Student life is a large part of life at any institution of higher education, and creating a sense of community is often at the forefront of faculty, administrator, and staff planning. Living/learning communities are a new way to keep students engaged socially and academically, and grow a sense of community on campus. Paul Wuennenberg, principal at KWK Architects, and Jill Stratton, associate dean of Undergraduate Residential Learning at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, are at the forefront of these new campus communities and shared some of their insights with us.
An integrated approach to sustainability.
Designing to impact student achievement.
Design reflects growing trend toward sustainable solutions and hands-on learning environments.
Creating a true community place where everyone feels welcome.
Campus exteriors provide the initial impression of any college or university. These outdoor spaces can impact recruitment, retention, town/gown and alumni relationships and much more.
Architects are changing the way they design spaces to better match the way students learn.
Are your students engaged and excited about learning? Lecture versus hands-on exercises. Static desks versus swivel chairs and Hokkie Stools. Industrial Age versus 21st Century design. What does your high school look like? And how engaged are your students?
Planning strategies to support future pedagogies
Rethinking educational design for a new generation of learners.
Active planning of facilities is critical for all school districts, no matter the size.
How place influences design.
When students become the masters of their own learning.
Today's educational trends require sound acoustical design.
Take a look at the next big thing in college and university classroom design: walls you can write on and push around.
One challenge for K-12 facility managers tasked to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been offering full access to elevated areas on campus. These areas can range from stages and raised platforms to theater, auditorium, library, administrative offices and student centers with mezzanines or second floors not served by a traditional elevator.
Experiential and accessible environments for students with special needs.
New forms of architecture design for K-12 schools are creating in-depth, adaptive and flexible learning spaces for students with diverse and changing learning needs.
Creating a Student-Centered Environment.
The children's center at Caltech reflects local ecology.