Spaces4Learning Launches Education Design Showcase 2023

Spaces4Learning is now accepting entries for the Education Design Showcase 2023! The awards program celebrates innovative and practical solutions in planning, design and construction at K–12 and Higher Education institutions both. Its ultimate goal is to share ideas that will help achieve the best possible learning environments and to recognize the firms that have made these ideas a reality.

The jury will select two Grand Prize winners, one from the K–12 category and one from the higher ed category, as well as Projects of Distinction in either category. Remaining projects that the jury selects for publication will be designated as Honorable Mention. Evaluation and judging criteria include:

  • Thorough and effective planning process, cost-effectiveness
  • Architect/design response to the program requirements, students’ needs
  • Innovation, originality, creative solutions
  • Functional, flexible, adaptable design
  • Site selection, planning, development, and use/context within the campus and community
  • Sustainability, environmental stewardship, materials selection, and maintainability
  • Safe and secure environment
  • Visual and aesthetic qualities

This year’s awards program features a multi-tiered entry program that allows applicants to submit new construction, renovation, or spaces projects. There are also different price levels and multi-project discounts. Spaces4Learning is also offering an early entry discount of $100 off per project through Feb. 24, 2023.

All entries will be showcased in the Spaces4Learning magazine, online at spaces4learning.com, in the Spaces4Learning K–12 or Higher Education Update eNewsletter, and on social media.

For more information, visit the Education Design Showcase page on the Spaces4Learning website, or jump straight to the entry form. Entries can be submitted online here. Please direct any questions or any extra materials to Susan May at [email protected].

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.

  • Big Horn Academy

    Big Horn Academy

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Big Horn Academy has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • GeoCam and UCLA: Modernizing Campus Accessibility Mapping

    In early 2025, UCLA partnered with GeoCam to capture and modernize its pedestrian infrastructure data. The goal was ambitious but clear: to produce a high-accuracy, imagery-backed digital map of every sidewalk, pathway, ramp, and ADA-related feature on UCLA’s 419-acre campus.