost/square foot
$218
Completion
August 2021
Images
Bill Fritsch | Harper Fritsch
GRANDVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Grandville, Michigan
This middle school for grades 7 and 8 boasts more than 200,000 square feet of teaching and learning space that is flexible and student-focused. A large learning staircase with adjacent technology creates a space for students to socialize, have small group meetings, and eat lunch. Corridors are spacious and act as extended, active learning areas with movable furniture and technology. The school offers
students a variety of specialized spaces for a well-rounded educational experience. The academic wing is separated from shared resource areas; the cafeteria acts as a central hub. Specialized areas include a performing arts theater classroom, shop spaces, art room, STEM classrooms, a science lab with outdoor access, and band, orchestra and choir spaces. Multiple athletics spaces in the school give students many opportuni-
ties to increase their physical activity and competitive sport pursuits. The project includes a robotics arena, one of the largest built-for-purpose robotics competition centers in the United States with seating for 2,000 spectators. The facility’s design also incorporates many methodologies that enhance the social-emotional learning and development of middle school students .
$285
Completion Images August 2023 Jason Keen
HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL, COMMONS AREAS RENOVATIONS
West Lafayette, Indiana
Since it was constructed in 1970, Harrison High School has seen its enrollment more than triple. During that time multiple additions and renovations expanded the school’s footprint, but did little to address inadequate and outdated interior commons areas.
Insufficient circulation space within original core areas of the school created choke points and wayfinding challenges. A 12-footwide main corridor fed into an undersized central student commons. A somewhat hidden secondary entrance separated the media center from student gathering areas.
To address these deficiencies, designers increased the main corridor’s width to 25
feet and incorporated new patterned terrazzo flooring (accented with school colors) that mirrors the ceiling design. Two underused classrooms were removed to create an expanded student commons, where a raised platform stage is flanked by an 18-screen video wall. A reoriented media center entrance is more easily accessed, and inside, several small group study areas provide for abundant collaborative learning opportunities. Interior design features include cherry wood ceilings and wall grilles and matching wood-tone panel pilasters.
Scholer Corporation
Associated firms: Design 27 Technology + Acoustics; NOVA Engineering
Client
Tippecanoe School Corporation
Area
32,790 sq. ft.
Cost
$5,306,379
Cost/square foot
$162
Completion
October 2022
Images
Michael Firsich Photography
LICKING HEIGHTS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, HIGH SCHOOL
Pataskala, Ohio
Situated about 20 miles east of Columbus, the Licking Heights Local School District footprint covers both rural and suburban living conditions. The 4,750-student population is diverse, representing cultures from around the world. Beyond being culturally diverse, the district recognizes that a traditional college education is not necessarily the right outcome for every student, so the curriculum has been developed to offer pathways that include not only college, but also vocational and service paths toward success
Academic wings were established to echo the pathways that are available to students. Parallel corridors border building services in the center and come together in a central commons space. A balcony overlooking the commons space was developed so that the school could display flags from all the countries the students
BSHM Architects
Client
Licking
Project entry area
Project entry cost $13,583,235
Project entry cost/ square foot $235
Completion
August 2020 Images Hanson Photographic
represent as a way of celebrating diversity.
In addition to a somewhat traditional classroom configuration off dual corridors, breakout spaces were provided throughout the corridors to accommodate informal learning and socialization.
LINCOLN SCHOOL
East Rutherford, New Jersey
Th e Li ncoln School project emerged as an addition to the Alfred S. Faust Middle School, evolving into a dedicated school for 4th and 5th graders. It has 10 general-use classrooms, a special education classroom, OT-PT room, music, art, STEM, computer lab, and a gymnasium. Throughout the building, color is used as wayfinding to identify each floor. At the second- and third-floor corridor, a touchdown space was created for students and classes to use
The most notable design challenge led to a unique feature: a walkway bridge connecting Lincoln to the third floor of the existing Faust Middle School. A town ordinance allowed expansion across Grove Street to a vacant lot. However, the need to maintain an underground utilities easement prevented construction atop the former road. As a result, an innovative solution—connecting the sites through a bridge—was conceived. Beneath this bridge, a pedestrian courtyard adorned with landscaping, artificial turf, and
DiCara
Rubino Architects
Client
East Rutherford School District
Total area Total cost
46,000 sq. ft.
$16,500,000
Total cost/square foot
$358
Project entry area
6,800 sq. ft.
Project entry cost
$2,435,000
Project entry cost/square foot
$358
Completion Images
September 2022 James Gleason
tiered seating create a functional yet appealing outdoor learning commons.
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS | COMMON AREAS
OLYMPIA SOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, GYMNASIUM AND FLEXIBLE LEARNING CENTER
Atlanta, Illinois
An existing 1936 lamella framed gymnasium had multiple internal levels with a stage and permanent concrete bleachers at opposing sides. A new gymnasium permitted adaptive reuse of the former gym into a technology-rich learning center, dual-use musical arts performance space, and integrated classrooms with LED lighting, solar tubes in the lamella voids, super-graphics, neutral grays and wood tones
The design embraces the school’s preference for a blended pedagogy that combines teacher-led instruction with student-directed opportunities categorized across fixed learning, semi-open learning, and open learning.
The resource and classroom pods were created in striking blue school colors to form a mini-Main Street of learning fronts while visibility through and across spaces assists staff in supervising a safe environment.
Court floors were kept with markings to retain a connection to history and sustainability. Minimally removed gym flooring was reused in the lobby link on the bench/soffit.
Light-filled space built upon themes of biophilic design supports health and well-being. A 350-spectator competitive basketball and volleyball gymnasium with associated locker room spaces and a twosided lobby link the major spaces.
Client Olympia School District CUSD #16
Cost/square foot
Completion Images January 2023 Chris McGuire
Dewberry
OPAL SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Crandall, Texas
Opal Smith Elementary School, situated on 15 acres within the Heartland development in Crandall, Texas, stands as the latest addition to the rapidly expanding Crandall Independent School District. The innovative architectural design boasts a layout that optimizes functionality and convenience. Its facilities include a cafeteria, gymnasium, and media center, strategically positioned to enhance accessibility and flow. The academic wing, spanning two
stories, stands distinctively on the southern side, offering a tranquil environment conducive to learning. Public areas, such as administration, the gymnasium, cafeteria, and media center, are strategically situated for easy access. Notably, the media center features a raised platform facing the cafeteria, maximizing space efficiency without sacrificing versatility. This innovative design provides seamless transitions between everyday use and special events, as furniture
and movable bookcases adapt effortlessly to accommodate occasional performances. Additionally, the placement of playfields to the northwest and playgrounds nestled between academic and cafeteria wings ensures ample recreational opportunities for students. It opened in fall 2023 and supports a maximum capacity of 850 students in pre-K through sixth grade.
WRA Architects
Client Crandall Independent School District
Cost/square foot Completion
$380 August 2023
Images
Parrish Ruiz De Velasco
|
UPMC HEALTH SCIENCES TOWER
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg University’s new 11-story building provides space for two growing programs: health sciences and advanced manufacturing. Consisting of neighborhoods dedicated to interdisciplinary learning and research, the project includes state-of-the-art laboratories, active learning classrooms, and simulation spaces .
Ample collaboration zones enable formal instruction to be supplemented
Stantec Architecture
Client
$90,000,000 Cost/square
Project
Completion
by ad hoc, project-based learning, infusing the building with activity. Twostory interior atriums anchor the building’s core, providing visible connections between programs in a high-rise setting. Health science suites include classrooms, simulation laboratories and debriefing rooms, supporting programs ranging from nursing to pharmaceutical sciences, exercise science, and physical therapy. Designed to maximize flexibility, the spaces support partnerships with local industries by readily adapting to the specific needs of their training and education programs.
Advanced manufacturing facilities showcase 3D printers, machining equipment, robotic systems, and automation trainers.
Supported by suites of workstations, the facilities’ adjacency to the health sciences supports interdisciplinary projects that span from the use of virtual reality in health science settings to software development, device manufacturing, and partnerships
dedicated to manufacturing innovations and health care delivery.
LOWRY CENTER AT THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER Wooster,
Ohio
The reimagined Lowry Center is the campus community’s hub where students, staff and visitors come together in planned and unplanned ways. The reprogrammed and expanded building seamlessly integrates open and inviting circulation areas with cozy spaces. The design enhances access to frequently used student services and activities, fostering inclusive shared spaces that evoke a sense of place for students, faculty, and staff, while also incorporating more natural light and flexible workspaces that facilitate community building. The Upper Commons
strategically co-locates offices for the Dean of Students, Res Life, Student Activities, and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, promoting daily interactions with student life staff that enhance engagement, accessibility, and overall support. The project honors campus heritage by preserving original building elements and integrating modern design features that align with the community’s evolving needs. Through the incorporation of Wooster traditions, iconic symbols, and the Tartan motif, it not only celebrates the college’s history but also fosters a lasting sense of identity and be -
longing among current students and future alumni, embodying Wooster’s “Tartan as Community” ethos .
needed a space that could serve as a campus hub for a comprehensive and holistic set of services to ad -
dress the community’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Existing space was available in a central location on campus, but it required substantial renovation to meet programmatic needs and aesthetic preferences.
