Industry News


Building Blueprints

Building Blueprints: Champaign Central High School and Centennial High School

Following decades of advancements in teaching and learning, two public high schools in Champaign, Ill., were challenged to adapt their buildings to support future-ready education. Through renovation, addition, and reorganization by global architecture and design from Perkins&Will, the transformed Champaign Central and Centennial high schools—located four miles apart—are aligned with the community’s vision and designed to meet the evolving needs of contemporary education.

Campus Technology

Da-Lite Announces Upgrades to Modus VR Product Library

Da-Lite, a brand of AV technology company Legrand | AV, recently announced the addition of a new Tensioned Advantage electric screen and SightLine cable drop to its Modus VR visual experience product library.

Classroom Furniture

Wiggle, Wobble, Learn: How Flexible Furniture Boosts Engagement and Learning

As someone with ADHD, I struggled quite a bit when I was in school. I was the kid who would always get reprimanded by teachers for moving around—or, anytime I really needed to stand up or go for a walk. When I started teaching, I knew firsthand that the rigid rows of desks and chairs in the typical classroom were an antiquated approach not only for traditional students, but definitely for anyone who couldn’t “conform” to this structure.

New Construction

Kennesaw State University Breaks Ground on New STEM Facility

Kennesaw State University’s Marietta Campus recently broke ground on a new Interdisciplinary STEM Building (ISTEM) on its campus, according to university news. The facility will measure 70,000 square feet and feature both research and teaching space across a variety of disciplines.

New Construction

Texas A&M Corpus Christi to Build New Arts and Media Building

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) recently announced that construction will soon begin on a new Arts and Media Building, according to university news. The facility will stand two stories, cover 85,000 square feet, and was designed by BGK Architects and Bora Architects.

Campus Renovations

New York Medical College Opens Renovated Basic Sciences Building

New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y., recently opened the doors of its newly renovated Basic Sciences Building (BSB), according to a news release. The college partnered with DIGroup Architecture’s Healthcare Studio team for the project, which cost $6.2 million and covers an estimated 18,755 square feet.

Healthy Schools

The Layered Approach

Clean air isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, schools can protect their students and staff at an affordable price. With so many entry points for threats to student and staff well-being, a single solution can’t cover every hole. Adopting a layered approach that utilizes multiple technologies allows schools to address the broad range of potential entries for pollutants. Here are a few key components of a multidimensional solution to ensure the highest air quality for your school.

Restrooms

Bradley Company Launches Washroom Accessories Collection

Commercial restroom solutions company Bradley Company recently launched a new collection of washroom accessories, according to a news release. The Elvari Washroom Accessories offer an integrated design across the entire collection to “unify and elevate” the aesthetic of professional restrooms, the release reports.

Construction Begins on Replacement Facility for 1950s-Era High School

T&T Construction Management Group, Inc., recently began construction on a replacement facility for Jean Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla., according to a news release. The original facility was built in 1957.

Campus Renovations

Construction Specialties Adds Creative Shading System to Savannah College of Art and Design

Nestled within the vibrant landscape of Midtown Atlanta stands FORTY FIVE, an architectural gem that combines residential, academic, and wellness facilities on the grounds of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Offering residence to more than 400 art students, FORTY FIVE provides more than just a place to stay.



New Construction

California Community College Tops Out Brand-New Campus

The Gavilan Joint Community College District recently announced the topping out of Phase 1 of a new campus in Hollister, Calif., according to a news release. Gavilan gathered with representatives from partners Blach Construction, Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA), and Gensler to celebrate the ceremonial placement of the final steel beam in the building’s structure.

Campus Renovations

Texas City ISD Completes New STEM, Robotics Center

The Texas City Independent School District near Houston, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new STEM and Robotics Center geared towards students across grades K–12, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects and Bartlett Cocke for the project’s design and construction.

Campus Renovations

California K–12 District Debuts Reconstructed High School

The Mendocino Unified School District (MUSD) in Mendocino, Calif., recently completed a renovation and modernization project on Mendocino High School, according to a news release. The “near-total reconstruction” included updates to educational and student spaces, energy conservation, and the incorporation of all-electric features to be paired with renewable energy sources in future phases.

