Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

RTA Architects Wins Planning and Design Award from A4LE

  • By Matt Jones
  • 11/15/21

Colorado-based architectural and interior design firm RTA Architects announced recently that it has received the LEsolutions Planning and Design Award from the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). The award, one of A4LE’s most prestigious honors, was presented at the association’s LearningSCAPES conference in Denver, Colo., for RTA’s design of the Lake City Community School (Hinesdale County School District RE-1, Lake City, Colo.) in the category of Renovation / Major Addition.

A news release explains, “A4LE’s LEsolutions Awards recognize learning environments that positively impact teaching and learning and are a result of a thorough planning process. Award-winning projects show stimulation of systemic change in the educational system, embodiment of leading-edge architectural design solutions and incorporation of an interactive process that engages multiple stakeholders during the planning phase.”

Lake City Community School
Lake City Community School

The Lake City Community School renovation and addition project included work like a full interior renovation; construction of a new gymnasium; critical upgrades to safety, security and HVAC systems; construction of a classroom for Career and Technical Education (CTE); construction of a commercial kitchen for both hot lunches and culinary arts classes; and a new nurse’s room. RTA Architects collaborated closely with the town’s board of trustees and the county’s historical society to match the character of the design with the feel of the area that has been designated a National Register Historic District.

“What I’ve realized the most with this renovation/addition is that a facility can really drive and change educational planning for students (for instance, the Career Technical Education classroom), community outreach (our community plays Pickleball every week on our sports court while the weather is nice), and the beauty and pride our building brings to the community!” said Rebecca Hall, M.A. Ed, Superintendent and Principal of the Lake City Community School.

Further details about the LEsolutions Award for Lake City Community School, as well as all 2021 winners and entrants, is available at the A4LE awards website.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Indiana Wesleyan University Schedules Grand Opening for New Welcome Center

    Indiana Wesleyan University recently announced that it will soon open a new Welcome Center on its campus in Marion, Ind., according to a news release. The facility will serve as the home base for prospective students and their families to learn more about the university and student life there. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February 19.

  • Different Starting Points, Same End Goal

    Higher education campuses can enhance student experience by implementing mobile credentials to streamline building access, on-campus payments, and access to other amenities. This enables students to connect to their campuses through the technology they use most: their mobile devices.

  • Abstract tech network data connections with orange, blue glowing dots, lines

    3 Trends for Higher Education to Stay Ahead of in 2026

    As universities enter the new year, the question is no longer whether digital transformation is necessary, but how quickly institutions can convert technological potential into strategic advantage.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.