Among the features of the new Center for Well-Being is a large, comfortable central space where students can gather or sit quietly to read, study, or meditate. Small offices are available for peer counseling; another important element is a room for wellness classes like yoga or group meditation. The overall design was meant to colocate wellness programs with the college’s existing health services to meet a broader range of needs.
Lamoureux Pagano Associates | Architects
Client
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Area 17,500 sq. ft.
Cost
$10,000,000
Cost/square foot
$571
Completion
December 2022
Images
Bruce T. Martin
Soothing muted colors, natural design elements, including a water feature built into the wall, and large windows to the outside throughout the space contribute to a peaceful environment that is simultaneously removed from the stresses of campus life but central to where the community lives and learns.
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. Sus -
tainability is a priority; energyefficient features and rooftop solar panels supply power for all building lighting. Physical and mental health is enhanced through views of nature, natural materials, outdoor areas and open stairs placed strategically. 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 Creigh-
STEPHANIE T. NICISZEWSKA MUCHA AND JOSEPH J. MUCHA
PATIENT WELCOME CENTER
Buffalo, New York
As the first project in BKP’s phased School of Dental Medicine Master Plan, the Stephanie T. Niciszewska Mucha and Joseph J. Mucha Patient Welcome Center provides an inviting environment for patients, dental students, faculty, and community members who visit for treatment. Through its refreshed architecture and interiors, the Patient Welcome Center celebrates the school’s future while chronicling its history.
The Patient Welcome Center combines a new semicircular reception desk, waiting room with super-size graphics, and dental museum exhibits. Secure business administration and billing offices are situated
behind the desk. Glass exhibit cases contain artifacts from the school’s history, including the commemorative orb carried during every graduation.
Warm wood juxtaposes against crisp white walls and the school’s signature blue accents. In order to retain and extend the existing black terrazzo floor, designers found the original contractor who used the same formula to patch and add new flooring indistinguishable from the original. Designed to wow visitors, the super-size graphic wall display in the waiting area features historical and recent photographs of the school’s students and faculty in action.
BKP Architects
Associated firms: ASI Sign Systems (Signage/Wayfinding); Pathfinder, now IMEG (HVAC/ Plumbing/Fire Protection Engineering); Trophy Point (Cost Consulting); Watts Architecture & Engineering (Electrical/ Environmental Engineering)
Indian Hill Exempted School District is a high-performing school district in a suburb outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Despite being less than 20 miles from downtown and surrounded by suburban developments, the village is quite rural and is filled with rolling hills, open fields and wooded parks. The school district determined it needed to re-imagine its
existing outdated primary (grades K-2), elementary (grades 3-5), and middle (grades 6-8) school campuses to better support educational initiatives and learning pedagogies. The project involved renovations and additions to each of the existing buildings with a focus on improving safety and security, expanding recreational and arts spaces, supporting STEM and project-
based learning, and ensuring the success of the school for the next 50-plus years. Primary goals of the renovations: providing new spaces for unified arts programs, fostering creativity and collaboration, inspiring
students , sparking curiosity, appealing to all senses and the whole student, and connecting to nature and the outdoors.
Additions to each school provided flexible classrooms, collaboration spaces, modern art studios, music rooms, language arts rooms, and innovative project-based STEM labs. The re-imagined spaces also have
MSA Design
Client Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Area
75,000 sq. ft. (primary); 108,000 sq. ft. (elementary); 118,000 sq. ft. (middle)
August 2023 (primary, elementary); January 2024 (middle)
Images
Tyler Gentry
community spaces for students to engage and interact outside classrooms. Increased natural light, high-performance building envelopes and building systems, as well as finishes and furniture with sustainable, green materials greatly improved the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff and helped achieve the district’s sustain -
ability goals. Each of the schools achieved a STEM designation from the state of Ohio as a result of the innovative teaching, learning, and facility upgrades.
Interiors throughout the spaces incorporate biophilic design and lots of wood, natural tones of greens and blues, and organic shapes. Environmental graphics for
all the spaces bring in key aspects of the school brand and identity in contemporary ways, combining the use of natural colors from the interiors scheme and incorporating Indian Hill branding elements such as its signature red and hexagon forms to fit
“MSA Design took the time to deeply understand the values driving decision-making within our district. Their willingness to immerse themselves in our community and culture resulted in designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional, but also deeply aligned with our educational philosophy and long-term objectives.”
— MELISSA STEWART, ED.D., CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
the overall identity of the school district. Improvements also were made to outdoor learning and play spaces to improve function, safety, and accessibility for all
students. New, large, outdoor classroom spaces encourage faculty and students to take lessons outdoors and connect with nature.
Plan now to include your best projects in American School & University’s 2024 Educational Interiors Showcase.
Entri s will op n Octob r 11, 2024.
Contact Heather Buzzard at hbuzzard@endeavorb2b.com or visit SchoolDesigns.com for entry information and deadlines.
Early-bird discount for ntry forms r c iv d by January 17, 2025.
BELMONTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Saugus,
Massachusetts
Belmonte School was dark and deteriorating and needed a major renovation. Additionally, because of a district reconfiguration, the building needed to transform from a middle school into an elementary school. The allconcrete structure presented many challenges, such as having to surface mount all electrical conduit, which affected infrastructure and aesthetics.
New openings in walls were to be minimal and , as with many renovation projects, many unknowns were encountered along the way. The design intent was to lighten, brighten, and inspire children and support 21st-century teaching and learning. The design solution includes a suite
of five STEAM classrooms for varied project-based learning opportunities. All five are aligned in a row with visual and physical access from one end to the other for optimal engagement and idea generation. Dark walls that lined the media center were removed so that light can flow through the heart of the school.
A three-story mural wraps the central elevator from top to bottom, depicting a forest scene while aligning with each level’s associated color code.
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Rapids High School underwent a $34 million project to update its facilities and improve learning environments, primarily spurred by outdated science rooms from the 1950s. These rooms were relocated to create a new, interconnected space spanning the first and second floors. Interviews with stakeholders
engagement, school spirit, and community involvement. By incorporating elements of the school’s branding and highlighting notable alumni, the project instilled pride and inspiration among students. Wisconsin Rapids High School’s transformation into a modern, inclusive educational hub has set a new benchmark for school design and community engagement.
Plunkett
led to innovative design choices, resulting in collaborative areas, a café, fireplace lounge, and community room, all featuring flexible furniture to accommodate diverse learning styles. The expansion not only addressed functional needs but also enhanced wayfinding, security, and branding. The renovation significantly boosted student
Tricia Shay Photography
MADEIRA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RENOVATION
Madeira, Ohio
The architect combined enrollment analysis, facility utilization data and facility assessment across the district (elementary, middle, and high school) to help determine both short- and longterm solutions for a growing community with an increasing school-age population. Administrators, focus groups and school board members reached a consensus to build an academic addition at the elementary school to accommodate current and future growth.
Specifications were developed to gain community support for a successful 2021 levy.
One major goal of this project was to create spaces that would enable fifth grade to move from the existing middle school to the elementary school.
The space was designed to ensure that it fits the learning methodologies of a young kindergarten student up to a fifth-grade student.
The project includes 12 new classrooms, a media center, STEAM room and flex learning spaces.
New band, choir and music spaces were added, and mechanical systems upgraded. Outdoor learning spaces have been added,
play areas expanded, and landscaping has been improved. Focus groups held during the design process helped determine program needs and desired quality of space in the addition.
Workshops and exercises helped to set expectations, create a shared visual language and strengthen the aspirational vision for the project.
MSA Design
Client
Area
91,587 sq. ft.
Cost
$5,700,000
Cost/square foot
$62
Completion
August 2023
Images
Tyler Gentry
ROCKY RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL, MEDIA CENTER RENOVATION
Rocky River, Ohio
The media center renovation has successfully transformed a traditional library into a modern, multifunctional space that caters to students, teachers, and the community. A key design feature is the addition of a makerspace equipped with advanced technology such as a 3D printer,
Glowforge machine, wood carving machine, Cricut machine, heat press, Tinkerspace, STREAM lab, Clevertouch displays, and Legos. The space also has one central teaching wall and four breakout areas with marker boards and monitor displays
The reuse of existing bookcases fosters a blend of traditional learning with modern technology. The new color scheme harmonizes with the school’s colors, offering visual continuity with district buildings. The ceiling colors create an illusion of architectural beams, and a deep red accent wall invites you into the space.
ThenDesign Architecture (TDA)
Client
Rocky River City School District
Area
3,475 sq. ft.
Cost
$297,000
Cost/square foot
$85
Completion
August 2023
Images ThenDesign Architecture
State-of-the-art technology and versatile, movable furniture create an adaptable and welcoming environment enjoyed by students and staff. The space is designed to accommodate special programs, making it a valuable resource for the school community. This renovation enhances the overall experience and functionality of the media center.