Fort Worth Country Day

New Construction

Fort Worth Country Day to Build New Lower School with Focus on Natural Light, Indoor-Outdoor Learning Spaces

Fort Worth Country Day (FWCD), a college-preparatory school in Fort Worth, Texas, has broken ground on a new 32,720-square-foot, $25 million Lower School.

building electricity

Energy

University of Houston System Partners with TXU Energy to Power All System Facilities

The University of Houston System has entered into a multi-year partnership with TXU Energy to provide electricity across the entire system, including its university campuses and instructional sites as well as its athletic facilities. The agreement includes investments in UH scholarships as well as energy-efficiency projects.

Kupp Flip-Top Tables

Furniture

Teknion Introduces Space-Saving Kupp Flip-Top Tables

Teknion has launched a new addition to its Kupp furniture collection: the Kupp Flip-Top table. Featuring angled legs that enable straight-line nesting and integration with the Kupp horizontal nesting chair, the tables are designed for flexibility and efficient storage, the company said in a news announcement.

Display Technologies

New LG CreateBoard Features Built-in Access to Google Play Store

LG Business Solutions USA (LG) has announced a new CreateBoard, the TR3DK-BM, to be shipped this spring. It will come with ransomware default protection ChromeOS Flex and Android 13 pre-installed and be able to access the Google Play store.

Virtual Reality

D2L Partners with Unity to Bring Extended Reality to Classrooms

Learning tech company D2L has announced a partnership with extended reality (XR) content creation company Unity to empower educators to use interactive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools to expand and deepen student education.

Awards

Spaces4Learning Launches 2024 Education Design Showcase

Spaces4Learning is now accepting entries for the 2024 Education Design Showcase! The program was established in 1999 to share innovative and practical solutions in planning, design, and construction.

Facilities

Zurn Elkay Launches Update to Exposed Sensor Flush Valves

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced an update to its line of exposed sensor flush valves. The new Zurn Top Mount Exposed Sensor Flush Valves With Ceramic Gear Technology take advantage of ceramic gear technology instead of solenoids to increase reliability, precision, and efficiency while also providing low-maintenance flushing.

Architecture

Spiezle Architectural Group Opens Philadelphia Office

Spiezle Architectural Group recently announced the opening of a new office in Philadelphia, Pa., according to a news release. The 6,200-square-foot space will offer clients the full array of the firm’s services and will be overseen by Bob Reid, AIA, LEED AP, Principal with the firm.

Sustainability

California K–12 District Launches Energy Infrastructure, Sustainability Program

The Burlingame School District in Burlingame, Calif., recently announced the upcoming launch of its Energy Infrastructure and Sustainability Program Phase II, according to a news release. Construction on HVAC modernizations and solar structures will begin early this year and is scheduled for completion before the beginning of the 2024–25 school year.

Staffing

DLR Group Announces New Higher Education Leader

Design firm DLR Group recently named a new leader for its Higher Education practice in Senior Associate Adam Post, AIA, WELL AP. Based out of the office in Lincoln, Neb., Post will work to expand relationships and opportunities with institutions of higher education in the region.

Healthy Schools

Service by Medallion Receives 2023 BSCAI Cleaning for Health Award

Service by Medallion was recently selected by an independent panel of industry experts to receive the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) 2023 Cleaning for Health Award presented by ProTeam.

New Construction

Auburn University Breaks Ground on STEM + Agricultural Sciences Complex

Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., recently announced that construction on a new STEM and Agriculture Sciences Complex has begun, according to a news release. The new facility measures in at 285,000 square feet and will cost an estimated $184 million.

Predictions

Call for Opinions: Spaces4Learning 2024 Predictions for Educational Facilities

We’re inviting our readership—administrators, facilities managers, architects, engineers, builders, superintendents, designers, vendors—to chip in on their predictions for educational facilities in 2024.

New Construction

Construction Begins on South Carolina Charter School

Construction recently began on a new 43,000-square-foot charter school near Charleston, S.C., according to a news release. Real estate solutions provider Ryan Companies broke ground on Summerville Preparatory Academy in partnership with Red Apple Development and Charter Schools USA.

