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

  • nursing students talk while studying in a hallway

    Elsevier Launches VR Simulation Solution for Nursing Students

    Elsevier has introduced Shadow Health Lab with Virtual Reality, a simulation platform that allows nursing students to interact with virtual patients and build clinical judgment skills in a safe, realistic environment.

  • 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.

  • Wyoming District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Laramie County School District #1 in Cheyenne, Wy., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming Mountain View Elementary School, according to a news release. The facility has an estimated completion date of summer 2028, and it will have the capacity for 650 students in fifth and sixth grade.

  • RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition

    RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. RIT Saunders College of Business's Lowenthal Hall Addition has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.