Tacoma Public Schools’ Post

The secret mission for Day 2 of the Construction and Architecture camp for P4/5 children was to build a stable house on the island which had popped in the middle of the Firth of Forth after an overnight earthquake and had destroyed all the boats (hence the need for a new bridge on Day 1). Building materials and location for construction were discussed at length. One of the learning points of this day was for the children to realise that there is rarely a perfect solution in engineering. Depending on environmental conditions and individuals' priorities, different solutions to the same problem can be found and can all be viable, it isn't a simple case of right and wrong. So some children would have been happy to build more expensively if it meant having their house more quickly whilst others wanted the house to last for as long as possible. Some children wanted to build near fresh water whilst others wanted to find a the safest location should another earthquake strike. The next step was to test the compression and tensile strength of different shapes to ensure a stable building i.e. squares vs triangles. There was definite right and wrong answer here, and everyone concluded that triangles ensured a safe home to live in. https://lnkd.in/efiruf-D

We have documented the construction of a wide range of education facilities, from primary schools to universities. Our systems capture the entire building process, recording the development of spaces where future generations will learn and grow. Each project, whether a primary school, middle school, high school, college, or university, is recorded in detail, showing the building's progress until it is a completed educational institution. The footage serves as a visual record of the work that goes into creating environments for education, highlighting the construction milestones that shape these vital community assets. Through time-lapse, the transformation of architectural designs into functional learning spaces is preserved, creating a lasting record of the development of educational infrastructure. #education #tes #schoolbuild #timelapse #timelapseUK #schoolconstruction

Emma Greenland presented her first CPD of the year to the team at Innes Associates Architecture & Urban Design this week. This Lunch and Learn session delivered via TEAMS showcased our work and research on 'Improving access to listening in mainstream schools' We provide practical guidance on how schools and architects can meet their duties to anticipate the needs of children with special hearing or communication needs (shcn) in accordance with key regulations and standards using a 'reasonable' adjustments approach. It was really useful to discuss Innes' recent experience on Post Occupancy Evaluation visits with Natalia Klus, Simon Innes and Corrie-Anne Rounding, share some common watch areas for acoustics which don't fall into the normal scope of compliance, and explore ideas for efficient acoustic finishes to meet inclusive standards. Thank you for virtually hosting us and we hope you found it informative! For more information on our Lunch and Learn sessions and to book your team in follow this link:-https://lnkd.in/ePq58mEZ We can deliver a session via TEAMS if this means more colleagues can attend (particulary where you have more than one office base), otherwise we travel to you and provide lunch! #cpd #lunchandlearn #educationestates #schools #colleges #universities #architects #acousticdesign #acoustictreatments #acousticfinishes #reasonableadjustments #compliance #inclusivelistening

Did you know that schoolchildren spend 8-900 hours at school each year? ⌚ That’s a lot of time, so our children should have the best indoor spaces to live, play, and learn in. As Europe, including the UK, faces a surge in school construction, it’s key that our architects and educators rethink school design. Here are three key elements that can improve school environments 👇

I've posted my thoughts 👇 , are there any different views out there on the challenges of private planning and architecture roles that we can highlight to those considering this career path?

Happy World Architecture Day 2024! Did you know that the AABC has a Mentee Scheme for Part II's and Architects looking to become accredited? Follow the link on the post for more information #AABC #Mentee #buildingconservation #worldarchitectureday

CHILDREN OF ARCHITECTURE Behind every building are a set of people who gave their soul and strength to it. From an architect to a labourer, buildings need everyone to come to life. But how often we notice the fact that there are these children too who come along with their families during construction. The picture over here is from one of my site visits of a school into making. The children of construction workers often find themselves in stark contrast to their surroundings. While their parents labor on school construction sites, these children play and study amidst rubble, embodying both resilience and vulnerability. This juxtaposition highlights societal inequities, as the very structures being built for future education are surrounded by the harsh realities of poverty and neglect. These are the children of architecture. Their resilience is a powerful reminder of the strength of our future. My motive behind highlighting such a sight was only one, as an architect or architect in the making, whenever we are going on site visits, we must thank these unsung heroes behind our creation. #architecture #labours #society #buildings #children #construction #childrenofarchitecture #architects

For this year’s final #BlackHistoryMonth community spotlight, KAI looks to the Arlington Grove Apartments project. Located in the City of St. Louis, this special project included the redevelopment of the William B. Ittner designed Arlington School, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places, managed by the National Park Service, aims to facilitate public and private initiatives in identifying, assessing, and safeguarding America's historical and archaeological assets. KAI was chosen by the St. Louis Housing Authority to perform Design-Build services and transform the block into a $34 million, 162,000 square foot mixed-income and mixed-finance residential development that includes 112 units of apartments, townhouses, and semi-detached housing as well as a mixed-use building and renovated school. The 91 construction housing units included a heavy emphasis on sustainability that positively impacts both the residents and the community for years to come. The opportunity to help provide people in underserved areas with a meaningful place to live and a starting point for a better future is something on which we’ve built our legacy. Our mission of transforming communities is part of every project we take part in and is a mission we strive for with each step we take into the future. Read more about this historic and meaningful project in the link below. https://lnkd.in/g-m-VSSp #TransformingCommunities #CommunityImpact #AEC #Design #Engineering #CommunityInvestment #Construction #CommunityDesign #ResidentialDesign #EducationDesign

Today, we pause to honour the children who never came home, the Survivors, and their families. National Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and engage with Indigenous history and culture as part of the ongoing journey of reconciliation. As architects, we recognize the need to decolonize our practice. Architecture has historically been used as a tool of colonial power, from residential schools to institutional buildings that marginalized Indigenous peoples. Today, we have the opportunity to transform our work into a tool for healing and empowerment. Our partnership with Smoke Architecture Inc. on the Makwa Waakaa’igan Indigenous Centre of Cultural Excellence at Algoma University is an example of this. Once a residential school, Shingwauk Hall is now being reimagined as a place for healing, dialogue, and cultural preservation, led by the vision of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association. Decolonizing design starts with listening. It means working alongside Indigenous communities to ensure that their knowledge, culture, and values shape the spaces we create. This is not just about addressing the past but building a future where architecture supports cultural identity and well-being. We encourage reflection today, and every day, as we strive toward a more just and inclusive future.

Check out the latest update ... more updates to come soon!