Industry News


Staffing

Perkins&Will Names New Firmwide Practice Leader for K–12 Education

Architecture and design firm Perkins&Will recently announced that it has appointed Aimee Eckmann to the position of firmwide practice leader for K–12 education, according to a news release. Eckmann has been with the firm since 1999 and has served as the Chicago studio’s K–12 practice leader since 2017.

Healthy Schools

Western Wyoming Community College Expands Access to Teletherapy

Western Wyoming Community College recently announced the launch of a new partnership that will expand mental-health support resources to rural and working students, according to a news release. The college is partnering with Uwill, a Boston-based mental-health and wellness solution for university students, to provide teletherapy opportunities to its more-than 3,000 students.

New Construction

University of North Florida Breaks Ground on New Residence Hall

The University of North Florida recently announced the groundbreaking of a new Honors Residence Hall on its campus in Jacksonville, Fla., according to a university news release. The facility is set to open in fall 2025 and will be the university’s first new residence hall since 2009.

Resources

Spaces4Learning Launches Glossary of Industry Terms

Here at Spaces4Learning, we recently launched a new resource on our website—the Glossary of School Facility Planning and Maintenance. It offers clear and concise definitions of key terms and concepts used in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of K–12 and higher-education facilities.

Building Blueprints

Building Blueprints: Champaign Central High School and Centennial High School

Following decades of advancements in teaching and learning, two public high schools in Champaign, Ill., were challenged to adapt their buildings to support future-ready education. Through renovation, addition, and reorganization by global architecture and design from Perkins&Will, the transformed Champaign Central and Centennial high schools—located four miles apart—are aligned with the community’s vision and designed to meet the evolving needs of contemporary education.

Campus Technology

Da-Lite Announces Upgrades to Modus VR Product Library

Da-Lite, a brand of AV technology company Legrand | AV, recently announced the addition of a new Tensioned Advantage electric screen and SightLine cable drop to its Modus VR visual experience product library.

Classroom Furniture

Wiggle, Wobble, Learn: How Flexible Furniture Boosts Engagement and Learning

As someone with ADHD, I struggled quite a bit when I was in school. I was the kid who would always get reprimanded by teachers for moving around—or, anytime I really needed to stand up or go for a walk. When I started teaching, I knew firsthand that the rigid rows of desks and chairs in the typical classroom were an antiquated approach not only for traditional students, but definitely for anyone who couldn’t “conform” to this structure.

New Construction

Kennesaw State University Breaks Ground on New STEM Facility

Kennesaw State University’s Marietta Campus recently broke ground on a new Interdisciplinary STEM Building (ISTEM) on its campus, according to university news. The facility will measure 70,000 square feet and feature both research and teaching space across a variety of disciplines.

New Construction

Texas A&M Corpus Christi to Build New Arts and Media Building

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) recently announced that construction will soon begin on a new Arts and Media Building, according to university news. The facility will stand two stories, cover 85,000 square feet, and was designed by BGK Architects and Bora Architects.

Campus Renovations

New York Medical College Opens Renovated Basic Sciences Building

New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y., recently opened the doors of its newly renovated Basic Sciences Building (BSB), according to a news release. The college partnered with DIGroup Architecture’s Healthcare Studio team for the project, which cost $6.2 million and covers an estimated 18,755 square feet.

Healthy Schools

The Layered Approach

Clean air isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, schools can protect their students and staff at an affordable price. With so many entry points for threats to student and staff well-being, a single solution can’t cover every hole. Adopting a layered approach that utilizes multiple technologies allows schools to address the broad range of potential entries for pollutants. Here are a few key components of a multidimensional solution to ensure the highest air quality for your school.

Restrooms

Bradley Company Launches Washroom Accessories Collection

Commercial restroom solutions company Bradley Company recently launched a new collection of washroom accessories, according to a news release. The Elvari Washroom Accessories offer an integrated design across the entire collection to “unify and elevate” the aesthetic of professional restrooms, the release reports.

Construction Begins on Replacement Facility for 1950s-Era High School

T&T Construction Management Group, Inc., recently began construction on a replacement facility for Jean Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla., according to a news release. The original facility was built in 1957.

Campus Renovations

Construction Specialties Adds Creative Shading System to Savannah College of Art and Design

Nestled within the vibrant landscape of Midtown Atlanta stands FORTY FIVE, an architectural gem that combines residential, academic, and wellness facilities on the grounds of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Offering residence to more than 400 art students, FORTY FIVE provides more than just a place to stay.

New Construction

California Community College Tops Out Brand-New Campus

The Gavilan Joint Community College District recently announced the topping out of Phase 1 of a new campus in Hollister, Calif., according to a news release. Gavilan gathered with representatives from partners Blach Construction, Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA), and Gensler to celebrate the ceremonial placement of the final steel beam in the building’s structure.

Campus Renovations

Texas City ISD Completes New STEM, Robotics Center

The Texas City Independent School District near Houston, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new STEM and Robotics Center geared towards students across grades K–12, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects and Bartlett Cocke for the project’s design and construction.

Campus Renovations

California K–12 District Debuts Reconstructed High School

The Mendocino Unified School District (MUSD) in Mendocino, Calif., recently completed a renovation and modernization project on Mendocino High School, according to a news release. The “near-total reconstruction” included updates to educational and student spaces, energy conservation, and the incorporation of all-electric features to be paired with renewable energy sources in future phases.

Fort Worth Country Day

New Construction

Fort Worth Country Day to Build New Lower School with Focus on Natural Light, Indoor-Outdoor Learning Spaces

Fort Worth Country Day (FWCD), a college-preparatory school in Fort Worth, Texas, has broken ground on a new 32,720-square-foot, $25 million Lower School.

building electricity

Energy

University of Houston System Partners with TXU Energy to Power All System Facilities

The University of Houston System has entered into a multi-year partnership with TXU Energy to provide electricity across the entire system, including its university campuses and instructional sites as well as its athletic facilities. The agreement includes investments in UH scholarships as well as energy-efficiency projects.

Kupp Flip-Top Tables

Furniture

Teknion Introduces Space-Saving Kupp Flip-Top Tables

Teknion has launched a new addition to its Kupp furniture collection: the Kupp Flip-Top table. Featuring angled legs that enable straight-line nesting and integration with the Kupp horizontal nesting chair, the tables are designed for flexibility and efficient storage, the company said in a news announcement.

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