Concrete systems help schools achieve net-zero goals
The combination of reinforced concrete and insulation provides an ideal load-bearing wall, thermal envelope and air barrier.
By LIONEL LEMAY
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

Tacoma school has flexible spaces that invite learning, community
The dual-purpose design of Browns Point Elementary allows quick and easy transformations to suit changing needs.
By BRIAN HO and HOLLI SMITH
TCF Architecture

Tsunami-safe elementary a model for coastal communities
Ocosta’s vertical evacuation structure is the first of its kind in the U.S.
By CALE ASH
DEGENKOLB ENGINEERS

A designer’s day as a kindergartner
DLR Group takes on the challenge of designing a 600-student school just for 5-year-olds.
By TODD FERKING
DLR GROUP

When it comes to renovations, seeing is believing
Inconspicuous upgrades — no matter how major — can shake the faith of taxpayers who wonder where all the money went.
By LAURA ROARK
FFA ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS

New middle school furthers Seattle Academy’s urban evolution
The six-story classroom building makes the most of its limited site while connecting with the surrounding neighborhood.
By WENDY PAUTZ
LMN ARCHITECTS

Can a building help kids cultivate personal relationships?
At Birney Elementary in Tacoma, simple additions such as “Buddy Benches” and “Focus Spaces” give students cozy spaces to be themselves.
By STEPHEN BLACK & AARON WINSTON
MCGRANAHAN ARCHITECTS

Tacoma takes a chance on progressive design-build
An elementary school project tests the alternative delivery method in an effort to control costs and meet design and inclusion goals.
By HEATHER HOCKLANDER
BCRA

Reducing K-12 carbon footprints through reuse
Does it always make sense to replace an aging school building with a new, energy-efficient one? Not necessarily.
By KRISTIAN KICINSI
BASSETTI ARCHITECT

How safety by design makes school projects safer from start to finish, and beyond
The concept promotes the health of students and school staff at every phase of the design process.
By HEATHER GOUDIE
PBS ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL

As classrooms evolve to meet changing needs, the furniture should too
Today’s collaborative environments call for desks, tables and chairs that can be moved around and used in different ways.
By MATT ARNOLD
WORKPOINTE

At successful schools, learning happens everywhere
To make the most of their spaces, educators should understand how the design relates to their educational mission.
By MATT RUMBAUGH
NAC ARCHITECTURE