Honoring Excellence

Spending on construction by the nation's schools and universities is at an all-time high (see AS&U, May 2004), and multi-million-dollar bond issues for education projects continue to win approval in communities all across America. This robust spending on facilities is reflected in this year's Architectural Portfolio, which features a near-record number of projects in one of the largest issues in American School & University's 77-year history.

The Architectural Portfolio, which is the first and most comprehensive sourcebook of its kind for school and university administrators planning new construction or major modernization, features 258 recently completed or planned projects. Each was reviewed by a panel of expert judges, and those projects identified as having the most exceptional learning environments were awarded citations. The two top citations:

The William W. Caudill Citation — the main K-12 honor — to Pittsburgh Public Schools, The Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, Pa., designed by MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni.
The Louis I. Kahn Citation — the top post-secondary honor — to Norwalk Community College, Center for Information Technology, Norwalk, Conn., designed by Svigals + Partners.

In addition, a Special Citation as well as category citations were awarded to facilities the jury felt exhibited outstanding concepts and program elements. You can view the main award winners beginning on p. 18; additional citations can be found at the start of each respective category.

Each year, AS&U gathers some of the most prestigious education administrators and architects in America to serve as jurors for the Architectural Portfolio competition. A special thanks goes to this year's exceptional jury: Vicky Davidson, George Metzger, Gary Payne, Jim Reny and John Weekes. The sacrifice in time and energy made by these professionals is greatly appreciated. To meet the jury and read their commentary regarding the selection process, turn to pages 14 and 16.

Most of all, thanks to the architects that contributed their innovative ideas. Hopefully, through the sharing of their projects in the Architectural Portfolio, imagination will be sparked as a new generation of learning environments are planned, designed and constructed.

SCORECARD

258

Number of school and university construction projects selected for inclusion in the 2004 Architectural Portfolio.

15

Number of citations — exhibiting the best in education architectural design and planning — awarded in this year's competition by the five-member jury.