سԹ / Design - Construction - Operations Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:21:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cropped-SCN_favicon-32x32.png سԹ / 32 32 Beyond Aesthetics: How Higher Ed is Using Experiential Design as Strategic Infrastructure /2026/04/24/beyond-aesthetics-how-higher-ed-is-using-experiential-design-as-strategic-infrastructure/ /2026/04/24/beyond-aesthetics-how-higher-ed-is-using-experiential-design-as-strategic-infrastructure/#respond Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:21:05 +0000 /?p=54914 Colleges and universities are integrating experiential and digital environments as core infrastructure — not ornamental additions, but deliberate extensions of institutional mission and identity.

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Food Is Art — a large-scale moving image piece that explores cuisine as both an artistic and emotional experience, transforms the language of cooking into a living, cinematic sculpture. | Photo Credit (all): leftchannel

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

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 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.

When design firm Ideation Orange engagedleftchannelto 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 wasFood 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’sdisplayed 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 trulyis a craftto be appreciated,” said Peter Provenzano Jr., Chancellor of Oakland Community College.

That response points to something important.Food Is Artisn’tdecoration —it’sbecome 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 isstrategically. The distinction between decoration and infrastructuredetermineswhether these investments deliver real value.

What This Means for Institutional Planning

For colleges evaluating facility investments, three principlesemergefrom 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 designfollow fromthose 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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Kent McCullough Joins HOK as Director of Design, Interiors /2026/04/24/kent-mccullough-joins-hok-as-director-of-design-interiors/ /2026/04/24/kent-mccullough-joins-hok-as-director-of-design-interiors/#respond Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:57 +0000 /?p=54881 KentMcCullough was recently appointedDirector ofDesign, Interiors,for HOK’s Washington, D.C. studio.

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KentMcCullough was recently appointedDirector ofDesign, Interiors,for HOK’s Washington, D.C. studio. He bringsnearly 20years of experience in strategic planning and interior architecture for major corporations, universities, healthcare institutions, transportationauthoritiesand government agencies.

McCulloughchampions a creative and inclusive design process, and partners with clients to harness design in the advancement of their needs and unique cultures. His portfolio includes work with Google, Amazon, Panasonic, Penn State, the University of Virginia, the National Institutes of Health, Johns HopkinsHospitaland the U.S. General Services Administration. His work has received awards from associations including the American Institute of Architects, International Interior Design Association, NAIOP, Urban Land Institute, Society for College and University Planning and the U.S. Green Building Council.

Beyond project work,McCulloughis a member of the International Interior Design Association’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter and the U.S. Green Building Council’s National Capital Region Chapter.He earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.

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Rubber Flooring /2026/04/23/rubber-flooring-2/ /2026/04/23/rubber-flooring-2/#respond Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:10:59 +0000 /?p=54907 StaticWorx EclipseEC (Electrically Conductive) rubber is a fault-tolerant, low-charging ESD floor introduced in 2010.

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StaticWorxEclipseEC (Electrically Conductive) rubber is a fault-tolerant, low-charging ESD floor introduced in 2010. It earned the ESD Journal Seal of Approval as suitable for Class-0 ESD applications, and independent lab testing shows it inhibits static generation regardless of footwear. Available in sheets or tiles, EclipseEC can cover whole rooms or be installed as mats, runners or islands. Carbon and colored chips are mixed into the rubber to create grounded conductive pathways through the floor and conductive adhesive. The flooring is PVC-free andmaintainedwith soap and water. It meets ADA slip-resistance requirements and offers sound-dampening, anti-fatigue performance in use.

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The Case for Resilient Flooring in Education Design /2026/04/22/the-case-for-resilient-flooring-in-education-design/ /2026/04/22/the-case-for-resilient-flooring-in-education-design/#respond Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:27:35 +0000 /?p=54910 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.

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Interface’s noravant timber rubber. | Photo Credit (all): Interface

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

Interface’s norament satura rubber
Interface’s norament satura rubber.

