By Alberto Scirocco

Campus design has entered a new era. Colleges and universities are integrating experiential and digital environments as core infrastructure — not ornamental additions, but deliberate extensions of institutional mission and identity.��

A recently completed project at Oakland Community College’s Culinary Studies Institute illustrates what this looks like in practice.��

A Living Part of the School’s Identity��

When design firm Ideation Orange engaged��leftchannel��to create a for OCC’s new culinary building, the brief was open — but the opportunity was clear. The artwork needed to do more than fill a wall. It had to embody the school’s focus on creativity, craft, and the art of cuisine.��

The result was��Food Is Art��— a large-scale moving image piece that explores cuisine as both an artistic and emotional experience, transforming the language of cooking into a living, cinematic sculpture. Using macro lenses and high-speed cinematography, the team captured the slow rhythm and motion of ingredients as they move, transform, and combine. Designed as a long-form evolving composition rather than a loop,��it’s��displayed across large screens that merge seamlessly with the building’s architecture.��

“It inspires our students, faculty, and community with its visual interpretation of how food preparation truly��is a craft��to be appreciated,” said Peter Provenzano Jr., Chancellor of Oakland Community College.��

That response points to something important.��Food Is Art��isn’t��decoration —��it’s��become a living part of the school’s identity, connecting everyone who enters the space to the creative essence of the culinary arts.��

Why Colleges Are Reimagining Campus Spaces��

Higher education faces intensifying competitive and demographic pressures. Institutional identity has become a recruitment asset. Campus experience directly influences student satisfaction and retention.��

When designed strategically, experiential environments serve multiple functions at once: communicating mission and values at a visceral level, creating memorable moments that reinforce student identity with the institution, and signaling investment in student experience — a meaningful differentiator in competitive markets.��

The key word is��strategically. The distinction between decoration and infrastructure��determines��whether these investments deliver real value.��

What This Means for Institutional Planning��

For colleges evaluating facility investments, three principles��emerge��from projects like this one:��

Start with story, not technology. What does this space need to communicate? What student outcomes are you trying to influence? Technology and design��follow from��those answers, not the reverse.��

Integrate with the environment. Effective experiential design merges with architecture and reflects the energy of the space it lives in. Installations that feel bolted on quickly become invisible — or worse, liabilities.��

Partner with experts who think systemically and focus on making the story visible, finding the emotional or conceptual thread that connects a piece to the place it lives in. That kind of thinking requires collaboration across architecture, digital craft, and institutional strategy — siloed expertise produces disconnected results.��

The institutions winning in enrollment and reputation understand that every surface, every moment, every transition can communicate value. Experiential and digital design, when deployed strategically, transform buildings from static containers into active participants in student success and institutional mission.��

The question for facility leaders is no longer whether to invest in experiential design — but how to do it in ways that earn their place.����

Alberto Scirocco is President and Creative Director at leftchannel, a motion- and experiential-design studio based in Columbus, Ohio. The OCC Culinary Studies Institute installation was completed in 2025 in partnership with Ideation Orange.��

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By Ryan Akers

Learning spaces are evolving across every level of education. From elementary schools to university campuses, today’s classrooms must support varied teaching styles, inclusive experiences, student health and well-being, long-term operational resilience, and sustainability.

In K–12 settings, learning has become more active and movement-based. Students regularly transition between floor activities, small-group collaboration, and individual study, making it more common for teachers to reconfigure classrooms throughout the day. While flexibility looks different in higher education, it is no less essential. Lecture halls, labs, studios, and shared campus spaces often serve multiple departments and functions over time.

Across schools and universities, flooring plays a critical role in how spaces function, feel, and perform. Resilient flooring is frequently specified to help create adaptable learning environments that support students and are built to last.

Designing for Health and Well-Being at Every Age

Student health and well-being remain central drivers of education design, from early childhood through adulthood. While K–12 and higher education have distinct needs, the built environment plays an important role in supporting both emotional and physical well-being.

Emotional Well-Being

Welcoming school environments can help students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn—particularly in early grades, where sensory experiences strongly influence behavior and focus.

Emotional well-being is also a growing concern in higher education. Inside Higher Ed’s 2025 Student Voice survey found that 29% of respondents rated their mental health as below average or poor, indicating that nearly one-third of college students may be struggling.

Material choices can contribute to calmer, more comfortable learning environments that support well-being. Today’s resilient flooring options, including LVT and rubber, are available in a wide range of styles that support biophilic and human-centered design strategies.

Research suggests these approaches can positively affect occupants by:

• Reducing visual stress through natural color palettes and organic patterns
• Adding warmth and comfort with tactile surfaces underfoot
• Supporting calmness and sustained focus through subtle references to nature

Recent advancements in LVT and rubber flooring have expanded aesthetic options, allowing designers to specify materials that feel refined and welcoming without sacrificing performance.

Physical Health

Indoor air quality, cleanability, and material emissions also affect students of all ages.

In K–12 environments, reducing exposure to harmful substances is especially important as children continue to develop physically. In higher education, where students spend long hours in classrooms, labs, and libraries, healthy indoor environments support comfort, concentration, and overall learning outcomes. Research published in Cureus shows that improving ventilation and indoor air quality in schools can support cognitive performance and help reduce asthma-related symptoms. Resilient flooring can contribute to healthier indoor environments in several ways:

• Low-VOC materials help minimize indoor air contaminants
• Non-porous surfaces resist moisture and dirt, making spaces easier to clean
• Many LVT and rubber floors can be maintained without harsh chemicals that negatively affect air quality

By supporting healthier indoor environments, resilient flooring helps create spaces where students and educators can thrive—from elementary classrooms to college campuses.