SCHOOL OF PACKAGING 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 design 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 was transformed into a flexible collaboration
TMP Architecture
Associated firms: Peter Basso Associates; William A. Kibbe Associates; NV5
Client Michigan State University Area Cost
22,000 sq. ft. $8,000,000
Cost/square foot Completion
$363 April 2023
Images Christopher Lark Photography
space 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 flooding the corridor with daylight.
The school’s large lecture hall was redesigned with accessibility in mind; a zeroslope floor, flexible seating, and acoustic treatments make sure that students of all abilities get the most out of opportunities in the classroom.
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 accommodate and withstand a wide variety of student and faculty activities.
THE JOSEPH SEARS SCHOOL RENOVATION
Kenilworth, Illinois
The Joseph Sears School, known for its quality education, is housed in a historic JK-8 schoolhouse, which hadn’t seen major capital improvements in years.
An improvement plan was created collaboratively by the district, DLA Architects, and consultants, emphasizing the community’s crucial role in the school’s success. To ensure wide participation, faculty, staff, administrators, student representatives, parents, and the school board had chances to contribute. The wider community was
also engaged through visioning sessions and discussions, inviting feedback from residents, the park district, village, and police representatives.
The process resulted in a multiphase plan for facility improvements that preserve the traditional street-side facade while transforming the schoolhouse into a modern, open learning center.
All grades have access to learning hubs and staff collaboration offices. The new student commons offers a unique gathering spot, featuring a learning stair leading
to the centrally situated library. The new “Cafenasium” provides an inviting lunch area with outdoor seating, designed for flexibility and safety for after-school use. The design also enhances collaboration with the park district, emphasizing the schoolhouse as a community centerpiece.
DLA Architects
Associated firms: WT Group (Civil Engineering Consultants); Pease Borst & Associates (Structural Engineering); 20/10 Engineering Group (MEP & Fire Protection Consultants); Threshold Acoustics (Acoustic Consultants); Gary R. Weber Associates (Landscape Design Consultants)
Client Kenilworth School District 38 Area
49,651 sq. ft.
Cost
$20,292,271
Cost/square foot
$409
Completion September 2023
Images DLA Architects/ Alexander Romanovsky
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN ESPORTS ARENA
Austin, Texas
Perkins&Will reimagined a portion of the UT at Austin Underground into a fully functioning esports arena. The project establishes a new space for Longhorn Gaming and casual gamers alike. It includes dedicated varsity team competition areas, coaching resources, PC stations, and game console stations for more casual gaming to accommodate a wide range of users. Additionally, the space has a production and shout-casting booth for streaming competitions to enliven the Perkins&Will
online student experience. A secondary benefit of the space is that it supports students’ hands-on experience with professional broadcasting .
The arena also functions as an added amenity for on-campus student life. Events in the underground tie the arena, billiards, bowling, and party spaces together, adding to the overall student experience.
Associated firms: Idibri Consulting, QA Construction Services, Structures, Square One Consultants, Shah Smith & Associates, Engineered Exteriors, Dickensheets, Sunland Group
Client
The University of Texas at Austin Area
9,000 sq. ft.
Cost
$2,206,376
Cost/square foot
$245
Completion October 2023
Images Dror Baldinger
WALTER AND SHIRLEY WANG PAVILION
New York, New York
Identifying a need for additional social and performance spaces on campus, Columbia University transformed an underused basement-level space and mezzanine in the Alfred Lerner Hall student center into a venue that supports a variety of artistic disciplines and formats, including stage-based performances for audiences, group-based artistic activities, and formal gatherings. The new architectural scheme resolved existing obstacles including limited ceiling height, an inconveniently situated stair, and inadequate acoustics and lighting. As a result, the Wang Pavilion can now be configured for rowed seating, standing room, banquet setups, recitals, classroom tables, and conference tables.
Students entering the Wang Pavilion find themselves in a dy-
Jack L. Gordon Architects
namic and contemporary environment where the new stair discreetly flanks the new stage in the double-height section of the lower level. In this carefully coordinated interior, every detail contributes to the overall effect. Perforated metal panels with color-changing LED backlighting add a dynamic element to the intimate lighting design, acoustical wall panels and microperforated wood ceilings enhance the acoustics and give the space its bold, sculptural form.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOM RENOVATION
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The women’s basketball locker room at Western Michigan University sorely needed a refresh. Thanks to generous donations, funding was secured to completely reimagine the women’s locker room. The redesigned space expanded by nearly 50%, adding a new team lounge area and nutrition station. The entrance to the space has a custom wood feature wall and key card access. The team collaborated with a local mill worker to craft stateof-the-art lockers with personalized digital signage, upgraded finishes, and enhanced lighting. The custom glass doors proudly feature each player’s jersey, and the video wall system incorporates individual screens above each locker, following the lockers’ curved layout. A striking radial ceiling feature with integrated audio/ video technology unifies the space. An upgraded HVAC system, new furniture, and custom graphics provide the Broncos with one of the finest team locker rooms in the Mid-American Conference. The wall graphics throughout the space emphasize themes of excellence, confidence, integrity, and belonging. This transformation offers the university’s athletics department a powerful tool to attract top student-athletes.
McPherson College’s new Campus Commons building will provide for the college’s growing physical needs and create a symbolic new “front door ” for the campus. The signature facility will help to visibly enhance the college’s presence by expanding farther out toward Kansas Avenue, the primary arterial street serving the city of McPherson. The building’s design stems directly from its site: A new diagonal axis leads out from an existing
Beck Design
Cost/square foot
$481
Completion
June 2025 (estimated)
Images
Beck Design
campus entryway and continues through the Campus Commons via a large, glassy atrium. Exterior materials include a blend of glass, metal panel, and wood to keep a light overall aesthetic; stone stair towers provide offsetting accents. The atrium space unifies all three floors of the structure with ample natural light and glass elevators; it has vintage historic cars on display to celebrate McPherson College’s one-of-a-kind Automotive Restoration program. The ground floor will consist primarily of the college’s new dining facility, with seating for about 400, along with a coffee shop and campus store. The upper floors will house several key functions: a flexible student collaboration space; consolidated office spaces for enrollment services, student affairs, and the president’s office and dean’s suite; the new Dalke Center housing career services; and a welcome center for prospective students, which will also serve as a gathering space for events. Overall, the Campus Commons’ dynamic design is intended to be a powerful statement about the college’s exciting future: a future of growth and opportunity for the entire college and McPherson community.
“Beck has been a great design partner that has interpreted our needs and helped us create a signature Campus Center setting the standard for future campus development.”
MICHAEL
SCHNEIDER, PRESIDENT, MCPHERSON COLLEGE
MICHAEL SCHNEIDER, PRESIDENT, MCPHERSON COLLEGE
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING B
Lawrenceville, Georgia
The design of the building underscores its purpose as a hub for Gwinnett Technical College Computer
Science. The design of the facility will attract potential new students. From the main lobby staircase, one can view the spe-
cialty labs, simulation, and networking labs. One also can see into the server room, illustrating the working components of the systems. The structure of the rack and underfloor conduit can be seen through clear access panel flooring.
The multipurpose gaming lab, with two dividers, creates three game development classrooms or one large gaming space. It can hold tournaments or presentations. The interior design and wayfinding were inspired by the computer programs, including programming, coding, and gaming circuit patterns used throughout the facility as seen in the signage, graphics, window film, carpeting, and lighting design. Graphics were inspired by visual concepts for programming and coding and highlight that this is the home of the Gwinnett Technical College CIS programs.
Sizemore Group
Associated firms: Nottingham Brook and Pennington (MEP Engineering); Palmer Engineering (Structural Engineering); Travis Pruitt and Associates (Civil Engineering); HERA Laboratory Planners (Laboratory Consultant); Palacio Collaborative (Cost Estimating); MaxxUnion (Specifications); TSAV (Audiovisual Consultant); Total Systems Commissioning (Commissioning Agent); The Winter Construction Company (Contractor)
Client Georgia State Financing & Investment Commission on behalf of Technical College System of Georgia and Gwinnett Technical College Area Not provided Cost Not provided Completion May 2023
Images Dorian Shy, Framework Photographic
CERRITOS HIGH SCHOOL
Cerritos,
California
The Cerritos High School media center is housed in a single-story building that is shared with the school’s administrative offices. Reconstruction turned the existing library, book storage, and staff lounge into an adaptable space that serves as the new media center. Disjointed spaces were consolidated into a more fluid and cohesive environment that enhances flexibility
for students and teachers.