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.

Interface’s Lasting Impressions LVT
Interface’s Lasting Impressions LVT.

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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Wold Architects & Engineers Promotes Four to Associates Leadership Team /2026/04/21/wold-architects-engineers-promotes-four-to-associates-leadership-team/ /2026/04/21/wold-architects-engineers-promotes-four-to-associates-leadership-team/#respond Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:02:17 +0000 /?p=54903 WoldArchitects&Engineers, a full-service planning, architecture and engineering firm specializing in education, government, healthcare and senior living design, announced the promotions of Bryan Hicks (upper left), Ellis Joyner (upper right), Cody Knoblock (lower left) and Dylan Sullivan (lower right) tothe practice’sAssociatesleadershipteam. Sullivan is based in the company’s Minneapolis. office, and Hicks, Knoblock and Joyner in the Denver office.

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, a full-service planning, architecture and engineering firm specializing in education, government, healthcare and senior living design, announced the promotions of Bryan Hicks (upper left), Ellis Joyner (upper right), Cody Knoblock (lower left) and Dylan Sullivan (lower right) tothe practice’sAssociatesleadershipteam. Sullivan is based in the company’s Minneapolis. office, and Hicks, Knoblock and Joyner in the Denver office.

“Bryan, Ellis, Cody and Dylan have each proven themselves as critical members of our firm, and we’re confident their effect on ourleadershipteamwill only pushWold’s worktoever-higher standards. Growing ourleadershipteamin Colorado especially allows ustobetter serve clients throughout the region,” said CEO Vaughn Dierks, AIA, LEED AP. “The skill and passion this group bringstoevery projecttocontinue creating lasting impact for the communities we serve. As new leaders, we know they will only continuetogrow in their influence and innovative practice across Colorado, Minnesota and beyond.”

Since joiningWoldin 2020, Hicks has worked across the firm’s education and government specialtiestodevelop a unique cross-functional perspective. No matter the project, he has a passion for human-centered design that enhances a sense of place and encourages community for occupants. As both an architect and a project manager, he is driventoexceed client needs through collaboration and durable, strategic design. He earned his bachelor’s in architecture from Miami University and his master’s in architecture from the University of Michigan.

Joyner’s wide-ranging project experience, from airport and school renovationstoresidential construction and food services, has sharpened his abilitytodrive innovation onWold’s in-house engineeringteam. Hisleadershipon our in-house engineeringteamcreates a seamless, collaborative experience for our clients that enhances accuracy, increases efficiency and accelerates timelines. His attentiontodetail delivers successful projects on time andtothe highest standards. He earned his bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

With 20 years of experience, Knoblock leverages his expertise in architecture, project management and construction administrationtoservice clients. His broad expertise has cultivated a deep understanding of every step of the design and construction phases that allows himtotranslate ideas from construction documents into quality craftsmanship in every completed project. He is especially skilled in guiding clients in sustainable systems and material selection thatpromotesa green approachtofacility improvements. He graduated from Norwich University with a bachelor’s in architectural studies.

Sullivan is an education project manager fueled by collaboration that empowers clientstocontributetomeaningful design solutions. His solutions-oriented approach has facilitated the successful delivery of projects ranging from new buildstocomplex additions and renovations, all intentionally designedtoelevate the user experience in the built environment. He earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from North Dakota State University.

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Tennessee Lawmakers Approve $311 Million for New UT Health Sciences College of Medicine Building /2026/04/20/tennessee-lawmakers-approve-311-million-for-new-ut-health-sciences-college-of-medicine-building/ /2026/04/20/tennessee-lawmakers-approve-311-million-for-new-ut-health-sciences-college-of-medicine-building/#respond Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:48:32 +0000 /?p=54900 State lawmakers have approved $311 million in funding for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at UT Health Sciences, a project university leaders say will expand training capacity and support statewide workforce needs.