Supporting Focused Learning in a Noisy World

Noise is one of the most significant barriers to learning, particularly in flexible and open classrooms. Higher noise levels are linked to reduced attention, impaired working memory, and decreased comprehension. A 2025 meta-analysis of classroom noise spanning 21 international studies found a moderate negative impact on student cognitive and academic performance, with younger students especially affected. These findings underscore the importance of acoustics in learning environments.

Many resilient flooring solutions offer noise-dampening properties that help reduce impact sound from footsteps, rolling furniture, and daily movement. This contributes to quieter, more focused classrooms, corridors, and shared campus spaces.

Withstanding High-Traffic Learning Environments

Few building types experience the daily wear that schools and universities do. Floors must withstand constant foot traffic, frequent furniture movement, and regular cleaning.

In K–12 schools, durability and ease of maintenance help minimize disruptions to learning and reduce strain on facilities teams. In higher education, long service life and life-cycle value are equally critical for large campuses managing multiple buildings and budgets.

Resilient flooring supports these demands by offering:

• Non-coated options that eliminate the need for waxing, stripping, and chemical-intensive maintenance
• Modular formats that allow individual tiles to be replaced rather than entire floors
• Long service life that helps reduce downtime and total cost of ownership

These characteristics support both school districts and higher-education institutions planning for long-term use and evolving space needs.

Lowering Environmental Impact Over Time

Sustainability expectations continue to rise across the education sector. Schools and universities are increasingly evaluating materials based on environmental impact, transparency, and longevity. According to Metropolis Magazine’s 2026 Sustainable Design Report, 75% of surveyed U.S. architects and design professionals want to incorporate more sustainability into their projects. The good news? Tools such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) allow institutions to evaluate materials based on carbon impact and material health across the full life cycle.

Resilient flooring options that combine long service life with responsible material choices support these goals. Durable, high-performance surfaces like rubber flooring help reduce replacement frequency, lower maintenance demands, and minimize environmental impact over time.

Supporting the Next Generation of Learning

Flooring choices play a meaningful role in how education spaces adapt to changing needs, support learning outcomes, and endure over time. As schools and campuses continue to evolve, materials must meet shared demands for flexibility, health, performance, and sustainability.

Resilient flooring, including rubber and LVT, helps K–12 schools and higher-education institutions meet these challenges by delivering reliable performance in high-use environments. When foundational materials work harder and last longer, learning environments are better positioned to do the same.

Ryan Akers is Vice President of Segment Sales at Interface.

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By Courtney Schmitz

When Mississippi State University (MSU) gave final approval for renovations to expand the premium seating options at Dudy Noble Field in the winter of 2024, the directive was clear: complete the upgrades in time for the highly anticipated home baseball series against in-state rival Ole Miss. With just six weeks from approval to completion, the turnaround time left little room for error.

A Flexible Seating Solution

University stakeholders sought to improve the game-day experience at the MSU Bulldogs’ home stadium, which holds the NCAA on-campus attendance record of 16,423. At the same time, they wanted to avoid committing to a static, single-use solution. The goal was to create a flexible solution that could deliver a strong return on investment while enhancing the game-day experience for a loyal fanbase that has supported the team and Dudy Noble Field for decades.

To meet these objectives, the university worked with Sightline, which offers the Flex Suite system, a modular premium seating solution designed for flexibility and scalability. Built on a forkliftable aluminum frame, the system is designed for rapid deployment, reconfiguration and transport, whether within a single venue or across campus. Delivered as fully assembled units, each section integrates platforms, railings and seating into a single structure, with customizable and optional features like signage, drink railing, TVs and fridges. This approach minimized on-site construction and enabled a faster installation without sacrificing functionality or quality.

An Enhanced Fan Experience

The team carefully chose materials and finishes that are durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions while blending seamlessly with the stadium’s existing structural elements. Custom fabrication capabilities allowed Sightline to incorporate tailored design elements in-house. A decorative speckled walking surface, custom cable railing and integrated drink rails contributed to a more premium environment while maintaining the system’s flexibility.

Additional enhancements further elevated the experience. Integrated drink rails with custom acrylic backsplashes and Di-Noc infill panels were installed to reinforce a cohesive, premium aesthetic. Despite the compressed timeline, the renovations were completed in time for the Ole Miss series, one of MSU’s most electric sporting events of the year, which the Bulldogs ultimately won.

Scaling and Evaluating the Solution

Based on the positive feedback from fans and university staff, MSU expanded the Flex Suite concept beyond its baseball facility. What began as a fast-track solution for Dudy Noble Field quickly proved its value as a cross-venue strategy. Flex Suite was later introduced to Humphrey Coliseum, home to the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. This transition from an outdoor stadium to an indoor arena highlighted the system’s adaptability.

Adapting the system for “the Hump” required targeted modifications to align with the venue’s layout. Additional infill platforms and step units were installed to ensure seamless integration within the arena, while a dedicated concessions area exclusive to the Flex Suite sections at Humphrey Coliseum allowed the university to offer a differentiated experience at an affordable price point.

