School and university construction projects are alive and well, with many communities and institutions completing and/or planning projects that will house invigorating education environments for this and the next generation of students.
This month, dozens of $100-million-plus education bond issues were put on the ballot, including a massive $1.5-billion issue in Dallas, to generate funds for capital improvements. Results for all of the initiatives will be detailed in next month’s Education Bond Alert.
While many institutions are about to embark on major construction and renovation initiatives as a result of recent funding approvals, numerous others have opened exciting new and improved education facilities. Many of these projects can be found in this year’s Architectural Portfolio—the nationally acclaimed tribute to the most outstanding education architecture, design and construction.
For more than 30 years, the Architectural Portfolio has been celebrating the best of the best in school and university facilities. Judged by an independent panel of education administrators, facility professionals and architects, the competition provides valuable insight and ideas for those planning projects.
This year’s top K-12 award was presented to Joplin High School, Joplin, MO. Designed by DLR Group and Corner Greer & Associates, the jury commented “Inspirational project that while broken down into separate career pathways establishes strong continuity and community.”
The higher-education grand citation was awarded to Lesley University, Lunder Arts Center, Cambridge, MA. The jury felt the Bruner/Cott & Associates-designed building was “A bold and simple gesture [that] anchors the corner, provides light-filled spaces and deftly integrates the historic building.”
In addition to the two main awards, two Special Citations and a number of Category Citations were awarded. The project profiles begin on page 14 of this issue.
I had the opportunity to join an exceptional group of jurors in judging the featured projects. More information on each can be found on page 12. They provided much expertise and insight during the judging process, and their participation is greatly appreciated.
And a special thank you to the architectural firms and education institutions that took the initiative to share their creative solutions and exceptional ideas via the projects in this issue.