The media center’s hub is a gathering space that features movable book shelfs and comfortable seating. Surrounding flex space includes a classroom, a collaboration room, small group study rooms, and a workroom/ book storage. A corner of the media center was designed as a cafe to further denote versatility in the environment while creating
an inviting space for engagement. The materiality is warm, welcoming, and reflective of the school’s brand. Acoustic elements and lighting add visual stimulus as they curve across the ceiling, bringing focus to the center of the room where the school mascot is incorporated into the design. Openness and transparency help filter in natural light and create a sense of connection.
foot Completion $156 September 2023
Images Chipper Hatter
FARMINGTON CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY RENOVATION
Farmington, Illinois
Outdated, dark spaces were transformed to create exciting areas for students to read, explore, research, create, and connect. Walls were opened up to admit more natural light; a dedicated makerspace was created for hands-on learning. The renovation design also showcases the rural community’s rich history.
The new library and makerspace facilitate various learning modes, including collaboration, project-based learning, STEAM education, and student presentations. The library is flexible, featuring a large group presentation
area and a learning stair. The makerspace’s sliding glass wall invites curiosity and puts learning on display, working in conjunction with the library to support students in their design process. Varied, flexible seating options accommodate different learning and reading positions.
Graphics that illustrate coal mining and agriculture inform students about their community’s past. By honoring local history and culture, the renovated spaces help students understand their place in the world and become future-ready citizens.
The library and makerspace focus on student wellness by promoting physical activity and diverse learning strategies. This approach boosts students’ development and enriches their overall school experience.
KIRKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT, TILLMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
Kirkwood, Missouri
The Tillman Elementary School’s new library is part of a three-story classroom and library wing addition built to alleviate overcrowding. The library is designed for flexibility, comfort, and learning curiosity among its young users. Large windows surround the entirety of the library to provide ample daylight and outdoor views. Artfully designed, noise -cancelling acoustical blades are positioned over a spacious Story Time area featuring carpeted seating zones and a bright colored feature wall for an appropriate level of student stimulation and focus. Mobile furniture and stacks create a flexible learning environment for group and independent study. Colorful seating steps, poufs, and beanbags afford
Archimages
Client
Cost/square
$443 5,246 sq. ft.
Completion Images
December 2023 Travis Van Buren
students fun options to enhance their library experience. A private corner room accommodates quiet testing and tutoring activities. Teachers and students also use the library’s feature lobby that incorporates large district branding graphics and cozy seating areas for gathering and project-based learning.
LAWRENCEBURG HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER RENOVATION
Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Nestled in the heart of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Lawrenceburg High School boasts a rich history dating back to 1937. The school building has seen multiple transformations over the years; one of its biggest multiphase renovation and ad-
dition projects started in 2020 . The goal for the media center was to create a modern, inviting space while honoring the school’s legacy. The new space is on the third-floor infill of the original gymnasium. The media center now forms the heart of
the school on the third floor. It is surrounded by language arts, foreign language, and business classrooms, fostering a dynamic learning environment with easy access to neighboring departments. Right off the lobby is a student-run café where students can actively participate in its day-to-day business operations.
The media center encourages students to engage in independent study, group projects, and critical thinking activities. While maintaining an open atmosphere, the design delineated spaces for various functions. A raised platform serves as a collaborative space, with library stacks and bookshelves below. The media center also houses a library office, makerspace, and storage.
Flexibility was important during the
design process. Initial plans called for a continuous ceiling, but during demolition, the original features were uncovered, and the architects opted to expose and showcase them. Visitors can still admire the high
Lancer Associates
Associated firms: Primary Engineering; Lynch, Harrison & Brumleve; Civil & Environmental Consultants; Maxwell Construction
Client
Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation
Total area
110,347 sq. ft.
Total cost
$21,266,918
Total cost/square foot
$193
Project entry area
3,603 sq. ft.
Project entry cost
$695,760
Project entry cost/square foot
$193
Completion
August 2023
Images Megan Ratts Photography
school’s original brickwork in the lobby and look up to see the roof trusses of the original gymnasium. To honor the school’s identity, subtle orange features within the furniture and flooring pay homage to the Lawrence -
burg Tigers. The project at Lawrenceburg High School revitalized the media center, not only as a space for learning, but also as a symbol of the school’s commitment to innovation and heritage.
“The Lawrenceburg High School Media Center Renovation now creates a vibrant learning environment that enhances student engagement and collaboration as well as inspiring staff productivity.”
— KARL GALEY, SUPERINTENDENT, LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
MEDIA CENTER ADDITION
Cairo, New York
Situated in a close-knit community in New York’s Catskill Mountains, CairoDurham Middle School/ High School serves about 600 students in grades 6 through 12. Embracing its role as town square for this rural region, the school reshaped its nondescript, underused building.
A media center addition— framed by a distinctive new entry canopy that integrates the school’s name—establishes a strong sense of identity and defines the new main entry.
The new media center, visible through a glass curtain wall and anchored by pendant lights, welcomes approaching visitors. Inside, its finishes embrace the natural setting and harmonize with the existing palette, featuring warm wood tones and ample natural light.
Media center zones offer students options such as hightop tables, soft lounge seating, a collaborative café space, breakout rooms and a technology zone with custom built-in future-proof tables.
Renovations have relocated other spaces, including administration, nurse, guidance, and a wellness center, to the front of the building and have enhanced visitor convenience and student safety.
The reworked circulation has created opportunities for informal huddle spaces and inspirational word walls.
SHAPIRO LIBRARY THIRD FLOOR RENOVATION
Ann Arbor, Michigan
As the most heavily trafficked floor of the main undergraduate library, the newly renovated third floor of the Shapiro Library is a hub of activity that joins users into a shared experience, naturally guiding them through academic and collaboration zones. The library is home to digital scholarship consultation areas, and collaboration and study space. It also
features display areas and pop-up space for events and exhibits. This thoughtful renovation enables the University of Michigan to best meet the needs of 21st-century learning, teaching and research, and serves as a prototype for other libraries.
To complement the architectural elements of the space, the design has a sophisticated material palette with soft textures
and simple forms to create a comfortable, tranquil environment. Layered textures and flexible furniture capitalize on the connection to nature through views outside, providing a biophilic sensibility. A series of custom millwork pieces tie together academic and collaborative activities throughout the library and enliven the space with natural materials. The simplicity in the modern aesthetic achieves a welcoming, fresh collegiate space.
Stantec Architecture
Associated firms: Bright Tree Studios; IMEG; DeMaria
Client
Cost/square foot Completion
$160 February 2023
Images
Jason Keen Photography
VALLEY FORGE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES MEDIA CENTER
Malvern, Pennsylvania
Valley Forge Educational Services is an Approved Private School in Pennsylvania that offers a continuum of educational, recreational, and employment-related programs for individuals ages 4 to 24 with disabilities. Its third campus improvement project with the architect since 2017 was a “full gut” transformation of the existing library into a versatile media center. The goal was a welcoming multiuse
space for middle and high school socialization and instruction. The new media center consists of four zones: the entry zone, the gaming zone, the media teaching zone, and the library zone. The number of books in the library was reduced by 50% to free up space for lounge and teaching areas, as well as a librarian desk and storage. Expansion and enclosure of the media zone responded to the school’s need to increase assistive
technology capabilities and space for all learning abilities.
Tr ansparent partitions and a shade system not only provide spatial flexibility for programming but also create adaptable sensory-friendly zones as needed. New ceiling acoustics, lighting, safety glass and Lexan walls, furniture, and finishes were carefully imagined in a “cool and celestial” vibe
2023
Heckendorn Shiles
Don Pearse Photographers
WHERE FACILITY CHALLENGES FIND SOLUTIONS
RENO
August 21-22, 2024
Reno, NV
NORTH TEXAS
October 29-30, 2024
Irving, TX
NORTHERNCALIFORNIA
October 9-10, 2024
Santa Clara, CA
Q&A with ESa
Wendell Brown, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Ginny Webb, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
What trends do you see shaping the future of education facility design?
We believe wellness design is a fundamental element within educational architecture. Our younger generation is experiencing a mental health crisis. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 US adults struggle with mental health each year. This number rises to a staggering 70% of teens reporting anxiety and depression as major problems among their peers (Pew Research Center, 2018). While architecture cannot replace counseling, necessary medication, or other services provided by healthcare professionals, it can uplift the spirit. Our design goal is to keep WELL Building Standard® at the forefront of our designs by incorporating sensory rooms, areas of respite, and other elements that promote positive thoughts.
Our design team conducted an internal study titled “The Oasis Conservatory: How Can Architecture Positively Impact Our Mental Health?” to explore the effects of architecture and the built environment on mood. We found that various activities could trigger different hormones, thereby affecting mood. As a result, we aim to design spaces that encourage these activities, leaving users with a more positive experience. Just as sustainable design is essential for the environment, wellness design is crucial for the well-being of occupants.
How has your approach to designing educational spaces evolved over the years?