This project also provided an opportunity to evaluate the system in real-world conditions. By observing fan interactions and gathering feedback during the baseball season, the team identified opportunities for refinement. Insights from Dudy Noble Field informed adjustments that further improved comfort and usability when the system was implemented at Humphrey Coliseum.

Looking Longterm

As colleges and universities continue investing in athletic facilities, balancing premium experiences with long-term flexibility is becoming increasingly important. Solutions like Flex Suite that can adapt across venues and evolving programs offer a strategic alternative to traditional fixed construction, which may be difficult or costly to modify in the future.

At Mississippi State University, what began as a time-sensitive installation evolved into a scalable model for premium seating across campus while also creating new revenue opportunities. Collaboration with university stakeholders enabled the team to deliver a solution that met immediate demands for the Ole Miss series while supporting future use across athletic programs.

Courtney Schmitz is Director of Sales at Sightline Commercial Solutions.

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By Herschel Acosta, CCM

Disaster recovery is a word often heard, but few truly experience firsthand. Whether it’s a hurricane, flood, tornado, chemical/biological risks, or man-made event, the threat of disaster, whether visible or invisible, is real enough to demand preparedness.

Facility managers play a pivotal role in how well a school weathers and recovers from a crisis. Preparation determines resilience.

Below are a few principles that can help facility managers prepare for the disasters that they hope will never come, but must always be ready for:

1. Pre-Event Planning

A good offense begins with a strong defense. The foundation of resilience lies in risk assessment, hazard mapping, and training.

Every region has its own threats. Coastal areas face hurricanes, the central U.S. deals with tornadoes, and sadly, schools everywhere must now consider active-shooter scenarios. Other facilities may face chemical hazards from nearby manufacturing plants or recurring flooding. The key is to identify local risks and understand a school’s vulnerabilities.

Once the risks are mapped, the next step is to develop an emergency operations plan tailored to each campus—not a generic binder, but a living document aligned with their district’s resources and the capabilities of local fire, police, and emergency response teams.

If possible, facility managers should conduct walkthroughs with first responders. These site visits often reveal insights that can’t be captured in a plan alone. Some districts may even benefit from a central emergency operations hub that coordinates real-time information from all campuses. The more coordination and clarity built before a crisis, the more confident the team will be when it matters most.

2. During the Event

When a disaster unfolds, communication and calm execution make all the difference.

The biggest hurdle in any emergency is often information—too little, too late. Rumors spread faster than facts, and uncertainty erodes trust. That’s why it’s critical to establish and test communication protocols in advance. Determine who the spokesperson will be—superintendent, communications director, or a joint task force—and make sure messages are clear, consistent, and timely.

Equally important are the physical response protocols: evacuation, shelter-in-place, and lockdown. Far removed from the fire drills of years gone by, today’s risks require broader readiness. Practice both evacuation and shelter-in-place scenarios so that staff and students understand their roles.

One lesson that stands out came from the Columbine tragedy, when responders discovered that some teachers and students didn’t know their room numbers during emergency calls. Something as simple as numbering rooms visibly on the interior can make communication faster and more effective when seconds count.

3. Post-Event Recovery

Once the crisis has passed, the work is far from over. Recovery begins with safety inspections and rapid condition assessments to ensure that facilities are structurally sound. Then comes the logistical challenge of restoring learning continuity—through temporary classrooms, remote instruction, or staggered schedules—while repairs are underway.

Prioritize repairs to critical infrastructure first: water, HVAC, IT systems, and power. Document every step for insurance and reimbursement. These records become invaluable when working with FEMA or other agencies.

4. Codes, Costs, and the Fine Print

Resilience is as much about planning as it is about funding. Many states now require storm shelters as part of new school construction or major renovations; new codes may mandate that gymnasiums or other spaces double as tornado shelters.

Each funding source—federal, state, or private—comes with conditions. Understand those obligations early to avoid surprises later.

FEMA, for example, typically funds repairs to restore a building to its pre-disaster condition—not to upgrade it. That distinction matters when planning both immediate recovery and long-term resilience.

Closing Reflections

Disaster recovery is not just about responding to tragedy—it’s about building confidence in a community’s ability to endure and rebuild.

Schools are not just facilities; they are centers of life, learning, and hope. When disaster strikes, the speed and quality of recovery depend on foresight, relationships, and disciplined preparation.

Preparedness isn’t just a plan—it’s a mindset. In the words of President John F. Kennedy, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”

The best time to prepare for the next emergency is now—when the skies are clear and there’s time to focus on foresight instead of recovery.

Herschel Acosta, CCM, is Senior Vice President for KAI 360 a program and project management firm.��

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By��Alexandra��Korestski��IIDA, NCIDQ,��and��William Wong,��AIA,��LEED AP��

How can school construction project teams tap into student creativity��and��make��their��project itself��a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience? In an East Coast STEAM school expansion build-out, school leaders and contractors, along with architects and interior designers from��Spacesmith, put the entire high school body in the driver’s seat to design their future.��

As designer and architect for this endeavor, the team learned to advocate for high school students in a new way. The process offers “a roadmap for student advocacy and championing schools by letting students be an integrated part of their facility planning and design,”��according to the local AIA chapter.��Designed��like��a STEAM workplace, the result — the����in the Brooklyn Navy Yard,��a New York City Public School��— is a “school built��with��students,��for��students,”��and a replicable process for high schools around the country.��

