Inside Information

It is said that information is power. If so, the issue in your hands is one of the more powerful tools available for school and university administrators planning new or modernization projects.

Now in it’s 14th year, American School & University’s Educational Interiors Showcase (EIS) is chock-full of information on nearly 100 of the most outstanding school and university interior design projects—resulting in a one-of-a-kind compendium and resource.

As the sister competition to the industry-leading Architectural Portfolio (published in November), the EIS focuses on individual education spaces, such as libraries/media centers, classrooms and common areas, and offers a look at the learning environments being created for this and future generations of students.

This year’s jury awarded 17 citations to projects they identified as being among the “best of the best” in education interior design and planning.

The top K-12 honor—the Crow Island School Citation—was awarded to University Child Development School’s new elementary school building, Seattle, designed by Carlson Architects. Among the jury’s comments: “Great use of scale, discovery, form and color. The facility provides learning spaces that power imagination.”

The top higher-education honor—the Collegiate Citation—was presented to Emory University’s Cox Computing Center, Atlanta, designed by Collins Cooper Carusi Architects. “A well-orchestrated use of color, lighting and materials. Very dynamic space,” stated the jury.

In addition to the two main awards, this year’s jury presented a Special Citation to Burr Street Elementary School, Fairfield Elementary School #11, Fairfield, Conn., designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Other outstanding projects were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze citations.

Our deepest gratitude to this year’s expert jury: Kyle Bordelon, Trung Le and Mark Wilson—who spent two days reviewing projects from across the nation. You can meet the jury and read its commentary by turning to pages 10 and 12, respectively.

Also, special thanks to the architectural firms and institutions that shared their innovative concepts and solutions to educational interior challenges. The ideas presented can serve as excellent examples as you embark on your next construction project.