Our firm was founded upon the principle of listening. It has always been critical to our process and success with delivering architecture. However, over the last several years, we have expanded the number of people and groups we include. This is particularly true with student inclusion. Their participation may be part of the steering committee or dedicated user group unto themselves. Beyond the students, the faculty, administration, facilities, alumni, parents, board members and community have a
voice in the process. To be successful, we needed a deep coalition supporting the effort. The collaborative nature of academia is unlike any other market and is unique to this clientele. You can build a facility, but without the proper process, it will lack the input necessary to be a great project in which everyone can be proud.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Educational architecture is viewed as a high performing, critically important social backdrop that is influencing generations of young people into mature thriving adults. It is not simply a commodity. As a design professional, we are viewed as partners with the administration to create and deliver the project. The term “hallowed hall” is an indicator of the reference academic architecture can play in one’s life. These are the places that
can shape one’s future or even change the trajectory of a family’s life for generations. For example, students may find a lifelong friend in kindergarten, a mentor that influences your perspective, a passion that ignites a career, or a degree for a first-generation student. Academic architecture is the stage where great memories, achievements and relationships occur. A few years ago, I was reading a quarterly magazine from a university client of ours. We have designed several buildings on campus and a graduate was photographed in front of a Bell Tower we created a few years earlier. She spoke of the friends, the degree she earned, and the chance the university took with her and how it has shaped her life. She reflected how she was overcome with emotion as she walked through the Bell Tower towards commencement. I never met this young lady, but I was very proud we helped create the backdrop to her wonderful memories and achievements.
Moravian University—Moravian University Haupert Union Building, Bethlehem, PA
Trevecca Nazarene University—Jernigan Student Center, Nashville, TN
ST. PAUL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, DINING HALL AND THEATER RENOVATION
Nashville, Tennessee
Ahead of the school’s 50th anniversary in fall 2021, St. Paul Christian Academy launched a five-year master plan as part of a long-term vision for St. Paul and the campus. Through the planning and confidence gained through the success of its 50th Initiatives, the academy refined its vision and is now engaging in the first significant capital improvements to the campus since 2011.
For over five decades, the dining hall has been a stalwart presence on St. Paul’s cam-
pus. As this venue evolved to host performing arts programs, camps, and community events, the decision was made to breathe new life into this cornerstone of the campus. The enhancements include an upgraded stage, improved acoustics, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and flexible, retractable seating that complements the high standards set by performing arts productions. A dance studio has been introduced to provide superior rehearsal and performance space, facilitating programmatic expansion. ESa
Despite these improvements, the space retains its core identity as a dining hall, now augmented with an enhanced area for performances. Externally, the campus motifs have been reinforced to establish a distinct sense of place. Palladian windows flood the interior with ample natural light during the day, and curtains gracefully close to set the stage for performances.
Client
St. Paul Christian Academy
Area
5,897 sq. ft.
Cost
$4,200,000
Cost/square foot
$712
Completion
August 2023
Images
Attic Fire Photography
JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL AQUATIC CENTER
Jackson, Michigan
Th e Aquatic Center addition at Jackson High School provides the necessary facilities for Jackson Public Schools to develop its competitive
swim program, originally housed at the middle school. The new facility is shared with the community at large after team practice hours. It provides opportunities for community members to improve their health and wellness through swim classes, open swim, and recreational use that until recently was absent from the community. Integration between schools and community was a priority; the Aquatic Center has dedicated, separate entries and locker rooms for the school and community members.
The design team was challenged by the geography and architecture of the
existing campus along with the needs laid out by the school district. The Aquatic Center had to be attached and connected to the existing high school. Essential exit pathways to existing exit doors needed to be maintained; in some cases, the existing elevations did not match the new ones. The new facility includes multiple access points to new offices for high school athletics and administration; accessibility and security were of equal importance. For security reasons, the entryway for students was on the south side of the addition, and the community point of access was to the north. Spectator seating was designed so that access was convenient for both community members and students
TMP Architecture
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY, O’LOUGHLIN FAMILY CHAMPIONS CENTER
St. Louis, Missouri
The O’Loughlin Family Champions Center at St. Louis University prioritizes the academic success and well-being of the university’s 400 NCAA Division 1 athletes. The two-story lobby features the university’s Billiken mascot and “SLU Blue” color scheme. Terrazzo floors, wood-look acoustic ceilings, and integrated LED lighting create a cohesive environment throughout the center.
The Performance Nutrition Center offers large group dining and serves as a community event space. The adjacent Team Dining
Suite facilitates team meals and game film reviews, and the Fueling Station provides healthy grab-and-go options.
The Student Success Suite offers sports psychology services, academic tutoring, career counseling, and student-athlete development in a flexible, collaborative space with ample natural light and technology.
The Billiken Victory Room, adjacent to the basketball coaches’ offices, is a key recruiting space. It offers views of the nearby soccer and baseball fields. The Men’s and Women’s Basketball Department suites
provide private offices and meeting rooms. Additional spaces were created for team film viewing, including a basketball film room (technology suite) and a technology classroom for larger teams and departmental meetings.
Client Saint Louis University Area 23,921 sq. ft.
Cost
Cost withheld
Completion October 2023
Images
Fentress Photography
BARBARA VICK WESTERN BRANCH
Chicago, Illinois
By transforming an unused commercial bank building for the Barbara Vick Early Education Western
Branch, Chicago Public Schools invests in the Beverly neighborhood’s high demand for early education spaces and illustrates
how others can turn empty storefronts into community assets. The design embraces the building’s unique features, creating vibrant, airy classrooms and public areas to support a play-based curriculum and network administration offices. Upon entry, energetic blues, oranges, and yellows dance among warm wood tones, illuminated by a large, glass atrium. A large central stair connects the classroom levels, encouraging students and staff to linger and socialize. The colors zigzag into six generously sized classrooms on the first and second floors, each with unique spaces to learn, explore, and play, including nooks for small groups or quiet learning. To create opportunities for students to connect with nature, the teller drive-through has been converted into a covered play environment for outdoor education, rain or shine. Breathing new life into the former bank building, the early education design enriches both the intellectual and physical capital of the neighborhood
EARLY CHILDHOOD & JOHN L. SANTIKOS MICRONAUT CENTERS
San Antonio, Texas
This building at San Antonio College (SAC) brings together two cherished programs: The Early Childhood Center (ECC) and John L. Santikos Micronaut Center (Micronauts). The team was challenged to maintain the distinct identities of the programs in a single, cohesive building.
The ECC serves infants through Pre-K as a childcare facility for the SAC com -
munity. Classrooms are tailored by age and designed to give teachers full visibility at all times. Every classroom has access to a nature-based playground that includes loose parts, risky play, a tricycle path and a mud kitchen.
Micronauts was designed to simulate a space mission for children Pre-K through third grade. Lighting, finishes, and furniture
create the experience of traveling to space. The flexible floor plan accommodates various stations to spark children’s interest in STEAM subjects.
Overall, the new building provides vibrant and functional spaces for early childhood education and STEAM-focused activities, fostering a sense of discovery among young learners.
Client
Cost/square
Completion
June 2023
Images Joe Aker
O’Connell Robertson
J.H. HOUSE SCHOOL
Conyers, Georgia
The Rockdale County School District set out to replace one of its oldest schools in one of the most underprivileged sections of the county. The goal was to provide a 21st-century school that would serve to reinforce the pedagogy of the district. As the superintendent at the time noted, “This won’t be your grandfather’s elementary school.”
The facility is a midcentury modern inspired school on a gently rolling, open, and naturally wooded site. The stunning setting influenced the decision to incorporate a palette of natural materials to complement the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Using glass in strategic areas introduces daylighting and visual transparency throughout. The heartbeat of the school is an open, centrally situated media center with a two-story wall of glass and a covered “back porch” overlooking an outdoor courtyard. An elevated pedestrian walkway with a viewing “crow’s nest” passes overhead and connects the classroom wings on the second floor.
Large format graphics throughout assist in teaching, wayfinding, and nurturing school spirit. Finally, the incorporation of multiple collaborative breakout spaces provides learning opportunities outside conventional classroom settings.
Smallwood
Client
Rockdale County School District
Area
108,531 sq. ft.
Cost
$25,000,000
Cost/square foot
$230
Completion
April 2021
Images
Katie Bricker Photography
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. This center is a key component of the College of Educa-
tion’s early childhood education program, providing hands-on learning opportunities for UNK’s students. With 11 high-quality classrooms accommodating up to 176 children, students can gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced educators. The interior design provides flexible spaces and continual supervision, with ample daylight and direct access to thoughtfully designed, age-appropriate playgrounds . The center features generous corridors and activity spaces promoting exploratory learning beyond the classrooms. The design of the building, interior and exterior, reflects UNK’s connection with the regional agricultural community, integrating color, texture and patterns. Aligned with the Uni-
Client University of Nebraska Kearney Area Cost 19,900 sq. ft. $5,330,450
Cost/square foot Completion $268 December 2019
Images Thomas Grady Photography
versity Village master plan, it enhances the streetscape, encouraging community involvement. Balancing aesthetics and functionality, the center inspires curiosity and joy in children and adults and provides a foundation for lifelong learning.
