Learning underfoot: vibrant installments of words, letters, shapes, and numbers migrate from Philadelphia to Chicago In my last post, we reviewed the many benefits of incorporating play into early learners’ educational experiences. This time, we’ll show how the same innovative outdoor learning principles that began in Philadelphia inspired new installations in Chicago. That initial Playful […]
News
Galesburg schools modernizations revive learning environments, support districtwide consolidation
Nearly 400,000 square feet in additions and renovations at four schools pave the way for major improvements in Galesburg Community Unit School District #205 The population of Galesburg, Illinois has experienced a slight decline over the past decade. During that time, Galesburg Community Unit School District #205 had to contend with the upkeep and expenses […]
North Chicago Metra Train Station gets fresh new look
Rehabilitation of Metra’s North Chicago station refreshes 50-year-old shelter, brings in more natural light, and improves visibility/security After nearly 50 years of use, the North Chicago Metra Station looked tired and worn. Decades of train diesel exhaust had stained the exterior wood siding. The metal roof had discolored over the years and the narrow, tinted […]
Registration opens for Legat Architects’ 2021 Think Tank
Legat Architects’ 8th annual Think Tank, a Chicago Architecture Biennial partner event, aims to “shock the system” by tackling disinvestment within urban communities and giving a voice to the underrepresented (architects earn up to 10 AIA/CES LUs) A city hosts an architectural competition for the design of a new building in a low-income/disadvantaged area. The […]
Jefferson Early Childhood Center a haven for discovery, nature, and accessibility
Early learner research and community/teacher/specialist input inspire design of Jefferson Early Childhood Center in Wheaton, Illinois When three- to five-year-old students look out the child-height classroom windows in Jefferson Early Childhood Center, they never know what they’re going to see in the courtyard at the heart of the school—it could be classmates planting sunflowers in […]
College of DuPage Institutional Resource Center named finalist in Chicago-area design/construction competition
Chicago Building Congress names College of DuPage’s Institutional Resource Center finalist in 2021 Merit Awards for outstanding design and construction Several of Wendy E. Parks’ colleagues were somewhat skeptical when College of DuPage (COD) planned to convert an early childhood center into office suites. They questioned whether a facility designed for three- to five-year-olds could […]
ARP ESSER Fund: how can school districts best navigate COVID-19 relief spending?
A once-in-a-generation opportunity: EDengage roundtable explores how school districts can spend ESSER III COVID relief funds for the greatest impact What projects qualify for COVID relief? How can we use the funds to improve our dated ventilation systems? Will the funds cover remodeling? What about new construction? These are just a few of the questions […]
Muscatine High School science expansion creates regional STEM destination
Science expansion at Muscatine High School paves STEM curriculum pathways based on students’ goals, whether they plan to enroll in a two- or four-year institution, join a trade school, or enter the workforce directly To walk through the science addition at Muscatine High School (Muscatine, Iowa) is to experience a community of learning. The light-filled […]
Scott Steingraeber celebrates 30 years at Legat Architects
No challenge insurmountable: Legat Architects’ Scott Steingraeber achieves three decades of serving building owners and setting an example for coworkers After earning a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois in 1989, Scott Steingraeber joined a small Rockford, Illinois architectural firm. A friend told Steingraeber that he knew a guy named Tom Kikta […]
Michael Lundeen, Jeff Sandberg, Rob Wroble join Legat Architects’ Board of Directors
Shareholders of Legat Architects elect Michael Lundeen, Jeff Sandberg, and Rob Wroble to board of directors Legat Architects’ shareholders, making up 40% of the privately-owned company’s employees, have elected three new members to its expanded board of directors: The election stems from a new voting process initiated by an ad hoc committee of the firm’s […]
FMC Natatorium an Olympian achievement for Illinois swimming
Former Illinois state champ and U.S. Olympic swimmer calls FMC Natatorium “fastest and most beautiful aquatic center in Illinois” All three of Mary Ann and Mark Kaufman’s daughters grew up swimming competitively. Their meets took them throughout Illinois and beyond. They formed relationships with other swim families and with coaches . . . especially Pierre […]
Chicago architecture: Justin Banda appointed associate director of AIA Chicago Board of Directors
A friend to budding architects and a supporter of the Chicago design community, Legat Architects’ Justin Banda accepts a leadership role on the American Institute of Architects’ Chicago Board of Directors After they enter the workforce, architecture program graduates often feel lost when it comes to connecting to the larger Chicago design community. Fortunately, the […]
