Campus Safety
Vector Solutions, a training and software solutions provider, recently announced the launch of an incident management system for K–12 schools designed to help districts keep track of health and safety incidents, hazards and trends.
The widespread use of hand sanitizing stations requires educational institutions to keep a bulk supply of hand sanitizing fluid on hand. And finding a location on campus to keep gallons of hand sanitizing fluid has proved to be a logistical challenge from a fire and life safety inspections perspective.
Campus Safety
School infrastructure has faced significant challenges over the past few years. As administrators look forward, they are faced with the difficult challenge of ensuring their building infrastructure encompasses both short-term safety and long-term priorities while instilling public confidence.
Facility Focus
College science labs are evolving as teaching and learning methods change. This adaptation includes increasing flexibility and the inclusion of both horizontal and vertical learning surfaces. Although student lab workstations are a critical component of any teaching lab, there are other factors that are just as important. O’Connell Robertson recently put these design criteria into practice while working on the new Alamo Colleges District San Antonio College (SAC) Science Lab Building.
Campus Renovations
Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, N.Y., recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new-and-improved UNITI Cultural Center.
Campus Amenities
Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., announced recently that it will install Smart Windows by View, Inc., at its new Martire Family Arena, currently under construction. Designers wanted to include natural light as part of the rink’s design but were worried that the associated heat would melt the ice.
EDSpaces 2021
I spent last week in Pittsburgh, Penn., for the 2021 EDSpaces conference, put on by the Education Market Association. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 2020 event into the virtual space, the 2021 event marked the return of the in-person gathering—in style.
Education News
FGM Architects (FGMA) in Austin, Texas, recently announced that Design Principal Rebecca Richter, AIA, ALEP, LEED AP, RID has been selected as the 2021-2022 President of the A4LE (Association for Learning Environments), Central Texas Chapter.
New Construction
The Magnolia Speech School in Jackson, Miss., held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Oct. 22, for a new facility. According to a press release, the 30,000-square-foot facility will be designed to accommodate the needs of children with hearing loss and communication disorders.
EDSpaces 2021
EDspaces 2021 is fast approaching! This year’s conference is scheduled from Wednesday, Nov. 3, to Friday, Nov. 5, in Pittsburgh, Penn. After the 2020 event shifted to a digital format during the pandemic, this year’s gathering marks the return to an in-person celebration of the educational facilities market.
Campus Sustainability
Winona State University in Winona, Minn., announced this week that it is partnering with construction and energy services firm McKinstry for a $12.3-million sustainability and solar energy project.
Campus Funding
A Texas university has received nearly $45 million for capital projects from the state. Midwestern State University will use its allocation to update a science building and do infrastructure upgrades across the campus.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 10/27/21
Campus Renovations
The 113-year-old building housing the Tulane University School of Architecture will have its façades, structure, stairs and interior spaces restored over the next two years. The work on Richardson Memorial Hall, originally built in 1908, will begin in early spring 2022, with a goal of reopening in fall 2023.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 10/26/21
New Construction
Kent State University recently approved construction of a new $74 million, 145,000-square-foot building to house its College of Business Administration. It will be named after the individual who has made the largest donation Kent has ever received.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 10/26/21
Campus Renovation
The task: Transform the outdated, fortress-like 1960s Neuberger Hall (currently named Fariborz Maseeh Hall) on the campus of Portland State University in Portland, Ore., into a modern, interactive, light-filled academic hub.
New Construction
A New Jersey university has just broken ground on the site of a new museum that is intended to explore the ancient natural past of the area while consuming net-zero energy.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 10/26/21
New Construction
A new elementary school recently opened in Foster City, Calif., as part of the San Mateo-Foster City School District (SMFCSD). Beach Park Elementary School lies in the Silicon Valley area, about halfway between San Jose and San Francisco, Calif.
New Construction
Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) recently announced the completion of a new, 14,524-square-foot replacement field house on the campus of Williams Field High School (WFHS) in Gilbert, Ariz.
Funding
School districts throughout the U.S. are on the verge of letting large construction projects with new funding from citizen-supported bond elections. Some school districts already have secured their funding, and others will ask voters to approve bond packages in November and December.
Campus Amenities
Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions recently introduced its Tectum Create! Direct-Attach line of ceiling and wall panels. The textured panels come in a variety of standard and custom designs to add flair and aesthetics to any space.