Spaces4Learning Launches Education Design Showcase 2023

Spaces4Learning is now accepting entries for the Education Design Showcase 2023! The awards program celebrates innovative and practical solutions in planning, design and construction at K–12 and Higher Education institutions both. Its ultimate goal is to share ideas that will help achieve the best possible learning environments and to recognize the firms that have made these ideas a reality.

The jury will select two Grand Prize winners, one from the K–12 category and one from the higher ed category, as well as Projects of Distinction in either category. Remaining projects that the jury selects for publication will be designated as Honorable Mention. Evaluation and judging criteria include:

  • Thorough and effective planning process, cost-effectiveness
  • Architect/design response to the program requirements, students’ needs
  • Innovation, originality, creative solutions
  • Functional, flexible, adaptable design
  • Site selection, planning, development, and use/context within the campus and community
  • Sustainability, environmental stewardship, materials selection, and maintainability
  • Safe and secure environment
  • Visual and aesthetic qualities

This year’s awards program features a multi-tiered entry program that allows applicants to submit new construction, renovation, or spaces projects. There are also different price levels and multi-project discounts. Spaces4Learning is also offering an early entry discount of $100 off per project through Feb. 24, 2023.

All entries will be showcased in the Spaces4Learning magazine, online at spaces4learning.com, in the Spaces4Learning K–12 or Higher Education Update eNewsletter, and on social media.

For more information, visit the Education Design Showcase page on the Spaces4Learning website, or jump straight to the entry form. Entries can be submitted online here. Please direct any questions or any extra materials to Susan May at [email protected].

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

    Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).