Facility Management
Robotics artificial intelligence solutions provider Brain Corp recently launched a new feature in its line of autonomous robots, according to a news release. The BrainOS software now features “Site Maps,” which grant facility managers new insight into site operations to ensure efficiency and provide a clearer picture of proof of work.
New Construction
Real estate solutions provider Ryan Companies recently announced that ground has been broken on a new 56,000-square-foot charter school near Nashville, Tenn. Rutherford Collegiate Prep (RCP) will be the fifth public charter school in the region from the local nonprofit organization Noble Education Initiative (NEI).
Indoor Air Quality
There is a growing level of both interest and requirements to improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) through improved ventilation, temperature and humidity control, and filtration to improve the health of students and teachers in K–12 schools. Aging equipment often is not designed to meet these requirements, prompting replacement. But this replacement comes with an added benefit—that being significantly improved efficiency.
- By Michael Schires
- 10/17/23
New Construction
The Central Arizona College Superstition Mountain Campus in Apache Junction, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new campus expansion project, according to a news release. The project will result in new buildings for the Allied Health and Skilled Trades, as well as renovations to the existing C building.
New Construction
The University of California Board of Regents recently approved the design and budget for a new research and academic building at UC San Francisco, according to a news release. The $842-million project will move forward into the construction phase.
Facility Focus
Home of The Barton School of Business, Woolsey Hall at Wichita State University (WSU) bridges the traditional academic campus with a newer complex of makerspaces, labs, and research facilities.
Campus Operations
The Providence Public School District in Providence, R.I., recently announced a partnership with ABM Industries to enhance the custodial, grounds, and maintenance operations of its 37 schools, according to a news release.
Grants
National nonprofit organization KidsGardening.org recently announced the launch of the 2024 Youth Garden Grant, which will provide grants to 50 local youth garden programs, according to a news release.
Campus Renovations
The Berkeley School District in Berkeley, Ill., recently announced the completion of a $111-million Capital Improvement project with the grand opening of a renovation and addition at Riley Intermediate and Northlake Middle Schools, according to a news release.
Architects
Baker Barrios Architects recently announced the addition of a new leadership position to its staff, according to a news release. William Maffett, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, MBA has been named as the firm’s new national director of higher education.
New Construction
Owatonna Public Schools in Owatonna, Minn., recently completed construction on a new high school for the district and celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late September, according to a news release.
Facility Management
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced the release of a new white paper, according to a news release. “Evolution is Never Finished: Insights From IFMA’s Emerging Topics Working Group on How Six Key Topics are Transforming the FM Industry” discusses the implications of six high-impact issues, drivers, and trends in the facility management industry.
Architects
Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., recently announced the promotion of Todd Waskowitz, LEED AP, to the position of Associate Principal, according to a news release. Waskowitz is a 20-year veteran of Spiezle whose contributions include establishing the firm’s Construction Administration department and thousands of K–12 and higher education projects in the Tri-State area.
Campus Safety
As storm shelter codes adapt to worsening climate conditions, schools are left struggling to meet stringent, unfunded requirements on tight budgets. Every school has a unique set of obstacles and opportunities that require individualized consideration – there is no one-size-fits-all. Still, here are a few key areas to focus on as you consider the most affordable option for your school’s specific needs.
Podcast
Acoustics isn't only about creating quite classrooms. It's a critical part of the overall IEQ of a school—from classrooms to nurses' offices to administration spaces. New and better technologies exist to give schools solutions that achieve what is needed in today's world while keeping budget parameters in mind. These acoustical solutions start at the top with ceilings, and not all ceilings are alike. Join us as Sean Browne, Senior Manager of Research & Development for Armstrong World Industries, walks us through choosing the right ceiling to optimize acoustics for better learning experiences.
Sustainability
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Best of Green Schools Awards program, sponsored by the Center for Green Schools (part of the U.S. Green Building Council) and the nonprofit Green Schools National Network.
Campus Renovations
International Baccalaureate school Alameda International Junior/Senior High School, part of the Jeffco Public Schools district in Lakewood, Colo., recently opened its retooled campus to the community, according to a news release. The facility was originally built in 1961 and required a series of major renovations to meet the needs of modern students.
New Construction
The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Rosenberg, Texas, recently celebrated the dedication and grand opening of a new elementary school, according to a news release. Ariadne Mathews Gray Elementary School opened this year with an enrollment of 447 students, local news reports, and was designed in partnership with VLK Architects.
New Construction
The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD) recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest facility, Austin Elementary School, according to a news release. The facility was designed by VLK Architects and serves students in grades PreK–1.
New Construction
T&T Construction Management Group, Inc., recently announced that construction has begun on a new facility for the existing Highlands Elementary School in Jacksonville, Fla., according to a news release. The new school will replace the existing facility on the same site.
Campus Technology
Airtame, developer of a hardware-enabled SaaS platform allowing collaboration in schools, and furniture designer and manufacturer Orangebox recently announced a partnership to demo their solutions in Orangebox’s showroom in New York City, according to a news release.