Johnson County Community College Classrooms

Functional Color Solutions, LLC

Project of Distinction 2017 Education Design Showcase

Johnson County Community College Classrooms

Project Information

Facility Use: 2-Year Institution
Project Type: Renovation
Location: Overland Park, KS
District/Inst.: Johnson County Community College
Chief Administrator: Rex Hayes, associate VP
Completion Date: January 2017 (ongoing)
Gross Area: 1,800,000 sq. ft. (campus-wide)
Area Per Student: 20 sq. ft.
Site Size: 245 acres
Current Enrollment: 19,139 students
Capacity: 34,000 students
Cost per Sq. Ft.: $25.20
Total Cost: $94,500

Johnson County Community College ClassroomsJohnson County Community College (JCCC) campuswide color design project for classroom and lab environments implements evidence based design research, which incorporates strategic selections of three wall paint colors and their correlating shadeaccents for teaching walls. Hue selections promote psychological and physiological benefits, which better assist in the conduction of learning, operation of tasks, and promotion of optimal behavior patterns, while enriching occupant well-being.

Each paint color is selected for its individual energy properties derived from extensive color research, while abiding with Illuminating Engineering Society’s LRV guidelines for academic settings. Sustainable practices with lower maintenance requirements and no-VOC paint are continually practiced.

Johnson County Community College ClassroomsNo additional costs for materials or labor are incurred due to the paint color change. Current to date: 63 of the 270 classrooms and 124 labs are completed (37,800 square feet) with an ongoing renovation schedule for additional spaces each year.

The innovative color design strategy collaborates with JCCC’s Mission Statement and Strategic Plan to inspire learning, increase student success and implement excellence and innovation in classroom environments. The results are positive impact on health, behavior, and emotion; better attendance; more productive and accurate student and employee performance; increased positivity in morale and heightened sense of pride within JCCC and the surrounding community.

Judges Comments

A basic project with a sizeable impact for the college.

Johnson County Community College ClassroomsArchitect(s):

Functional Color Solutions, LLC
KATHRYN GRUBE, MID, NCIDQ, LEED-AP
803/528-6165

Featured

  • K–12 Safety Trends Report Reveals Reliance on Training, Technology

    Wearable safety technology provider CENTEGIX recently released its 2025 School Safety Trends Report, according to a news release. The report is based on more than 265,000 incidents during the 2024–25 school year as reported through the CENTEGIX Safety Platform, used by more than 800 school districts across the U.S.

  • Kraus-Anderson Continues Work in Minnesota School District

    Maple River Schools in Mapleton, Minn., recently began construction on another project included in a district long-range facilities plan. Construction management firm Kraus-Anderson recently began work on two new classrooms and an outdoor track and field facility, according to a news release.

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

  • KI Wall Demonstrates New Solutions at NeoCon 2025

    KI Wall attended NeoCon 2025 in Chicago, Ill., last month to showcase its new architectural wall systems and collaborations, according to a news release. Its customizable, design-forward wall solutions are intended to support creativity in work, education, and healthcare environments.

Digital Edition