RTA Architects Wins Planning and Design Award from A4LE

Colorado-based architectural and interior design firm RTA Architects announced recently that it has received the LEsolutions Planning and Design Award from the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). The award, one of A4LE’s most prestigious honors, was presented at the association’s LearningSCAPES conference in Denver, Colo., for RTA’s design of the Lake City Community School (Hinesdale County School District RE-1, Lake City, Colo.) in the category of Renovation / Major Addition.

A news release explains, “A4LE’s LEsolutions Awards recognize learning environments that positively impact teaching and learning and are a result of a thorough planning process. Award-winning projects show stimulation of systemic change in the educational system, embodiment of leading-edge architectural design solutions and incorporation of an interactive process that engages multiple stakeholders during the planning phase.”

Lake City Community School
Lake City Community School

The Lake City Community School renovation and addition project included work like a full interior renovation; construction of a new gymnasium; critical upgrades to safety, security and HVAC systems; construction of a classroom for Career and Technical Education (CTE); construction of a commercial kitchen for both hot lunches and culinary arts classes; and a new nurse’s room. RTA Architects collaborated closely with the town’s board of trustees and the county’s historical society to match the character of the design with the feel of the area that has been designated a National Register Historic District.

“What I’ve realized the most with this renovation/addition is that a facility can really drive and change educational planning for students (for instance, the Career Technical Education classroom), community outreach (our community plays Pickleball every week on our sports court while the weather is nice), and the beauty and pride our building brings to the community!” said Rebecca Hall, M.A. Ed, Superintendent and Principal of the Lake City Community School.

Further details about the LEsolutions Award for Lake City Community School, as well as all 2021 winners and entrants, is available at the A4LE awards website.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • Abstract tech network data connections with orange, blue glowing dots, lines

    3 Trends for Higher Education to Stay Ahead of in 2026

    As universities enter the new year, the question is no longer whether digital transformation is necessary, but how quickly institutions can convert technological potential into strategic advantage.

  • New City School

    Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Transforming New City School

    When New City School in St. Louis suffered catastrophic flood damage in July 2022, the event could have marked a serious setback for the 100-year-old institution. Instead, it became a forward-looking opportunity.

  • LAN, Inc. Opens Office in College Station, Texas

    Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) recently announced the opening of a new office in College Station, Texas, to support its regional client base, according to a news release. The organization provides engineering, design, and program management services for water, wastewater, transportation, stormwater, and education clients in the Brazos Valley.