Interior Elements’ Post

The ways we work, learn, and live change faster than our campuses. This means there's always a gap to close between people's "demand" and space's "supply." 🏛 Org structures, budgets, and planning cycles widen these gaps; for example think of the time span from strategic plan to master plan to capital campaign! Or when the students, faculty, and staff using and operating campus facilities aren't involved in planning them! 📈 How big are the gaps? Our national survey at Buro Happold last year found that 76% of students are satisfied with libraries, 75% with athletics and rec spaces, 71% and labs but less so with student health centers (63%), housing (63%), and dining facilities (60%). 📗 How can you close these gaps so that your campus better meets student, faculty, staff, alumni, partner, and community needs -- even as they change? Christopher Buddle and I tackled this in an article for APPA - Leadership in Educational Facilities. We talk about roles, governance, culture and more. Check it out in the comments! How do you close this gap between people's needs and the spaces they use? #highered #studentsuccess #planning #campusplanning #needsassessment #design #campusdesign #appa

In this Steelcase article, learn how a U.S. high school transformed a vastly underused space into one students can’t stay away from:

FICM codes are outdated. When properly designed, physical space can flex and adapt to serve a multitude of cross-disciplinary needs. It was a true pleasure to work with Shawna Wolfe, Eszti Major-Rohrer, and the entire Ohio University "Space Force" to rethink what formal and informal learning looks like on a post-pandemic campus. Also, we had the honor of having interior design student Brenna Cromwell Student IIDA, Student ASID on our committee. Brenna is a true talent, and Katy Potts and I have a secret plan to convince her to come work with us after graduation. Lastly, the faces below are the faces you get when you play "Let's Rearrange This Classroom" with your committee after walking buildings for two days straight. But they played along, and we transitioned this space from a lecture-based layout to a project-based layout quickly and efficiently while obeying best practices relative to learning environments. Kudos! #highereducation #learningenvironments #spacemanagement

What does it take to transform an aging school into a state-of-the-art learning environment? For Kroeschell, it took precision, teamwork, and a commitment to quality. We completely overhauled 75-80% of a charter school in Colorado—creating new classrooms, upgrading offices, and more. We addressed every challenge, from outdated renovations to new accessibility features, all within the same timeline. The outcome? A vibrant, safe, and modern educational space ready for the new school year. Read more about how we approach educational facility renovations: https://lnkd.in/gD2U_FYj #Education #LearningEnvironment #FacilityManagement #ConstructionProjects #SafetyFirst

Flexibility, speed, and sustainability—just a few reasons why schools are turning to modular construction. From single classrooms to entire campuses, discover the benefits of modular design for education. #ModularConstruction #Schools #Flexibility #ModularSchools #Efficiency #ModularDesign #NorthgateIndustries #ModularBuildings

https://lnkd.in/dBr_pGV2 It's so important to know how to design places that builds the future of a nation ... The article contains bits on how we can have campuses to be a turning point for the student's ideas and creativity. With innovative campus designs we are promoting teamwork and a inclusive design that fosters and embraces teamwork, student interaction and creativity. Check more about such campuses in the article... #campusdesign #innovativedesign #writtingaboutarchitecture 

HIGHER EDUCATION DESIGN NEWS: Colleges and universities are reimagining education beyond traditional classrooms. Jana Hartenstine delves into how institutions are leveraging outdoor teaching spaces to foster experiential learning and community connection in her latest article. Discover how universities like University of North Carolina at Charlotte are pioneering the shift toward performative landscapes, creating vibrant hubs for creativity and collaboration. From revitalizing underutilized spaces to integrating sustainable design elements, these projects offer more than just aesthetic appeal — they embody a forward-thinking approach to education. Read more in The Great Outdoors for American School & University https://hubs.li/Q02rj3DD0 #OutdoorLearning #HigherEducation #Sustainability #CampusDesign #ElevateandInspire

Yesterday, BLDD had the opportunity to sit down with students from the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois over pizza (because let's face it, pizza makes everything better) and share our vision for PK-12 design. 💡 As a Central Illinois firm, we're proud to show that innovative, student-centric design isn't just for big cities. We believe that every community deserves schools that nurture young minds and foster a love of learning. PK-12 design is about more than just architecture – it's about understanding how students grow, learn, and thrive. It's about creating spaces that adapt to different learning styles, that promote collaboration and creativity, and that make every child feel seen and supported. At BLDD, we're driven by the belief that we can make a difference, one school at a time. 🏫 We're not just building buildings – we're building brighter futures for the students of today and the leaders of tomorrow. #BLDDArchitects #SchoolDesign #PreK12

Hi! I invite you to join this discussion next week on how higher education environments can take an inclusive approach to physical space in a FREE webinar hosted by the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP). The link is below. Let me know if there are any particular topics you want to hear about or questions you want us to answer! Link below. #highereducation #planning #design #placemaking #diversityequityandinclusion

As summer arrives and campuses quiet down, the hidden hustle behind higher education projects comes to life. For months, design teams like ours have been diligently laying the groundwork for the next generation of educational facilities that will shape the future.   Take the upcoming The University of Georgia Dining and Wellness Center, set to open in 2026. Although it may seem distant, the intricate planning and design work happening now are crucial to ensuring a seamless construction phase and successful project completion.   Behind every groundbreaking ceremony lies a story of months—sometimes years—of meticulous preparation. This advanced planning allows construction crews to capitalize on the summer months when campuses are less busy, minimizing disruption and ensuring students return to enhanced facilities each fall.   Our commitment to innovation and forward-thinking design ensures that every detail is meticulously accounted for, even those you may never see but are critical to the success of such projects. From state-of-the-art dining halls to wellness centers, academic buildings and student housing facilities, our designs are crafted with the future in mind.   Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re transforming higher education landscapes across the region.   #HigherEdDesign #CampusInnovation #ArchitecturalExcellence #FutureOfEducation