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A Framework for Understanding the Goals of School Design This article is part one of a four-part series exploring the Whole Child Framework, a conceptual framework for school design developed by TruexCullins. Subsequent articles will discuss each element (Wellness, Learning, and Engagement) in further detail. Over the years we have had many great discussions with […]
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Construction is underway of a new middle and high school building designed by TruexCullins on the Zaitsevo Campus of the Moscow Economic School (MES) in Moscow, Russia. Located in the western region of Moscow, the 12,700 SQM (136,000 SF) campus facility includes space for classrooms, administration offices, a 500-seat theater, library, gymnasium and natatorium. A […]
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Architects take many approaches to making successful buildings. Some architects design based on an abstract idea, others see their work more as sculpture or art. Our goal is create environments with a sense of place that engages its users. What does this mean? We believe buildings should be of their time and place, leveraging the […]
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In Article 2 we discussed key concepts to consider when designing flexible schools. Article 3 delved into key building technologies that help spaces adapt more easily to a wide variety of uses. In this article we will look at the final piece of the puzzle: furniture and how it can support the flexible use of […]
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In the last article, we discussed issues related to building organization. In this article, we discuss what building technologies to consider when attempting to create flexible learning environments. The key concept here is that successful multipurpose space requires more than open space, it requires multipurpose support infrastructure including lighting, electrical power, acoustics and HVAC. Here […]
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In this article, we look at different organizational models for building design and their ability to adapt to changing needs. As schools evolved from the one room schoolhouse to the graded school, a prototype evolved that includes a front administration area with a gym, cafeteria and/or multipurpose space. Attached to this are classroom wings, which […]
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Why Flexible Learning Environments? In March of 2013, I was invited to speak on the topic of Flexible Learning Environments at the CEESA (Central and Eastern European School Association) conference in Prague, Czech Republic. I learned a lot as I researched and thought about this important topic, which I will share in the next four […]
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This installment of Digital Crayon features a video animation we created for the American International School of Bucharest (AISB), Romania. In 2012, TruexCullins was hired to create a new master plan for the growth of their campus to 1200 students. AISB was looking for a dynamic tool that would visually tell the story of their […]
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When beginning a facilities project, it is important for the Owner to define the various goals of the project. Is it to improve collaboration between students or teachers? Is it to provide social spaces that help build a sense of community? Does the school need additional capacity? The Educational Specifications (Ed Specs) is a document […]
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Digital Crayon Article 2 – The Planning Process In this article, we discuss the steps to consider when embarking on a major facility project. For many educational institutions, major projects evolve from their strategic plan, which provides the broad objectives and rationale for the initiative. This is […]
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Welcome back to school and another series of Digital Crayon! This year we will explore school design through 12 articles we hope you will find both thought provoking and useful. It’s our way of sharing the exciting conversations about education we have with our clients and colleagues in the broader educational community. Digital Crayon 2013 […]
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For a few years now, we have been giving a presentation entitled “Design for the Whole Child”, which describes our view of the goal of school design. The thesis is this: the mission of schools has expanded to address the needs of the whole child: academic, social, emotional and physical. When we design schools, we […]