Unanticipated materials swap and unconventional brick arrangement at Laraway School lead to Brick Industry Association award for excellence in design Laraway School (Joliet, IL), like many schools, is a long, horizontal brick building. However, a closer look at the preK-8 school’s brick walls reveals something uncommon: whereas most schools have horizontal bricks, Laraway’s bricks are […]
Learning
Student safety and momentum amid COVID-19 and financial upheaval
Caught between public health and economic crises, school district leaders join architects, interior designers, and engineers to explore ideas for preventing spread of COVID-19 among students while minimizing expenses. Here we are, more than two months after the coronavirus brought commerce to a virtual standstill, and yet uncertainty and mixed messages continue to afflict the […]
As COVID-19 persists, school leaders discuss challenges of returning to class in fall
A tough road ahead as educators confront uncertainty, socioeconomic differences, scheduling concerns, and facilities obstacles amid COVID-19 pandemic It’s the first day of school! Friends reunite and hug or high-five. Kindergartners hold hands in a circle. Students sit side by side in gyms, auditoriums, or cafeterias to listen to their principals. Right? Not so fast. […]
Midwestern school superintendents discuss impact of COVID-19
Leaders of Illinois and Ohio school districts share challenges of continued learning amid COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the national school system. During a recent EDEngage session, Legat Architects hosted an online open forum that brought together Midwestern district superintendents to learn about the challenges that they’ve confronted with […]
Mariano Azuela School Architecture Club celebrates 10-year anniversary
More than 400 students participate in club launched by principal and architect after 2010 completion of Mariano Azuela Elementary School on Chicago’s southwest side Two Mariano Azuela Elementary School students and architect Tom Kikta look over the rail on the school’s gym roof. The girls hold eggs surrounded by protective devices that they’ve made. Two […]
Legat Architects’ Robin Randall achieves educational planning distinction
Student learning first: Association for Learning Environments names Robin Randall one of only eight Accredited Learning Environments Planners in State of Illinois During a planning session for a high school facility upgrade, a community member shouted, “You are not tearing down our building! It’s a historic monument!” He then stormed out of the meeting. Architect […]
Turner Hall modernization showcases University of Illinois’ College of ACES
Renovation and expansion of 55-year-old Turner Hall created more student gathering areas for the University of Illinois’ College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign wanted to update Turner Hall to support the growing enrollment and technology needs of the university’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). At […]
Illinois school performing arts centers showcased at state’s largest education conference
Marquardt Performing Arts Center and Bartlett Performing Arts Center at Moline High School selected for Educational Environments Exhibit at Joint Annual Conference In 2017, Marquardt Middle School (Glendale Heights, IL) welcomed the community to its new, 500-seat Performing Arts Center. Last winter, Moline High School (Moline, Illinois) unveiled its Bartlett Performing Arts Center, featuring a […]
Winnebago Elementary School Expansion Strengthens Early Learning, Physical Education Opportunities
Marquardt School District 15 grows influential early learning program with indoor and outdoor spaces designed to give district’s youngest learners a strong start In 2015, Marquardt School District 15 received a Gold Circle of Quality distinction, the Illinois State Board of Education’s highest possible rating for early learning and development programs. The State recognized what […]
Early Learning in Ohio: Co-Location, Design for Introverts, and Outdoor Learning
Educators and architects gather to discuss critical issues impacting early learning centers in Ohio How can color and light support learning? What facilities upgrades promote accessibility and safety? How does seating impact the classroom dynamic? What can schools do about a lack of storage spaces? Earlier this year, we met with Ohio school district leaders […]
College of Lake County Science & Engineering Building Wins AIA Northeast Illinois Sustainability Award
Architectural award extends the College of Lake County’s reputation for sustainable leadership. One stop along the College of Lake County’s Living Lab Trail is the light-filled atrium within the campus’s newest facility: the Science & Engineering Building. Signs along the trail educate visitors about the building’s sustainable features, including a geothermal field whose underground wells […]
Medinah Primary School Renovations Improve Safety, Support District Mission
District’s kindness-centered focus on every student’s success inspires updates at Medinah Primary School When students and visitors walk into the new vestibule at Medinah Primary School, they quickly understand what the school values: safety, kindness, and the success of every student. The controlled vestibule is one of several renovations at the preK-2 school 30 miles […]
