A 2020 Reflection

This year was a whirlwind of obstacles and it’s finally coming to a close. As we wind down the most challenging year in education to date, take a moment to reflect on everything you learned in 2020. More than likely, you had to think outside the box, adapt quickly to many changes, and make difficult decisions. You were not alone.

In the Fall issue of Spaces4Learning, we surveyed facilities managers, administrators, faculty, policymakers, architects, and maintenance professionals from around the country and asked them about their Fall 2020 experiences and plans for the new year. Take a peek at what others endured, the lessons learned, and what can be improved on in 2021.

Although this year was rough, I hope you celebrate your wins — big or small. In this issue, we're celebrating our Education Design Showcase winners, where we honor outstanding design in educational environments. Each project is exemplary and demonstrates innovative design for today’s students. I hope you take inspiration from these amazing learning spaces to your own districts and institutions. We’ll have more detailed information about the winners online so be sure to check out www.spaces4learning.com.

After a year full of zoom meetings and emergency measures, I wish you a restful holiday season. A new year brings a fresh start and with it, a chance to expand upon what we learned this year.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2020 issue of Spaces4Learning.

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • Minnesota District Starts Construction on Early Childhood Learning Center

    Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools in Sauk Rapids, Minn., recently announced that construction has begun on a new early childhood learning center and a new outdoor activities complex, according to a news release.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • University of Kentucky Reopens Scovell Hall

    The University of Kentucky recently reopened Scovell Hall, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), following comprehensive renovations to the 120-year-old facility in Lexington, Ky., according to a news release.