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A rendering of the College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building shows a modern building that would be a focal point for the Memphis campus and a point of pride for the College of Medicine and UT Health Sciences statewide. | Photo Credit: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
  • TennesseeGeneral Assembly approved $311 million recommended by Gov. Bill Lee for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UT Health Sciences) in Memphis.
  • The project totals $350 million and is planned as a 275,000- to 300,000-square-foot facility on Madison Avenue.
  • UT Health Sciences said the building will support growth, including expanding the medical student cohort from 175 to 250 and the Physician Assistant Program from 30 to 60 students per year.
  • The university said it must raise anadditional$50 million in philanthropic support; construction is targeted to begin in late fall 2026, with substantial completionanticipatedin 2029.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. —State lawmakers have approved $311 million in funding for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at UT Health Sciences, a project university leaders say will expand training capacity and support statewide workforce needs.

The funding, recommended by Gov. Bill Lee, supports a $350 million facility planned for the Memphis campus on Madison Avenue.The Tennessee General Assembly approved the funding April 17 for construction of the new facility, which UT Health Sciences describes as a focal point for its Memphis campus and a major investment in health care education statewide.

The university plans a 275,000- to 300,000-square-foot building on Madison Avenue, between the College of Pharmacy Building at 881 Madison Ave. and the site of the former Holiday Inn at Madison Avenue and Pauline Street.

“This is a transformative step for UT Health Sciences, as well as for health and health care of the people of Tennessee,” Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, said, adding that the building is intended to serve as “a hub for training future health care professionals to practice collaborative, state-of-the-art care across Tennessee,” according to.

UT Health Sciences said the added space would allow the College of Medicine to expand its class size from 175 to 250 students per cohort. The Physician Assistant Program would also be able to grow from 30 to 60 students per year, the university said.

Project leaders tied the investment to workforce projections. “This is an investment in continuing to meet the significant deficit in physicians and physician assistants in the state of Tennessee, with projections suggesting that there will be a need for 6,000 additional physicians in the state by 2030,” Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Raaj Kurapati said, according to.

Beyond classroom and simulation space, the university said the facility will support telehealth training and increase online educational opportunities for the College of Medicine and other colleges, with the goal of growing academic certificate programs and enrollment. UT Health Sciences also said the project is expected to bolster its response to rural health care challenges in Tennessee.

As Tennessee’s only statewide academic health science center, UT Health Sciences said it expects the new building to enable the university to graduate anadditional1,450 health care professionals practicing in various fields during its first five years of operation.

The state’s allocationrepresentsthe lead investment, but UT Health Sciences said it must raise anadditional$50 million in philanthropic support to complete the project. That total includes $39 million toward building costs, plusadditionalfunding for specialized equipment and program support.

UT Health Sciences said HOK conducteda strategicspace inventory and developed programming for the building. The university has selected Memphis-based brg3s architects to design the facility in collaboration with HOK. Afterremainingstate approvals are received, the university said it aims to begin construction in late fall 2026, with substantial completionanticipatedin 2029.

This article is based on reporting originally published by UTHSC News on April 17, 2026.

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From Ballpark to Arena: Mississippi State Athletics Advances Premium Seating with Flexible, Scalable Solution /2026/04/17/from-ballpark-to-arena-mississippi-state-athletics-advances-premium-seating-with-flexible-scalable-solution/ /2026/04/17/from-ballpark-to-arena-mississippi-state-athletics-advances-premium-seating-with-flexible-scalable-solution/#respond Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:12:23 +0000 /?p=54897 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.

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University stakeholders sought to improve the game-day experience at the Bulldogs’ home stadium, which holds the NCAA on-campus attendance record of 16,423. | Photo Credit (all): Courtesy of Sightline Commercial Solutions

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

As colleges and universities continue investing in athletic facilities, balancing premium experiences with long-term flexibility is becoming increasingly important. Solutions like
As colleges and universities continue investing in athletic facilities, balancing premium experiences with long-term flexibility is becoming increasingly important.

