The four jurors for the 2003 Educational Interiors Showcase gathered together for two days in May to view and evaluate 90 examples of school interior design. This year, the jurors took into consideration a new feature as they reviewed the projects: environmental quality. As more methods become available to make facilities healthy for the environment, many schools are beginning to focus on environmentally friendly designs. The jurors acknowledged the following characteristics:
- Adaptability/Flexibility: Designs that easily adapt to change, responding to present and future needs.
- Aesthetics: Appropriate use of proportion, scale, color and lighting in harmony and in context with surroundings.
- Environmental quality: Energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), use of natural lighting/ventilation, use of environmentally sensitive building and finish materials.
- Functionality: Alignment of design with intended use for educational philosophy, instruction and support.
- Innovation/Creativity: Using imagination and ingenuity to create exciting and appropriate solutions.
- Maintainability: Design of facilities and selection of appropriate materials and equipment to minimize maintenance and maximize useful life.
- Security/Safety: A well-designed environment that is a safe place for students, staff and public, and allows effective monitoring and control of public spaces.
- Technology: Successful integration of contemporary technology with capacity for the future.