CALHOUN HALL RENOVATION
Cincinnati, Ohio
The University of Cincinnati leadership has recognized the importance of a campus that holistically supports the needs of on-campus student residents. It has identified the renovation of
Calhoun Hall as a priority in the upgrade of its portfolio of residential facilities.
Calhoun Hall was constructed in the southwest quadrant of the University of Cincinnati in 1968 to provide housing for 860 students. The building is a 14-story concrete frame structure, built originally with a glass and metal curtain wall facade. The building contained limited opportunities for students to interact outside resi -
dence hall rooms, and corridors were dark and narrow.
The building renovations upgraded the student rooms and public spaces extensively, and completely overhauled the exterior building facade. The student housing space was reconfigured to provide more effective core functions and expanded lounge space, study areas, and potential classroom space. A community gathering addition was constructed on the north side of the existing structure to provide more secure access as well as program spaces for socialization, study, and major gathering events.
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, MEDICAL STUDENT HOUSING
New
Orleans, Louisiana
Situated on the northwest corner of the downtown urban campus of Louisiana State University, this project was designed to fit the context of New Orleans. The project provides 579 beds in a combination of studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in a strong living-learning environment over 10 levels. The lobby area is a brightly lit space with
generous amounts of windows, a customdesigned art installation, and a lounge area with a substantial coffee-food-beverage station. The building provides an array of amenities that include outdoor covered grilling and fire pit areas, gaming and swimming facilities, a pet care station, and various intimate and social settings. Inside the building, each level provides communal and
study spaces, as well as larger multipurpose gathering and gaming/social lounges on the main floor, providing a unique space for the individual study and social requirements of medical student residents .
Stantec Architecture
Client
Cost 66,500,000
Cost/square foot
$205
Completion
September 2021
Images
Jason Keen
OUTSTANDING DESIGNS | RESIDENCE HALLS/LOUNGES
SOUTH RESIDENCE HALL, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT
Menomonee, Wisconsin
South Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Stout stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for its student body. The refurbished residence hall proudly displays a host of upgrades, including sleek,
RAMLOW/STEIN Architecture + Interiors
Client
modernized amenities, rejuvenated social spaces, and seamlessly transformed rooms that offer both a comfortable and conducive environment for learning and development.
The project was not merely an aesthetic upgrade, but also an integration of cuttingedge technology throughout the facility. This innovation is aimed at meeting the everevolving needs of students and preparing them for a tech-driven world. Moreover, the
renovation emphasized improved accessibility, ensuring that all students, regardless of their physical abilities, can navigate the hall with ease. Spacious new lounges provide a communal space where students can relax, foster connections, and collaborate on academic pursuits. What sets this renovation apart, however, is the notable involvement of students and alumni from the university’s construction management program. This practical application of their skills not only enriched the project but also provided invaluable experiential learning.
Cost/square foot Completion
$237 August 2023
Images
Tricia Shay
LAKE ZURICH YOUNG ADULT CENTER RENOVATION
Lake Zurich, Illinois
An existing office building has been redesigned to provide a specialized and more positive social-emotional environment for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) who have completed their graduation requirements and are eligible for post-secondary transition services.
The programming at the renovated facility will concentrate on three key areas for
post-secondary preparation: employment, education/training, and independent living.
This facility is tailored to provide valuable experience in each program area for individuals aged 18 to 22 with special education requirements.
The ground level holds a kitchen where students take part in hands-on learning, and the commons area is designed to enhance students’ technological literacy and
social skills.
Upstairs, a classroom and living skills lab are complemented by administrative offices. The lower level features a vocational classroom, laundry facilities, and a workout space.
This center fosters a supportive socialemotional setting that promotes social engagement among students and recreational pursuits.
DLA Architects
Associated firm: Lamp (Construction Manager)
Client
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
Area
11,480 sq. ft.
Cost
$5,700,000
Cost/square foot
$497
Completion
February 2024
Images DLA Architects/Alexander Romanovsky
ANGELINE ACADEMY OF INNOVATION
Land O’Lakes, Florida
Angeline Academy of Innovation, a grade 6-12 school, focuses on student-centered academic programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Pasco County Schools asked Harvard Jolly | PBK to master plan and design a campus with transparent and collaborative learning environments that provide students and educators with a shared learning environment in which students learn from teachers, teachers learn from students, and most important, students learn from one another. The school sets a
precedent for the education of tomorrow’s leaders, equipping them with the tools of rapidly evolving technology.
The preserved natural surroundings of the overall campus provide students with a tangible way to stay in touch with nature, emphasizing lessons of balance, perseverance, and eco-awareness. Responding sensitively to the natural environment, this school brings nature inside, promoting an all-encompassing and inspiring learning environment. Interior finish materials were selected to bring the natural warmth and
beauty of the surrounding environment into the school. The school and its context merge in harmony with one another, fostering an exciting and uplifting approach to learning and social development for all students in this state-of-the-art school.
Harvard Jolly | PBK
Client Pasco County Schools
Area
189,350 sq. ft.
Cost
$42,139,971
Cost/square foot
$223
Completion August 2023
Images Matthew Good; Mark Borsch; ChadBaumer
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL, STEAM CENTER
Levittown,
Pennsylvania
The STEAM Center at Benjamin Franklin Middle School provides students with a centralized space dedicated to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The STEAM Center, which occupies a previously dark, confined
classroom wing in the existing building, is now reimagined with abundant daylighting, transparency between the various spaces, and a variety of small group spaces promoting the delivery of instruction around “research, make, and present!” Central to
the STEAM Center is the media center, offering resources for student research in an open, inviting atmosphere. The media center is surrounded by a variety of production areas, including a makerspace, robotics labs, coding lab, design & modeling lab, and art labs. These spaces provide students with hands-on learning en -
vironments to conduct their research, which is then shared in the various presentation areas. The STEAM Center supports student learning with technologies that enable them to develop skills in the STEAM fields and enables the district to provide a curriculum that empowers the next generation of the STEAM workforce
SCHRADERGROUP
Client Bristol Township School District
Total area
31,500 sq. ft. (addition), 115,885 sq. ft. (renovation)
Total cost Total cost/square foot
$44,800,000 $304
Project entry area Project entry cost
11,500 sq. ft. $3,500,000
Project entry cost/square foot
$304
Completion Images March 2023 Todd Mason (HalkinMason Photography)
GREEN B. TRIMBLE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Fort Worth, Texas
Trimble Tech is a historic high school with longstanding flagship CTE programs in a century-old building, so the goal was to preserve a legacy while
developing for the future. Students were unaware of the range of hands-on CTE opportunities available, so the visibility of labs and makerspaces was increased by creating large window portals punched in walls along main routes to classroom clusters. Contrasting historical black-andwhite finishes with bright colors creates a dynamic visual identity for each program, inviting students to explore their interests and passions in a variety of fields. A new lobby vestibule secures guest entry and spotlights the school’s rich past.
work in construction tech, welding, robotics, engineering, architecture, and logistics. Makerspaces explore construction trades with state-of-the-art machinery and tools. Specialized mechanical systems integrate exposed welding exhaust ductwork and movable dust collectors to perform industrial processes. Adjacent to a hospital district, the school offers high-demand health care-related programs with smart hospital,
Learning spaces include hands-on GSR Andrade Architects
Associated firm: Fender Andrade Architects
Client Fort Worth Independent School District Area
362,385 sq. ft.
Cost
$33,208,500
Cost/square foot
$92
Completion September 2023
Images Tracy Allyn Photography
ambulance and pharmacy simulators.
Other creative and expressive CTE programs with professional equipment: cosmetology, fashion design, television and photography studios, retail entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity. The school seeks opportunities for cross-pollination of
programs and synergies. A key priority is to accommodate growth, modern technologies, career skills and workforce trends.
The expanded media center with a social media lab serves as the heart of the school and a hub for collaboration. The cafeteria’s newly tiered and flexible seating highlights a more collegiate environment. Culinary arts and a student-run bistro ad-
jacent to dining add an elevated food court experience.
The district’s commitment to career innovation spaces was a main driver of the transformed CTE center. Community and industry partnerships connect student work to local opportunities for business and education in the area, preparing students for success in their chosen career paths.
LIVE OAKS CAREER CAMPUS
Cincinnati, 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 feel respected and their passions for chosen career paths could unfold with discovery and wonder.
The existing facility was unwelcoming with a receding, dark entry that posed a security risk. It had no barrier into the school’s
circulation and broken site lines for student supervision. The new entry clarifies the entrance with a secure sequence that stops guests at reception before going letting them farther into the building; it creates a welcoming environment that reveals a new perspective from each changing vantage point while maintaining important site 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; the first floor branches into differing “academies” for each field of study. New gathering nodes are dotted throughout the school. The collaborative stair is in the commons, and bench seating and lounge spaces are scattered along circulation paths.
MSA Design
Client
Great Oaks Career Campuses Area
188,900 sq. ft.