The roadmap for advancing student outcomes is anchored in the integration of curricular goals and enrichment planning with the design and construction of the school itself.��In this��case, the��school leaders envisioned their��STEAM Center to��resemble��a workplace,��an environment for��students��to��be treated as young professionals and��for them to��learn��skills and��hands-on trades that��are��applicable��to��real-world��occupations and industries.��Highlighting��and��elevating��all the inner workings that��comprise��the built environment, the project team could enrich a varied group of STEAM education subjects.��

Almost doubling its footprint on the full third floor of��the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s��Building 77,��the project creates��27,000 square feet��of bright and comfortable classrooms, shops, lounge areas, and administrative zones. The entire space is��customized for academic success��in the school’s three departments — Building Trade Systems, Computer Technology Systems, and Engineering — and eight curricular��pathways including carpentry,��cybersecurity��and manufacturing.����

Guided by the school’s distinctive, career-oriented curriculum, the project team and Brooklyn STEAM Center��sought��to engage students as emerging professionals. In��close collaboration with school leadership,��Spacesmith��helped shape the process around three key strategies that support student engagement through an interactive, hands-on approach:��

1. Student��pre-design input.��The design team spent a day at the STEAM center��observing��the general operations, student��arrival��and��departure schedules as the Senior and Junior classes changeover from morning to afternoon, revisiting each area at multiple points throughout the day to see how each space is used.����
2. Design��input.��The design team led two design charettes with students��representing��each of the pathways, which was the main driver in the design for the common space.����
3. Construction��input.��During the construction phase, the design team and general contractor hosted monthly tours for the Construction Technology��student groups.����

Through a collaborative design process with both students and staff at the Brooklyn STEAM Center, the��school’s��layout moves beyond the pure efficiency of a typical classroom model to create a vibrant, flexible environment. Biophilic elements and movable furniture support a range of uses, allowing spaces to shift with daily needs. Curved lighting reinforces this sense of fluidity—evoking waves and water in response to the Brooklyn Navy Yard setting—while introducing��a natural��softness and enabling flexible furniture arrangements without reliance on fixed point lighting.��

Student input played��a central role��in shaping quieter, less stimulating areas for focus and privacy. In response, the design incorporates two smaller-scale lounge areas, or “Focus Nooks,” that provide retreat while��maintaining��appropriate staff��visibility.��

Glazed classroom entrances enhance transparency and connection, with color film patterns derived from the STEAM Center’s identity of abstracted tool forms. These openings draw daylight deeper into��the space��and offer glimpses into each classroom’s unique character and activity.��

In contrast to Building 77’s industrial palette, the design��layers in��warmth and vibrancy through acoustic panels, lounge furniture, and other student-driven elements. A pegboard installation above the pantry cabinets maps Brooklyn and partner school locations, serving as an evolving, participatory feature. Its kit-of-parts—simple shelves and interchangeable components—allows students to adapt and contribute over time, creating a living installation where each class can leave its mark.��

To address noise during class transitions—a key concern raised by both educators and students—acoustic treatments are carefully integrated across floors, walls, and ceilings, supporting a more focused and comfortable learning environment.��

Materials throughout are school-grade and selected for durability, health, and minimal environmental impact, while also introducing a palette of organic, natural elements. Together with a range of varied, neuro-inclusive settings, the design supports the diverse ways students learn today. Each classroom is equipped with modular, highly flexible furnishings, allowing both students and instructors to adapt their environment to different teaching styles and modes of engagement.����

In these ways and more, the expanded Brooklyn STEAM Center reflects the vision and ambition of its students. It serves not only as a place of learning, but as an inspiring launchpad for future educational pathways and professional lives.������

Alexandra Koretski, IIDA, NCIDQ, is a senior associate at Spacesmith. William Wong, AIA, LEED AP,��joined Spacesmith as an architect and project manager.

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By Lindsey Coulter

Safety at American schools is a constant talking point but concerns were raised further in 2020. The Government Accountability Office said 54% of schools in America were in “dire need of updates or complete building replacements.” A followed, claiming $1.1 trillion is needed to modernize and replace America’s schools.��

Aging buildings and a high number of violent incidents have rightly given parents many structural and physical concerns about future school constructions. There are many boxes that need ticking. Educators, policy makers, architects and security experts are playing a role in building safer environments for students and staff.

What to expect from the future of American schools

1. Construction��

The hazards of poor structural integrity stretch beyond the risk of building collapse. Aging buildings put students at risk of exposure to harmful substances (lead paints, PCBs, dust, etc.), mold spores and poor air quality. COVID-19 added to these structural concerns, as viruses spread faster in poorly ventilated areas. Modern school construction actively addresses these hazards that put students in danger.

Future school builds will include:

• Climate-resistance materials to withstand extreme temperatures
• Smart hallway design to avoid overcrowding and crushing during an emergency
• Storm shelters in large areas such as gyms��
• Predictive maintenance sensors to inspect buildings’ structural health
• Buildings designed with a number of evacuation routes.

2. Security systems

America’s appallingly high rate of violence in schools demands nothing less than state-of-the-art . Security guards need technology to help them detect threats as fast as possible.��

Schools are one of the most difficult environments to protect. They are unique, complex buildings filled with thousands of students. In a loud and crowded atmosphere, it’s unrealistic for security guards to detect every security threat. World-class security technology buys security officers time and awareness to make decisions faster – decisions that could save many lives.