Sustainability

Architecture Firm, Community College District Partner to Create Sustainability Goals

Architecture firm DLR Group recently partnered with the Riverside Community College District (RCCD) in Riverside, Calif., to offer a suite of sustainability services, according to a news release. RCCD is composed of three colleges (Moreno Valley College, Norco College, and Riverside City College), each of which will gain a new Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP), a Total Cost of Ownership dashboard (TCO), and Integrated Energy Master Plans (IMEP).

Sustainability

Auburn University, ABM Partner for EV Charging Station Solutions

Auburn University’s School of Industrial & Graphic Design recently partnered with ABM Industries for a series of student senior projects involving the design of new and innovating EV charging stations, according to a news release.

Healthy Schools

Modine Offers Germicidal Air Disinfection for K–12 Schools

HVAC indoor air quality company Modine has debuted the VidaShield UV24 Active Air Disinfection System for the K–12 school market. The product line combines UV-C light irradiation with air circulating fans and an optional ceiling light, the company said.

Furniture

Kimball International Receives Three Awards from Interior Design Magazine

Commercial furnishings manufacturer Kimball International recently announced that it has received three Best of Year (BoY) Awards from Interior Magazine. The awards recognize designers, manufacturers, and architects around the world to both showcase modern design and indicate the direction of future trends.

Campus Design

Five Ways to Create an Inviting, Engaging Multipurpose Space

We always knew that it would be great to have a dedicated space for students who needed pull-out testing, different accommodations, and/or more individualized instruction. We also knew that by creating a modern, multipurpose space from an existing facility, we’d be able to meet those needs while also using the space for staff meetings, academic clubs, Bible study, and other purposes.

Product News

Bitec Announces Merger with Viking Products Group

Roofing contractor Bitec recently announced that it will merge with Viking Products Group to expand the organizational efficiencies and sales distributions of both organizations, according to a news release. Roofing contractor and distributor customers will gain access to a wide array of roofing materials with benefits like recycled materials and a design allowing for ease of installation.

Campus Renovations

University of Miami Completes Renovations to Student Center

The University of Miami recently announced that renovations to its Student Village on the second floor of the Whitten University Center are complete, according to a news release. The Student Village plays home to departments and suites for student groups and organizations including the Veterans Resource Center, the LBGTQ+ Student Center, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and more.

New Construction

University of California, Riverside Breaks Ground on $285M Student Housing Facility

The University of California, Riverside recently broke ground on a new student housing project on its campus, according to a news release. The North District Phase 2 Student Housing Development will measure in at 424,000 square feet and cost an estimated $285 million.

New Construction

California High School Breaks Ground on New Student Union Building

Hollister High School, part of the San Benito High School District (SBHSD) in Hollister, Calif., recently broke ground on a new student union building, according to a news release. The new facility will provide the school’s 3,500 students with multipurpose gathering spaces, food service area, and state-of-the-art kitchen.

Campus Technology

Texas K–12 District Utilizes Federal Grant Money for VR Equipment

The San Isidro Independent School District in south Texas recently announced that it used a federal grant program to purchase virtual reality (VR) headsets for its middle- and high-school students, according to a news release.

New Construction

University of Evansville Debuts Mental Health and Wellness Clinic

The University of Evansville in Evansville, Ind., recently celebrated a dedication ceremony for its new Mental Health and Wellness Clinic, according to a news release. The new facility includes the Emily M. Young Assessment Center, which provides advanced therapy and assessment services to the university and local community.

New Construction

Massachusetts Charter School Breaks Ground on New Academic Building

The Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School in Marlborough, Mass., recently broke ground on a new 17,000-square-foot academic building, according to a news release. The facility will offer additional classroom and science lab space for the campus, which serves students in grades 6–12.

Staffing

VLK Architects Adds New Principal to Houston Office

VLK Architects recently announced that it has added a new principal, David Valerius, to the staff of the VLK Houston office, according to a news release. Valerius has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Texas Tech University and more than 30 years of architectural experience in the commercial and educational verticals.

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