Cost
$32,700,000
Cost/square foot
$173
Completion March 2024
Images Tyler Gentry
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CALIFORNIA
Cerritos High School (Cerritos)
Huckabee ............................................. p. 77
Crane Country Day School Wolf Theatre Renovation (Santa Barbara)
John Sergio Fisher & Associates p. 40
*Indian Springs High School
Manufacturing Technology Center (San Bernardino)
Ruhnau Clarke Architects ................ p. 21
FLORIDA
Angeline Academy of Innovation (Land O’ Lakes)
Harvard Jolly | PBK............................. p. 98
GEORGIA
Cottrell Elementary School (Dahlonega)
Breaux & Associates Architects..............
........................................................ pp. 44-45
Design and Construction of Building B (Lawrenceville)
Sizemore Group .................................. p. 76
J.H. House School (Conyers)
Smallwood............................................ p. 92
ILLINOIS
Barbara Vick Western Branch (Chicago)
Bailey Edward Design .......................p. 90
Farmington Central Elementary School
Library Renovation (Farmington)
DLA Architects.................................... p. 78
Lake Zurich Young Adult Center Renovation (Lake Zurich)
DLA Architects.................................... p. 97
Olympia South Elementary SchoolGymnasium and Flexible Learning Center (Atlanta)
Dewberry .............................................. p. 53
The Joseph Sears School Renovation (Kenilworth)
DLA Architects.................................... p. 69
INDIANA
Harrison High School - Commons Areas Renovations (West Lafayette)
Stephanie T. Niciszewska Mucha and Joseph J. Mucha Patient Welcome Center p. 59
BRAY ARCHITECTS
829 S. 1st St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204 414-226-0200
brayarch.com
Garden Prairie Intermediate School p. 48
BREAUX & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS
5955 Shiloh Road East Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 678-585-4508
www.BXArch.com
Cottrell Elementary School ..............pp. 44-45
BSHM ARCHITECTS
117 S. Champion St., Suite 201 Youngstown, Ohio 44503 330-744-4401
bshm-architects.com
Licking Heights Local School District, High School ............................................................. p. 51
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT ARCHITECTS
800 Salem Woods Drive, Suite 102 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 919-848-4474
www.designdevelopment.com
Clover Garden School p. 42
DEWBERRY
401 SW Water St., Suite 701 Peoria, Illinois 61602
309-282-8000
dewberry.com
Olympia South Elementary SchoolGymnasium and Flexible Learning Center ..... ........................................................................... p. 53
DICARA RUBINO ARCHITECTS
30 Galesi Drive
Wayne, New Jersey 07470 973-256-0202
www.dicararubino.com
Lincoln School p. 52
DLA ARCHITECTS
2 Pierce Place, Suite 1300 Itasca, Illinois 60143
847-742-4063
www.dla-ltd.com
Farmington Central Elementary School Library Renovation ...................................... p. 78
Lake Zurich Young Adult Center Renovation p. 97
The Joseph Sears School Renovation p. 69
DLR GROUP
1430 Locust St., Suite 200
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
515-276-8097
dlrgroup.com
*Storm Lake Early Elementary School ... p. 32
ESA
1033 Demonbreun St., Suite 800 Nashville, Tennessee 37203
615-329-9445
esarch.com
St. Paul Christian Academy, Dining Hall and Theater Renovation ..................................... p. 87
FLANSBURGH ARCHITECTS
77 North Washington St. Boston, Massachusetts 02114 617-367-3970
Flansburgh.com
Bourne Intermediate School p. 43
*Center Elementary School p. 31
GMB
85 East Eighth St., Suite 200 Holland, Michigan 49423 616-796-0200 www.gmb.com
Grandville Middle School........................... p. 49
GSR ANDRADE ARCHITECTS
2001 North Lamar St. Dallas, Texas 75202 214-824-7040
www.gsr-andrade.com
Green B. Trimble Technical High School ........
............................................................... pp. 100-101
GWWO ARCHITECTS
1215 E. Fort Ave., Suite 24 Baltimore, Maryland 21230 410-303-5596
gwwoinc.com
Crofton High School p. 46
HARVARD JOLLY|PBK
2714 Dr. MLK Jr St. N
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704 727-896-4611
www.harvardjolly.com
Angeline Academy of Innovation .............p. 98
HASTINGS+CHIVETTA ARCHITECTS
2464 West Port Plaza Drive, Suite 200
St. Louis, Missouri 63146 314-863-5717
www.hastingschivetta.com
Saint Louis University, O’Loughlin Family Champions Center p. 89
HECKENDORN SHILES ARCHITECTS
347 E. Conestoga Road, Suite 3 Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 www.hsarch.com 610-994-3500
Valley Forge Educational Services Media Center..............................................................
HIGHLAND ASSOCIATES 102 Highland Ave. Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania 18411 570-586-4334 www.highlandassociates.com Wayne Highlands School District, High School Auditorium .......................................
HUCKABEE
8640 National Blvd. Culver City, California 90232 310-204-3400
huckabee-inc.com Cerritos High School
JACK L. GORDON ARCHITECTS
345 7th Ave. New York, New York 10001 212-279-0550 www.jlgordon.com Walter and Shirley Wang Pavilion............. p. 71
JOHN SERGIO FISHER & ASSOCIATES
5567 Reseda Blvd., Suite 209 Los Angeles, California 91356 818-344-3045 www.jsfarchs.com
Crane Country Day School Wolf Theatre Renovation .....................................................p. 40
LAMOUREUX PAGANO ASSOCIATES | ARCHITECTS 108 Grove St. Worcester, Massachusetts 01605 508-752-2831
lpaa.com WPI Center for Well-Being ........................ p. 57
LAN ASSOCIATES
445 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, New Jersey 07432 201-447-6400
lanassociates.com
*Holdrum Middle School Wellness Center p. 20
INDEX TO ARCHITECTS |
LANCER ASSOCIATES
145 North East St.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
317-797-6595
lancerarchitects.com
Lawrenceburg High School Media Center Renovation ............................................ pp. 80-81
LITTLE DIVERSIFIED ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING
615 S. College St.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
704-525-6350
www.littleonline.com
*UNC Kenan-Flagler Executive Business School p. 28
MCKINNEY YORK ARCHITECTS
1301 East 7th St. Austin, Texas 78702
512-476-0201
mckinneyyork.com
*The University of Texas at Austin, Hogg Memorial Auditorium .................................. p. 33
MOSAIC ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS
2 Third Street, Suite 440 Troy, New York 12180
518-479-4000
www.mosaicaa.com
Media Center Addition................................ p. 82
MOSELEY ARCHITECTS
6210 Ardrey Kell Road, The Hub at Waverly, Suite 425 Charlotte, North Carolina 28277
704-540-3755
www.moseleyarchitects.com
Social 704 at Popp Martin Student Union Renovation ..................................................... p. 41
MSA DESIGN
316 W. 4th St Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-241-5666
www.msaarch.com
Calhoun Hall Renovation p. 94
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District pp. 60-62
Live Oaks Career Campus p. 102
Madeira Elementary School Renovation ........ ...........................................................................p. 66
O’CONNELL ROBERTSON
811 Barton Springs Road Austin, Texas 78704
512-478-7286
oconnellrobertson.com
Early Childhood & John L. Santikos Micronaut Centers p. 91
40 Water St., Third Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02109 617-234-3100
www.stantec.com/education
UPMC Health Sciences Tower .................. p. 55
TAPPE ARCHITECTS
6 Edgerly Place Boston, Massachusetts 02116 617-451-0200 www.tappe.com
THENDESIGN ARCHITECTURE
4230 River St. Willoughby, Ohio 44094 440-269-2266 www.thendesign.com
Rocky River Middle School, Media Center Renovation ..................................................... p. 67
TMP ARCHITECTURE
259 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 107 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 269-327-0077
www.tmp-architecture.com
Jackson High School Aquatic Center p. 88
TMP ARCHITECTURE
1191 W. Square Lake Road Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302 248-338-4561
www.tmp-architecture.com
School of Packaging Addition ..................p. 68
TOWERPINKSTER
242 E Kalamazoo Ave. Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 269-343-6133 towerpinkster.com
Women’s Basketball Locker Room Renovation ..................................................... p. 72
WRA ARCHITECTS
12377 Merit Drive #1800 Dallas, Texas 75251 214-750-0077 www.wraarchitects.com Opal Smith Elementary School p.54
EMBRACING THE PAST
Finding a meaningful role for historic homes on a college campus can provide many benefits.
By Susan Reed
Explore most university campuses and you’ll encounter a wide array of buildings that serve an even broader variety of functions. Managing the diverse and complex set of facilities on campus is a daunting challenge. One type of building often proves particularly complex: historic homes.
Many colleges and universities own historic, often grand, homes on or adjacent to campus; they often pre-date the founding of the school. Whether they have been purchased or bequeathed, their history is tied to the academic institution.
These historic homes may offer exciting opportunities, especially if they are rehabilitated and
Virginia Commonwealth University has renovated the Scott House on its campus as a venue for meeting space, offices and classrooms..
