AIA Committee on Architecture for Education Recognizes 12 Best School Projects of 2017
Bridge for Laboratory Sciences and Integrated Science Commons at Vassar College, by Ennead Architects
Poughkeepsie, New York
Part of a larger effort to consolidate the sciences on Vassar College’s campus, this project connects two sides of the campus over a creek to create a unified district dedicated to science disciplines and creates a connection with the local environment of wetlands. Award of Excellence.
Photo © Richard Barnes
Kohler Environmental Center at Choate Rosemary Hall, by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Wallingford, Connecticut
Containing spaces to teach about environmental sustainability and responsibility, this center is a LEED Platinum, net-zero energy usage structure. It can accommodate up to 20 students living in the building during total immersion classroom exercises. Award of Excellence.
Photo © Peter Aaron / OTTO
Music and Arts Center at Wenatchee Valley College, by Integrus Architecture
Wenatchee, Washington
Combining visual and performing arts, this new center balances a need for communal, collaborative spaces with the need for performance halls and galleries. Award of Excellence.
Photo © Lara Swimmer Photography
Northwood Elementary Schoo, by Mahlum Architects
Mercer Island, Washington
Situated between Seattle and Bellevue, this school was built in the 1950s and was the first schoolhouse on Mercer Island. The updated building features flexible and connective spaces to encourage active learning and supports the school’s efforts to meet the Next Generation Science Standards. Award of Excellence.
Photo © Benjamin Benschneider
Allan Price Commons Research Library Remodel-Expansion at University of Oregon, by Opsis Architecture
Eugene, Oregon
The new glass pavilion in this project rebrands the science complex while also encouraging interaction with a café and events space located in the outward-facing enclosed-glass area. Classrooms throughout the building were designed to transition into co-working spaces for informal learning activities. Award of Excellence.
Photo © Christian Columbres
Advanced Technology Center at Bates Technical College, by McGranahan Architects
Tacoma, Washington
In a bid to increase diversity and nurture STEM students’ growth, this center integrates classrooms, faculty offices and student spaces together promoting interaction and overlap. Award of Merit.
Photo © Dane Gregory Meyer
Chengdu International School, by Perkins Eastman Architects
Chengdu, China
Originally built as an elementary school, the architects were tasked with accommodating pre-K to grade 12 students, mostly the children of foreign nationals, who would be taught a new Western curriculum. To convert the spatial needs of an Eastern curriculum into that of a Western one, architects used color to delineate shared spaces. Award of Merit.
Photo © Sarah Mechling/Perkins Eastman
Cherry Crest Elementary School, by NAC Architecture
Bellevue, Washington
The architects designed this building with the intention of blending formal and informal teaching spaces. By finishing the building in wood to evoke a “treehouse” feeling and adding large windows throughout, they also emphasized the connection to nature. Award of Merit.
Photo © Benjamin Benschneider
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects
Berkeley, California
Employing daylight, a high-performance envelope, and student artwork, this building’s design is closely synced with its function, which is to serve as an interdisciplinary workspace for teams working at the intersection of technology and design. Award of Merit.
Photo © Tim Griffith
Lubin O'Donnell Center for Performing Arts and Wellness at the Winsor School, by William Rawn Associates|Architects
Boston
This mixed-use facility in the center of campus is home to athletics, performing art, and wellness programs, with large spaces such as a 515-seat theater and a two-court gym included alongside other teaching spaces. Award of Merit.
Photo © Robert Benson Photography
Champaign Electrical and Computer Engineering Building at the University of Illinois Urbana, by SmithGroupJJR
Urbana, Illinois
This 230,000-square-foot building is the new home for the university’s engineering program, accommodating labs and high-energy teaching activities. Designed to be energy efficient, the architects forecast the building will achieve a net-zero energy rating. Award of Merit.
Photo © Liam Frederick Photography
Stephen A. Levin Building at the University of Pennsylvania, by SmithGroupJJR
Philadelphia
Acting as a campus gateway, the building is located in the heart of the life sciences area. With its textured and varying facade, it cuts a bold figure on campus while creating a visually interesting interplay of shadow and light within the structure. Award of Merit.
Photo © Alan Karchmer
The American Institute of Architects’ Committee on Architecture for Education has announced 12 winners for its 2017 edition of its annual award series. The committee honors the work of firms that best present an innovative approach to designing spaces for learning while also achieving excellence in architectural design.
The program is meant showcase current design trends in the education sector. This year’s recipients of the Awards of Excellence include Robert A.M. Stern Architects and Ennead Architects; notable recipients of the Award of Merit include SmithGroupJJR, which received the honor for two projects, and Perkins Eastman.
Click through the slideshow above to see all 12 winners, and then vote for your favorite in our poll.
The American Institute of Architects’ Committee on Architecture for Education has announced 12 winners for its 2017 edition of its annual award series. The committee honors the work of firms that best present an innovative approach to designing spaces for learning while also achieving excellence in architectural design. See photos of each one, then vote for your favorite below!
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