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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Cordless Window Shade /2026/04/16/cordless-window-shade/ /2026/04/16/cordless-window-shade/#respond Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:49:15 +0000 /?p=54894 DraperInc.offers theElevate™, a new cordless manual window shade system engineered to meet the growing demand for safer,cleanerand more contemporary shading solutions. Designed for architects, commercial dealers, and specifiers, Elevate delivers a modern aesthetic, intuitive operation,andeliminatesexposed chains and cords entirely, offering a safe, tamper‑resistant solution that supports compliance with emerging safety guidelines whilemaintaininga clean, minimalist appearance.The...

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DraperInc.offers theElevate™, a new cordless manual window shade system engineered to meet the growing demand for safer,cleanerand more contemporary shading solutions. Designed for architects, commercial dealers, and specifiers, Elevate delivers a modern aesthetic, intuitive operation,andeliminatesexposed chains and cords entirely, offering a safe, tamper‑resistant solution that supports compliance with emerging safety guidelines whilemaintaininga clean, minimalist appearance.The Elevate system is designed for effortless, user‑friendly control. Occupants can raise or lower the shade with a single, natural motion, and the systemmaintainssmooth, balanced operation over time. This intuitive experience is ideal for classrooms, offices, patient rooms, and other spaces where ease of use is essential.

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Erika Ashauer Joins HCM PK-12 Studio /2026/04/16/erika-ashauer-joins-hcm-pk-12-studio/ /2026/04/16/erika-ashauer-joins-hcm-pk-12-studio/#respond Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:46:26 +0000 /?p=54892 HCM has added Erika Ashauer, ALEP, EDAC as a Human Experience Research Lead in the firm’s PK-12 studio, bringing deep expertise at the intersection of cognitive science, design research and PK-12 educational environments.

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HCM has added Erika Ashauer, ALEP, EDAC, as a Human Experience Research Lead in the firm’s PK-12 studio, bringing deep expertise at the intersection of cognitive science, design research and PK-12 educational environments.

Ashauer joins HCM with a background in applied research, learning sciences, ethnographic inquiry and evidence-based design. She has spent her career embedding research directly into design workflows, translating insights about attention, regulation, memory, and social context into actionable strategies to drive more intentional, aligned, human-integrated outcomes. Her recent work includes pre- and post-occupancy studies, participatory design facilitation, multilingual community engagement, and the creation of research to design frameworks that enhance practice-wide accountability and shared understanding.

“Erika brings a rare combination of cognitive neuroscience rigor and human experience perspective to impact and improve the design of our PK-12 spaces,” said Adele Willson, PK-12 Studio Leader, in a statement. “Her approach not only deepens our research capabilities but strengthens our ability to create environments that truly support the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of learners and educators.”

Ashauer holds a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science, neuroscience and psychology from the University of California, San Diego. She is an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP), holds Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) and is certified in Emotional Intelligence Coaching.

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Lessons in Resilience: Disaster Recovery in Our Schools /2026/04/15/lessons-in-resilience-disaster-recovery-in-our-schools/ /2026/04/15/lessons-in-resilience-disaster-recovery-in-our-schools/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:36:28 +0000 /?p=54886 Facility managers play a pivotal role in how well a school weathers and recovers from a crisis. Preparation determines resilience.

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The storm shelter at Dallas ISD H.S. Thompson Elementary School.| Photo Credit (all): Courtesy of KAI 360

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

The auxiliary gymnasium at Dallas ISD South Oak Cliff High School serves a dual purpose as an ICC 500 2014 Storm Shelter.
The auxiliary gymnasium at Dallas ISD South Oak Cliff High School serves a dual purpose as an ICC 500 2014 Storm Shelter.

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

The 1,000-seat competition gym at Dallas ISD David W. Carter High School includes a below-grade tornado shelter sufficient to house the entire school population.
The 1,000-seat competition gym at Dallas ISD David W. Carter High School includes a below-grade tornado shelter sufficient to house the entire school population.

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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