Virginia Hamrick Photography
updated in a way that preserves their characterdefining features while reinvigorating them for the needs of a modern school.
Each campus has its own unique identity and needs, but broadly, the thoughtful rehabilitation of historic residential properties can provide functional and appealing resources in three primary ways.
Dual-purpose homes
Perhaps the most common use of historic homes on campus is to serve as residences for school presidents and their families. There are many benefits to having a president live on campus. Grand historic homes are an appealing and obvious option. Although these buildings were constructed as homes, the ways in which people live and learn today are quite different from generations ago.
A grand historic home with a generous floor plan may persuade a university to pursue dual purposes for the space. A president’s house may have public spaces for entertaining and events on the first floor and private spaces for presidents and their families on upper floors. Examples include Carr’s Hill at the University of Virginia in
Charlottesville, the Mansion House at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, and the Superintendent’s Quarters at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington.
A president’s house, especially a historic one, lends itself well to serving as a space to bring in visitors and host students. Important considerations for public access include ensuring that the first floor of the house is accessible to those with disabilities, from the front door to restroom facilities. Likewise, the furnishing of these public spaces should be intentional. It should be flexible and easy to move. Furniture that is on wheels or can be easily lifted enables spaces to become more dynamic; multiple event arrangements can be carried out easily and quickly. Furniture in the front hall at Carr’s Hill has been moved out with relative ease to make room for a piano from the living room for an impromptu concert.
Durable fabrics are also crucial for long-term maintenance in these public access areas. With thoughtful selection, commercial-grade fabrics and carpets with stain- and rub-resistant qualities will be able to withstand high-traffic use while still retaining a residential feel.
A university president’s house like Carr’s Hill at the University of Virginia, lends itself well to serving as a space to bring in visitors and host students. Virginia Hamrick Photography
the private spaces should be designed to meet the needs of a family, while respecting the historic features from the past and the needs of the future generations that will occupy the house.
Meeting and office space
Rehabilitating historic homes to serve as a venue for meetings, offices, or classrooms is another common approach. Early in the design and planning process, carefully study the floor plan and how it can meet program needs. For example, do room sizes make them more appropriate for a particular type of use? How do you want students or staff to engage with the building?
The Scott House at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond offers insight on how early planning can guide the effective restoration of a grand home on campus.
In studying the building footprint and floor plan, VCU took the size of rooms into account as it decided what function they would serve. Smaller rooms, particularly on the second and third floors, were candidates to be converted into office space; larger spaces would become meeting rooms.
A very large first floor room made an ideal classroom, which aligned with the school’s goal of drawing students to visit the beautiful historic structure. Updated MEP systems were concealed in cedar closets, an abandoned dumbwaiter provided a valuable vertical shaft for IT cabling, and a former trunk room was an ideal size for a break room. The most formal rooms on the first floor retained their original functions for entertaining visitors.
VCU effectively used the house’s floor plan to help the team determine the highest and best function for the spaces. By following the lead offered by the existing floor plan, the university incorporated the key historic features into the project.
Hospitality venues
When rehabilitating a historic home for dual uses, early conversations also should aim for spaces that will have considerable overlap, such as kitchens that can comfortably serve both a family’s needs and event catering. Areas for more informal family living and dining need to be incorporated into the first-floor design in addition to traditional, formal living and dining rooms.
In private family spaces, it’s important to balance the needs of a family with the long-term interests of the school. Without over-customizing,
Converting historic homes and grand estates into hospitality venues on or near campus is another option that has proven successful at many higher education institutions. Colleges and universities need hotel space and hospitality venues to host events and visitors.
Birdwood, a large evolved country house and grounds nestled in the foothills between Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, was acquired by the University of Virginia Foundation, the university’s real estate arm.
The property retains a high degree of historical integrity and stunning views. Its location—within easy reach of the university and next door to the
Virginia Commonwealth University has renovated the Scott House on its campus as a venue for meeting space, offices and classrooms.
Virginia Hamrick Photography
Larger spaces in the Scott House at Virginia Commonwealth University have been converted to meeting rooms.
Virginia Hamrick Photography
Boar’s Head Resort—led to the decision for a light-impact approach in using the house as a hospitality venue. It is a continuation of the estate’s history and leveraged in a way that benefits the school as a financially self-supporting inn and event venue.
This large estate was a prime candidate for hospitality because bedrooms could be converted to hotel-style rooms and formal rooms were large enough to host a wide range of functions.
Once the rehabilitation is complete, the estate can be rented for events, such as a wedding or family reunion, but also will include an exhibit design component so the history of the property is available to everyone. A major design challenge for Birdwood was installing an elevator to provide public accessibility to all floors.
These three uses for historic homes can be found on campuses across the country. By thoughtfully considering the floor plan, highlighting character-defining
3 CONSIDERATIONS FOR HISTORIC HOMES
RESEARCH AND PLAN EARLY:
Thoughtful research and planning are paramount when working with historic homes. Create historic integrity diagrams and research character-defining features to help you make informed design decisions.
ADD EXTRA TIME:
There are always surprises with historic buildings. Allot extra time to the design and construction schedule. For example, code coordination often results in unexpected delays.
CONSIDER EXHIBIT SPACE:
Historic homes are an ideal opportunity to provide context to the home and campus. Find ways to provide educational moments by adding exhibit displays or spaces in public areas of a home.
historic al features, and building in flexibility and accessibility, a historic home can provide important services for a college or university while ensuring the structure’s historical significance can be enjoyed by future generations.
Susan Reed, AIA (SReed@glaveandholmes. com) is a principal and director of historic preservation at Glavé & Holmes Architecture in Richmond, Virginia. She has worked on projects for colleges and universities throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
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By Paul Erickson
CTE’s Future: Addressing the Trade Skills Gap
Hiring qualified entry-level workers is often difficult, and many employers offer upskill training programs to their new hires. A Wiley University Services 2023 survey, which explored the skills gap and its effect on businesses, concluded that K-12 career and technical education (CTE) is a major part of the solution.
Address the Need
A U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation 2020 report found that 74% of employers “report a persistent mismatch between the skills they need and the skills workers have.”
Recognizing the shortcoming, state programs and funding resources for CTE are on the rise. In 2023, the Advance CTE (ACTE) organization, with support from the Walton Family Foundation, found that high school CTE programs provide high levels of engagement to prepare students with skills needed “for fulfilling careers in vital, in-demand industries and occupations.” Students receive training and obtain experience through activities such as mentorships, internships, company business tours, and guest speaker events. K-12 CTE is undergoing a renaissance, emphasizing programs in applied sciences, modern technologies, career development, and trade skills.
Secondary school CTE programs provide skills development in sectors like aeronautics, architecture, automotive tech, biosciences, construction, entrepreneurship, energy, engineering, health care, information technology, manufacturing, natural resources, public safety, transportation/distribution, and urban agriculture. Programs also are expanding in cybersecurity, education, hospitality and tourism, human services, and visual arts.
Innovations
Paul W. Erickson, AIA/ NCARB/REFP, executive officer and partner, is past president of ATSR Planners/Architects/ Engineers. He has 47 years of experience in school planning, design, and construction. Erickson can be reached at perickson@atsr.com.
Innovative strategies abound. Audio and video production programs may incorporate theater spaces for students to learn about lighting, rigging, and sound/video design. Aviation programs may use flight simulation equipment and full-size airplane hangars. Courses in construction include virtual reality technology for simulated hands-on experience and muscle memory development.
Health and dental clinics may be placed in schools. A culinary arts program integrates classroom, kitchen, and serving facilities available to staff and students – physically connected with the school’s central foodservice facility.
Design Considerations
Consider the following when designing CTE spaces:
• Program: Understand functions and space needs for each sector learning area and ancillary space.
• Future-Ready: Design layouts to address program, equipment, and infrastructure needs. Programs and spaces must be flexible to adapt quickly to changes in workforce and layout requirements.
• Infrastructure: Plan for flexibility with additional power/circuitry, data/technology points, mechanical ventilation, and zoned temperature control.
• Equipment: Consult with industries to select required specialized equipment. Provide space for the actual equipment as well as dimensional tolerances, safety zones, user instruction/operating space, and future equipment.
• Location: Choose spaces that make connections to other programs. Being in a building with high visibility is critical for project-based learning opportunities. Provide windows, garage doors, and folding wall panels and locate them near presentation areas to instill curiosity and enable all to “see learning.” Courses may need outdoor areas for learning as well as transportation and delivery logistics. Consider zoning for community-use functions.
• Marketability: Interview students, parents, and businesses to determine what programs to offer. Encourage local industries to sponsor and integrate business practices into programs; making connections is key for creating internship and employment opportunities. Because CTE programs benefit businesses, invite entrepreneurs to get involved in program and facility planning.
CTE programs are progressing to successfully address skilled workforce gaps, and businesses say the trend will continue. Preparing students for fulfilling careers is an inspiring legacy that school systems can provide.
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