Modern school security systems feature:

• Smart security cameras: give guards a real-time assessment of crowded environments. Security guards are alerted to weapons, threatening behavior, large crowds, loud noises and loitering. Smart cameras tag people and objects, giving guards a clear view of the events happening on CCTV screens.
• Smart sensors: Today’s smart sensors can detect hazards such as toxic fumes, smoking/vaping loud noises and threatening language.
• Integrated systems: A security response is scuppered if officers need to jump between systems when a threat is detected. Cutting-edge technology products are built to integrate. This is required to keep a real-time view of incidents without losing time switching between security systems.��
• Cybersecurity: New schools focus on cybersecurity well before they’re open to students. As entry points, doors and evacuations are part of the Internet of Things (IoT), many steps are taken to prevent cyber attacks.

3. Adaptive environments

Future school construction is taking a proactive approach to account for multiple environmental and physical security threats. From dangerous weather conditions to violent intruders, environments must be built to handle the worst-case scenarios:

• Solar power backups are used to counter any outages caused by extreme weather conditions
• Smart floor maps are activated during emergencies, directing students and staff to safe zones depending on the type of security threat��
• to manage the threat of violent intruders. Bullet-resistant windows are being installed that double as emergency exits. Whiteboards that double as safe rooms are also installed, giving students a safe place to hide until the security threat is intercepted.

Conclusion

Parents across America are understandably worried about the state of our schools. Security concerns are consistently high in America, but they have been amplified in recent years. An alarming Government report in 2020 stated that 54% of schools were in urgent need of reconstruction. Students and staff are at risk of numerous hazards when buildings deteriorate. Future buildings must address several structural, environmental and physical security concerns to build schools that give students a safe place to learn.��

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By Lindsey Coulter

With more than 20 years of architectural experience,��Aaron Jobson, AIA, ALEP, CEO and President��at��Quattrocchi Kwok Architects��(QKA), has worked��with��numerous school facilities across all grade levels and school types. From facilities��master��planning and new campus development to building transformations and critical modernizations, Jobson brings a wealth of experience and insight to the ���سԹ� Editorial Advisory Board.

A founding member of the School Energy Coalition (SEC),��Jobson is also a legislative advocate for energy efficiency measures affecting schools and a leading voice on sustainability. He has written��about Building Information Modeling, sustainable design, community engagement, designing for wellness, and in 2015��was certified as an Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).��

When asked what excites him about the future of K-12 and higher education design, Jobson shared a broad vision of progress. “Teaching is continuing to evolve, and I am excited to see how we can evolve the design of learning environments alongside it,” he said. “At the same time, we are learning more about how the physical environment affects the brain, which will continue to influence design.

Jobson spoke with ���سԹ� about finding new design strategies to connect classrooms to nature, to support teachers and students’ well-being and mental health, and why he’s expanded his view of design to include advocacy and policy.

SCN: With more than 20 years in practice, what experiences most shaped your path into school design and firm leadership?�� ��

Jobson: My architectural journey has been deeply influenced by engaging with, learning from, and understanding the perspectives of educators, including my wife and many members of my family. Understanding their experiences has shaped how I think to design spaces. Over two decades of collaborating with educators on various projects has provided me with a broad understanding of how learning and facilities interact. Together, these have informed a deep level of empathy, appreciation, and respect for the work these professionals do, which informs how I approach the design of school facilities. Our goal with every project is to help educators better serve their students and communities. Some of my most impactful and rewarding experiences are when we get the opportunity to hear from students and teachers who are using the facilities we designed and how our work has��impacted��their educational experience.������

SCN: How has working across all grade levels—from��Pre-K��to higher education— influenced your design approach?����������

Jobson: Working across many grade levels and schools in different communities has provided me with a deep understanding of the breadth of challenges that educators face and how school facilities can support them. This work has helped me understand that each school environment is unique and that the best projects start with actively listening to and learning from teachers and community members.������

SCN: As a founding member of the School Energy Coalition, what gaps in policy or practice compelled you to get involved?������

Jobson: Schools are a unique set of energy users, differing from residential or commercial users, which have��particular challenges��and opportunities. Energy laws and programs often��failed��to address the specific needs and requirements of schools. In part, we started the School Energy Coalition (SEC) to provide a voice for schools and their needs in the California state government.��������

SCN: How do you see the architect’s role evolving in legislative advocacy for energy efficiency in schools?�� ��

Jobson: Architects offer valuable��real world��examples of energy efficiency policy, including the costs and challenges of implementation. Over the past decade or so, the landscape of sustainable design, energy efficiency and regulation has changed a lot. Many older strategies focused on energy efficiency are being replaced by��newer approaches��focusing on decarbonization and renewable energy generation and storage. Architects can also help��identify��regulatory roadblocks that make it harder to implement energy efficiency changes.��������

SCN: How has your definition of “good school design” evolved over time?������

Jobson: In general, my definition of��good design��has always been spaces that are beautiful and functional. Over time, I have learned more about the technical aspects of how the quality of space impacts learning through factors such as acoustics, air quality, etc. These factors have become an important aspect of how I think about functional design and what makes a well-designed learning environment.������

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By Michael��DiTullo��

In K–12 schools and higher education environments, acoustics��plays��a critical role in supporting focus, comprehension, collaboration, and overall well-being. Whether designing a bustling hallway, an open library, or a large-scale auditorium, thoughtful acoustic planning directly influences how students of all ages engage, learn, and succeed.��

Sound can either enhance or disrupt the learning process. Studies have shown that good��, directly affecting learning outcomes. Poorly managed acoustics, such as excessive noise and long reverberation times, create distractions that undermine students’ ability to focus. These conditions also strain teachers, forcing them to speak louder, which can lead to vocal fatigue. The impact of poor acoustics is particularly severe for students with hearing impairments or learning disabilities, who often struggle to follow lessons in noisy classrooms.��

As educational facilities evolve to support flexible, technology-rich, and collaborative learning models, acoustics must be considered early in the design process. One of the most effective—and often underutilized—opportunities to address acoustic challenges is the ceiling. Ceiling-based acoustics allow designers to improve sound performance without sacrificing aesthetics or flexibility. When thoughtfully applied, the ceiling becomes a powerful tool for creating quieter, more supportive learning environments across a wide range of educational spaces.��

Adapting Ceiling Acoustic Strategies Across Educational Spaces��

Acoustic needs vary widely across educational environments, requiring solutions tailored to each��space’s��function, occupancy, and activity level. Ceiling-based systems offer flexibility in form, orientation, and layout, allowing designers to balance performance with visual intent.��

For example, ceiling acoustics like����can be installed in multiple configurations to achieve both aesthetic and acoustic goals. Different arrangement methods provide distinct benefits, helping designers��optimize��performance based on how a space is used:��

• Abutted or Individual: Units can be hung separately or connected with interlocking baffles for continuity.������

• Orientation: Baffles may be aligned in consistent rows for a clean, structured look, or rotated to create unexpected movement.����

• Zoning: Different profiles can be used within a single project—Linear configurations for focused meeting spaces and Tide profiles in breakout areas to encourage flow.��

• Integration: Multiple suspension points per unit allow flexibility around lighting, sprinklers, and HVAC systems without compromising acoustic performance.��

These considerations become especially important in educational environments where functions and design goals vary by space:��

• K–12 Classrooms: Classrooms��benefit��from acoustic strategies that prioritize speech clarity, particularly for younger students who are still developing auditory skills. Ceiling acoustics help reduce reverberation and background noise, allowing students to hear instruction clearly.��

• Corridors & Circulation Areas: High-traffic corridors generate reflected noise that can travel into adjacent classrooms. Ceiling treatments absorb sound and reduce transmission, supporting quieter learning environments nearby.��

• Libraries & Study Areas: Modern libraries often serve multiple purposes, from quiet study to collaborative work. Ceiling acoustics help minimize ambient noise, control sound reflections, and acoustically define quiet and group zones, especially in higher-education settings.��

• Auditoriums, Lecture Halls & Multipurpose Spaces: Large gathering spaces require careful control of reverberation to support speech, presentations, and performances. Ceiling-based solutions help ensure sound clarity across tiered seating and allow adaptability for varied uses without constant reconfiguration.��

Across both K–12 schools and university campuses, flexibility and longevity are central to acoustic planning. Teaching styles continue to evolve, and spaces are increasingly designed to support collaboration, hybrid learning, and informal instruction. Ceiling acoustic strategies offer a scalable solution that can adapt as room functions change, while preserving wall space for teaching tools, displays, and technology.��

A Closer Look: How Acoustics Impact Classroom Performance��

Students spend��the majority of��their school day in the classroom, making acoustics especially important in supporting focus, comprehension, and overall student success. Many modern classrooms feature open layouts and hard surfaces such as concrete and glass, which amplify sound and contribute to excessive noise levels. Managing acoustics in these environments is essential to ensure students can hear instruction clearly and remain engaged.��

Effective sound management not only improves speech intelligibility but also helps��maintain��focus and fosters a better learning atmosphere. Acoustic ceilings absorb sound from above, manage noise from HVAC systems and projectors,��and also��help to free up wall space for teaching tools and displays. In classrooms, open-concept spaces, and multipurpose areas, the use of ceiling acoustics creates a calmer, more focused learning environment where students and teachers can thrive.��

The����and reverberation times between 0.6 and 0.7 seconds for classrooms. Reverberation time (RT) refers to how long sound persists in a space after the source has stopped. When sound reflects repeatedly off hard surfaces, it lingers and competes with speech, reducing clarity. Echoes are��a common form��of reverberation and can significantly interfere with learning.��

In practice, most classrooms exceed these recommendations, with noise levels of 50-60 dB,��similar to��a busy intersection. These��high levels��of noise can severely hamper learning and communication. Because sound rises and reflects repeatedly off horizontal surfaces, the ceiling plays a critical role in managing reverberation time. In classrooms with hard floors and minimal wall treatments, untreated ceilings would allow sound to linger, increasing RT and reducing speech intelligibility.����

Incorporating overhead acoustic treatments helps absorb reflected sound earlier in its path, reducing the time it��remains��in the space. By shortening reverberation time, ceiling acoustics support clearer communication, minimize competing sound reflections, and help classrooms meet recommended acoustic performance targets.��

Balancing Performance, Aesthetics, and Long-Term Value��

Acoustic design is most effective when integrated into��a holistic approach��that considers lighting, furnishings, materials, and building systems together. Educational facilities��benefit��from ceiling acoustic solutions that combine sound absorption with visual interest, contributing to spaces that feel both comfortable and inspiring.��

Durable, low-maintenance, and responsibly sourced materials support long-term performance while aligning with sustainability goals. By treating acoustics as a coordinated system rather than an afterthought, schools and universities can create learning environments that are adaptable, resilient, and supportive of student success over time.��

Thoughtful ceiling acoustic design transforms the learning experience by reducing distractions, improving clarity, and supporting well-being for both students and educators. As educational spaces continue to evolve,��leveraging��the ceiling as the “fifth wall” offers a powerful opportunity to enhance acoustic performance while reinforcing design intent. By prioritizing sound alongside sight, designers can create environments that truly support learning in all its forms.��

Michael��DiTullo��is��Head of Product Innovation for����

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As school districts nationwide grapple with aging infrastructure, evolving educational models and heightened community expectations, K-12 bond measures have become a critical mechanism for funding transformation. Beyond simple capital campaigns, these referendums reflect shifting priorities around safety,��flexibility��and long-term facility performance.����

Recognizing the critical value of connecting readers with bond- and referendum-related insights, ���سԹ� is proud to announce a new partnership with����that will bring��SchoolBondFinder’s��expertise��and capital project bond insights to ���سԹ� readers.��SchoolBondFinder��provides a data-driven lens into how districts are planning,��proposing��and delivering projects—offering��stakeholders��a clearer view of where investment is occurring and how those decisions are shaping the future of learning environments.��

The School Bond Finder K-12 Bond Platform����

SchoolBondFinder��specializes in tracking K-12 capital project bonds across the nation. Our platform monitors school district bond initiatives across key stages, providing stakeholders with crucial data on project scope, financing, and voter outcomes.��

• Watch List:��Districts may be added to this list following initial activities such as a facilities study, demographic study, capital improvement plans review, or a feasibility survey.��
• Proposed List: A bond is moved to this list once a school board officially approves a referendum for a vote.��At this point, the vote date, official ballot language, use, and amount are��finalized.��
• Passed/Failed List:��Updates on school bond referendum votes—both��passed��and��failed—are typically available on our platform within 24 to��72 hours��of the official results being released.��

A Recap of 2025 Bonds��

As the first quarter of 2026 wraps��up��it is important to look back at 2025 for reference. In 2025��SchoolBondFinder��tracked��$91��Billion worth of bonds. Approximately��$69.2��billion��passed,��whereas��$22.7��billion��failed. The overall passage rate for 2025 was��75%, which aligns with the trend��observed��over the last few years. Our research team tracks school bond activity nationwide, with the highest total bond amounts recorded in Texas ($18.4 billion), California ($6.1 billion), Ohio ($3.5 billion), Washington ($3.4 billion), and Pennsylvania ($3.0 billion) in 2025.��

Historic Trends��

The chart below illustrates spending amounts for both passed and failed referendums over the past eight years. Election years typically show an increase in both the number and total value of bonds proposed, a��trend often attributed to higher voter turnout during presidential elections, which can improve referendum passage rates.��

An eight-year longitudinal analysis (2018–2025) highlights consistent trends in K-12 bond funding, offering insight into evolving educational priorities. During this period, bond measures most��frequently��supported the following project areas:��

• Speciality��Areas����
• Instructional Areas��
• Athletic Facilities��
• HVAC��SystemsElectrical��and Lighting Upgrades��
• Electrical / Lighting Upgrades��

Given that most instructional buildings were built before the 1970s, it is no surprise that infrastructure upgrades are a top priority for school districts. Capital improvements continue to be focused on modernizing student learning environments. These spaces include classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and specialized facilities. The goal is student-centered learning, achieved through flexible environments that incorporate mobile furniture, integrated technology, and versatile layouts.��

2026 Year to Date – First Quarter��

As of March 2026, approximately��$6��billion��in K–12 bonds have been approved.��Roughly��267��bond measures were tracked in the first quarter, resulting in a��70%��passage rate. Approved bonds were concentrated primarily in specialty areas (ie��cafeterias, sensory rooms, admin spaces), HVAC systems, and instructional spaces. The top three states (WA, KS, and IL) account for about��66%��of the total bond amount passed in Q1.����

2026 Bond Priorities��

The��SchoolBondFinder��database is currently tracking a total of��1,478��bonds scheduled for 2026 and beyond, as of March. Approximately��117��bonds are scheduled to go to vote throughout��the month of April, with more elections scheduled in May and June. The combined Proposed and Watch List bonds��represent��approximately��$56 billion��in potential opportunity.����

K-12 School bonds are currently prioritizing construction, capital improvements, technology upgrades, and security enhancements. Many districts are��seeking��smaller, more targeted amounts for referendums, which may be more appealing to taxpayers and could be a more achievable strategy compared to large, multimillion-dollar bonds.��

• Facility Longevity and Maintenance: There is a growing focus on facility longevity and maintenance over expansion. Renovation and repair projects are the most frequent, while new construction and major system/envelope upgrades��represent��higher-value contracts.��
• Student-Centric Modernization:��A significant portion��of bond funding targets modernization and expansion of areas directly��impacting��student learning and extracurricular activities. This includes projects focused on flexible learning spaces, modern classrooms, and auditorium renovations, showing a high demand for multi-purpose furniture solutions.��
• Infrastructure and Safety: Basic infrastructure��remains��a consistent priority. Projects related to safety/security and system/building envelope upgrades, such as HVAC replacement, roof repairs, and��security��show a commitment to the health, safety, and long-term goals of school facilities.��

More Info and Insights to Come��

Looking ahead, the trajectory of K-12 bond funding��suggests a more strategic, targeted approach to capital investment—one that balances fiscal realities with the urgent need to modernize facilities. As districts continue to prioritize infrastructure resilience, student-centered design and operational efficiency, access to��timely, reliable data will remain essential. Platforms like��SchoolBondFinder��are critical resources for A/E/C stakeholders,��providing��the in-depth insights necessary for better decision-making and efficient��utilization��of K-12 funding opportunities.��

Watch for quarterly insights from��SchoolBondFinder��to learn more about upcoming opportunities.��

Petra Sucher is the Marketing Engagement & Analytics Manager with��.��

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By Lindsey Coulter��

The Catholic University of America’s newly completed Conway School of Nursing marks a milestone in the university’s mission to address the national nursing shortage. Designed by RAMSA (Robert A.M. Stern Architects) in collaboration with Ayers Saint Gross, and constructed by Clark Construction, the more than 102,000-square-foot facility represents a cornerstone of the university’s campus master plan and embodies the Conway School of Nursing ethos: “Where High Tech Meets High Touch.”��

A Gateway Campus Hub��

The Conway School of Nursing will not only support the university’s goal of doubling enrollment in the nursing program over the next five to seven years, but it also��establishes��a new campus gateway for all students and visitors. The stately building replaces a former parking lot with a transformative academic hub that aligns with the university’s historic architecture while introducing advanced learning and sustainability features. Positioned at a prominent and highly visible site on the urban campus, the building was designed to be a new landmark, featuring a tower element that serves as both a visual and a symbolic entryway.��

Additionally, the building’s site plan and landscape design by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects and Ayers Saint Gross reinforce a cohesive campus framework. In addition to the tower feature, the exterior is defined by a cascading stair that links an upper-level student commons to the Trinity Fountain below and a north quadrangle framed by the John K. Mullen of Denver Memorial Library, Edward M. Crough Center for Architectural Studies and McCort-Ward Hall.��

On the third floor, a terrace shaded by a timber pergola offers sweeping views across campus, including vistas of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to the west.��

Collegiate Gothic Design and Contextual Integration��

The Conway School of Nursing appropriately matches the scale and massing of neighboring buildings while embracing the Collegiate Gothic style that defines the Catholic University campus. The facility was designed to blend seamlessly with the university’s aesthetic of stone, clay roof��tiles��and bronze light fixtures.��

The building’s facade��showcases��a creative use of reclaimed granite, which was salvaged from Philadelphia’s Transfiguration of Our Lord Church, built in 1924 and demolished in 2009.����

RAMSA developed a cost-effective precast panel system that integrated the salvaged stone into the modern building envelope. Each stone was split to create a flat face and then was adhered to custom precast concrete panels, producing a durable, modular cladding system that preserves the look of traditional hand-laid masonry. This technique transforms��the salvaged, century-old masonry into a durable, modular cladding system.��

“It was cool to see details that came from the old church — like the holes that were drilled into the stone for flagpoles,” said Tony McConnell, Senior Associate with RAMSA, who led the precast effort. “We chose to keep all those elements, so that as you walk around the building, you see these little follies you��wouldn’t��expect on a brand-new facility. It feels authentic.”����

To achieve an even higher level of authenticity and articulation, RAMSA also incorporated CNC-milled molds and rubber casting to replicate intricate stone patterns.����

“Detailing is challenging, but we detail our buildings to the nth degree,” McConnell said. “We want our traditional buildings to look like��they’ve��been there for 100 years, and they need to fit into the context next to them. Poorly articulated details are a dead giveaway. Historically, precast��doesn’t��like those details — it wants flat, simple things — but��we’re��seeing that it can do much more.”��

The panels were then finished with traditional mortar, preserving the appearance of hand-laid stonework while��benefiting��from the efficiency, structural integrity and ease of installation offered by facade��panelization. This cost-effective fabrication and installation approach improved weather tightness and energy efficiency.��

The precast method had the��additional��benefit of making the project easier to complete on a tight urban site. As the busy main road in front of the building��couldn’t��be shut down for any extended period, using precast significantly��expedited��the construction schedule and improved safety and efficiency.����

“With precast, we don’t have people climbing up and down scaffolding,” McConnell added. “Anytime we can reduce scaffolding, job sites are safer places.”��

The creative reuse of existing materials also helped the facility achieve LEED Gold certification (it is also targeting WELL Silver), thanks to the incorporation of green roofs, stormwater management��systems��and bioretention facilities.��

Learn more about how the building blends tradition and technology while centering wellness (and fulfilling a vision that was first��established��in Catholic University’s 2012 campus master plan) in the ��

Learn More

Project Name: The Catholic University of America Conway School of Nursing��

Area: 102,000 gross square feet��

Construction Cost: $62 million��

Architects: Ayers Saint Gross in collaboration with RAMSA (Robert A.M. Stern Architects)��

Landscape Architect: Michael Vergason Landscape Architects����

Structural Engineer: Simpson��Gumpertz��& Heger��

MEP Engineer: Burdette, Koehler, Murphy & Associates��

Civil Engineer: Rummel, Klepper & Kahl��

Traffic Engineering: VHB��

Cost Estimating:��Forella��Group��

AV/IT/Security: Convergent Technologies Design Group����

Code Consulting: GHD��

General Contractor: Clark Construction Group��

Precast Subcontractor: High Concrete Group��

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