Poor acoustics within classrooms create challenging environments for children, who possess heightened sensitivity compared to adults or older peers. These conditions, characterized by noise and reverberation, significantly impact their ability to engage in tasks that require listening comprehension, as well as non-auditory functions like short-term memory, reading, and writing.
Interactive technology solutions provider SMART Technologies recently launched a new solution to support neurodiverse learners, according to a news release. The Inclusive Classroom Bundle was designed to meet the specific needs of students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia.
Projector brand Epson America recently launched a new series of projector stacking frames, ceiling mounts, and other accessories for its 3-chip 3LCD large venue laser projectors, a news release reports.
The new building for Clendenin Elementary School in Clendenin, W.Va., is set to open its doors to students this fall, eight years after the school was destroyed during a 2016 flood along the Elk River, according to local news.
Matern Professional Engineering recently announced that work is almost complete on the redevelopment of an elementary school in Fort Myers, Fla., according to a news release. Every building except one on the campus of Franklin Park Elementary School was demolished and replaced with modern facilities.
Sonoma Academy—a private, co-ed college preparatory school in Santa Rosa, Calif.—recently announced that construction is complete on a new, 350-seat Community Performing Arts Center, according to a news release. The facility will play home to the school’s music, theater, and film productions and host various types of programming for the community at large.
Ashley McGraw Architects, based in Syracuse, N.Y., recently announced that it has acquired the 15-person architecture and landscape design firm studioMLA Architects, based in Brookline, Mass. The acquired firm will be rebranded as the Early Childhood Education Studio, and studioMLA founder Mike Lindstrom will become Ashley McGraw’s seventh partner, according to a news release.
Audiovisual solutions company PureTek Group recently partnered with Plainfield Public Schools in Plainfield, N.J., to create three new educational spaces for the district, according to a news release. The project involves upgrading the existing Plainfield High School auditorium into a performing arts center, a mini-theater into a blackbox theater, and two adjacent unused classrooms into an Esports Arena.
Ed-tech solutions company Boxlight recently announced the debut of FrontRow UNITY and FrontRow UNITY Campus at ISTELive 2024 in Denver, Colo., according to a news release. The product unifies solutions for institutional technology, campus communication, classroom audio, and emergency notification and response into a single device.
DIGroup Architecture recently announced the completion of its first education project in New York City, according to a news release. P.S. 748, The Albee Square Campus, will take up six floors of a new 34-story office tower in Brooklyn, N.Y., and is part of a larger city plan to add the capacity for 45,000 new students as part of the New York City School Construction Authority’s 2020–24 Capital Plan.
The Villages in Central Florida, one of the largest retirement communities in the nation, recently announced the expansion of The Villages Charter School to include new facilities for its high school, K–8 school, and Early Learning Center, according to a news release. The schools serve children of residents who work at various businesses within the community.
We all experience boredom at times. Not everything can be thrilling and engaging. However, this should not be the prevalent case for student learning in several classrooms. Over the past several years, data collected on student learning experiences often paint a dismal picture. Students are disengaged and bored. What can school leaders and architects do to combat this crisis in schools?
We've all heard it a million times. "Go outside and get some fresh air." Well, Mom was right, and not just about being bored on a summer afternoon. There’s solid research that shows taking the classroom outside can be a game-changer, especially when it is introduced early to our youngest learners.
Edwin Forrest Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pa., recently celebrated the completion of a $22-million renovation project, according to a news release. The School District of Philadelphia partnered with DIGroup Architecture (DIG) for the project’s design. Work on the almost century-old campus included significant interior renovations, repairs to the exterior building envelope, and restoration.
NeoCity Academy in Kissimmee, Fla., recently completed a 53,000-square-foot, three-story addition to its campus, according to a news release. The school partnered with construction firm Skanska on the project, which includes 26 new classrooms with collaborative learning spaces and labs.
Commercial plumbing systems manufacturer Sloan recently announced the launch of Sloan DropSpot, the company’s first line of bottle fillers and water coolers, according to a news release. The fillers come in a stainless steel or black powder-coated finish for placement in commercial or educational environments and also include an easy-access filter for maintenance purposes.
This episode’s guest is Michael Dunn, Technical Sales Manager for Energy Saving Ceilings & PCM at Armstrong World Industries. He’s here to talk about how Phase Change Material (PCM) can help provide energy savings in schools.
Brentwood County High School in Brentwood, Essex, United Kingdom, recently completed a four-year project to approve student accessibility and retention, according to a news release. Additions to the school include two new specialist teaching blocks, a renovated sports hall, new landscaping, and a multi-use play area.
Spaces4Learning is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Education Design Showcase! Now in its 25th year, the S4L Education Design Showcase honors innovative solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction across K–12 and higher education. The program’s goal is to share ideas and best practices to help schools of all grade levels achieve outstanding learning environments.
The concept of reconnecting with nature in schools is gaining momentum as we begin to understand the greater benefits these spaces provide within the educational framework, such as learning in multiple dimensions; academic learning; social interaction; personal development and well-being; mental, physical, and social health; creativity; and much more.