The issue you hold in your hands marks the 20th year American School & University magazine has brought you the Educational Interiors Showcase. Designed as a companion to the whole-building-focused Architectural Portfolio, it was conceived as a way to highlight specific areas of a building. Over the years, readers have seen it showcase innovations in classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, auditoriums and more.
This year is no exception, as we’ve added a few new important categories to the mix: special-needs interiors and historic preservation. Although building layouts have changed and design philosophies have evolved, the outstanding work featured in this competition has remained a constant through the years.
Don’t miss the special 20th Anniversary section. We asked the design professionals featured in this issue how school design has changed over the past 20 years—and what the future might hold. Thanks to the contributors of this special section—your expertise, advice and foresight is necessary and appreciated as students are demanding more.
Speaking of gratitude, check out the past 20 years of jurors. As with this year’s jury, they all gave generously of their time to contribute to making these awards what they are: the best in educational interiors design.
This year’s jury chose Omaha Public Schools’ Saddlebrook Joint-Use Library as the Crow Island School Citation, noting its visionary thinking in a variety of spaces. New York University’s Stern School of Business Concourse Project was the top higher-education winner; it transformed a 30-year-old space into a modern education center. In addition, the jury chose two Special Citations for their unique spaces.
Here’s to another 20 years of innovative interiors!
Lustig is executive editor of AS&U.
