Creative Connections Lively Learning

A skillfully renovated K-12 school in Alexandria, an impressive university residence hall in Texas, and five other innovative projects exude the qualities of design excellence that earned them Honorable Mention Awards

As judges discussed the exceptional attributes of this year’s LEARNING BY DESIGN Honorable Mention Award recipients, an often-mentioned highlight was how well each design project fit into its surroundings—whether an expansive, bustling college campus or an intimate, deeply wooded hilltop. Judges noted “lots of different learning opportunities in different settings for different types of activities” among the seven design project that received Honorable Mention Awards, all of them exceptionally executed.

For example, the design team of a science and technology center in Beverly Hills, CA, implemented built-in seats along the building’s corridors that are flooded with natural light throughout the day, creating an ideal place for students to gather between and after classes. In another example, the design team of an early childhood center introduced L-shaped classrooms that support independent as well as group learning for young learners.

Here are the seven firms and outstanding design projects that received LEARNING BY DESIGN 2010 Honorable Mention Awards.

EARLY CHILDHOOD/ELEMENTARY SCHOO L

Based in Southport, CT, The Geddis Partnership, PC received an Honorable Mention Award for Notre Dame Academy, Early Childhood Center in Staten Island, NY. The school achieves “a cottage feeling,” judges noted. “It has a nice small scale appropriate for the early childhood level.” The Notre Dame Academy serves 112 students in grades pre-K to 2. The school is surrounded by woods and four other academic buildings on a nine-acre site. Judges noted how well the school fits into the site and creates diverse learning opportunities within its L-shaped classrooms. Each classroom features built-in cubbies and radiant heating under the floors for the comfort of children napping on mats. Photo Credit: Robert Benson

HIGH SCHOOLS

LPA, Inc., Irvine, CA, received an Honorable Mention Award for the Beverly Hills High School Science & Technology Center in Beverly Hills, CA. The new building serves 810 students in grades 9 to 12 and features thoughtful finishing details throughout. For example, corridors feature curriculum-related graphics and factoids amid bold images. Students have access to 12 science labs and 18 math classrooms throughout the four-story building. A 100-seat lecture hall also contributes to the school’s diverse learning environments. “It’s a clean plan that also creates a very nice outdoor space,” judges commented. The building is organized around a courtyard that was designed to demonstrate principles of math, science, and nature. Photo Credit: Costea photography, Inc.

Based in Philadelphia, SCHRADERGROUP architecture LLC received an Honorable Mention Award for the George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, also in Philadelphia. Judges noted exceptional transparency throughout the building, which serves 900 students in grades 9 to 12. The design team “created a nice plan to maximize natural light and views,” judges said. “The building is skillfully integrated on a 3.5-acre site.” The building is also a valuable teaching tool for engineering and science students. For example, the HVAC systems can be monitored from student labs and portions of exposed building structure illustrate construction methods. The school also features eco-friendly measures such as water-saving fixtures and landscaping with native plants that require no irrigation. Photo Credit: Matt Wargo Photography

Fanning Howey, Alexandria, VA, earned an Honorable Mention Award for the Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering High School in Washington, DC. Judges were impressed by this transformation of an abandoned building into a high-tech vocational learning environment. “They’ve made some very interesting spaces out of what were forlorn pieces of the existing building,” they noted. “And they’ve also clearly taken using the building as a teaching tool to heart.” Serving 622 students in grades 9 to 12, the Phelps school features a soaring two-story commons that displays exposed structural elements as well as the principles of welding, drywall, and masonry. Building systems are also color-coded to support instruction strategies. “It’s a very hands-on, interactive learning environment,” judges said. “They’ve used the building to connect the career-focused curriculum to the more conventional academic aspects of learning.” Photo Credit: Maguire Photographics

Based in Tacoma, WA, BLRB Architects received an Honorable Mention Award for the Garfield High School Historic Renovation and Addition project in Seattle. Located in one of Seattle’s oldest urban neighborhoods, Garfield High School went from being disjointed and disconnected to high-tech and iconic—while remaining respectful of its historic architecture. Judges said this “thoughtful modernization adds spaces the historic building could not have accomplished.” For example, a small gymnasium annex built in 1 962 is now an 83,700-square-foot physical education and performing arts center that opens up to a new community entrance plaza. Judges also praised the design team’s adaptation of the old auditorium, transforming it into soaring, daylight-filled commons. “By adapting the auditorium, they’ve created a heart for the school.” Photo Credit: Dan Tyrpak Photographic

COMBINED-LEVEL SCHOOL

Fielding Nair International, LLC, Lutz, FL, received an Honorable Mention Award for Scotch Oakburn College (SOC) in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. And while it’s referred to as a college, this building serves 360 students in grades K to 12. “They’ve rethought the essential components of the building,” said judges, referring to a well-executed plan that supports personal learning communities. These smaller groups of students and their teachers have access to flexible classroom spaces that feature mobile walls, making them valuable rooms for after-hours community use. “It’s a very innovative plan,” judges commented. “There is also a nice diversity of furniture and colors throughout the building.” Photo Credit: Fielding Nair International

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

Based in Houston, TX, Kirksey Architecture earned an Honorable Mention Award for the University of Houston—Calhoun Lofts, a new residence hall that houses up to 984 students. The new building features all the modern amenities that today’s students value, including Wi-Fi and AT&T U-verse integration. Calhoun Lofts also offers multipurpose rooms, a computer lab, and flexible study spaces throughout the building. But perhaps the most iconic building feature is a “sky lounge” on the top floor where students can gather to study and socialize beneath a stunning skylight. This shared space is filled with natural light and features a stunning view of the campus below. The design “takes advantage of the top of the building to create a really inviting space,” judges said. “It’s skillfully done.” Photo Credit: Richard Payne