Zahi Atallah’s Post

“The architecture of a school, the volumes and the voids, the closed spaces and the open fields, have an unknowable, intangible impact on how we learn, how we interact, and how it influences us”. - Gauri Kelkar Architecture has an immense impact on people’s lives. As architects working in delivering educational projects, it's essential to be fully aware of the impact the spaces we design and build have. A well-designed school can do much more than just enhance the overall learning experience: it can act as an absolute catalyst! 💡 #architecture #education #educationdesign

Welcome to the School Design Study Group at Cambridge University! We are a community of school design enthusiasts united by a shared belief in the transformative power of well-designed learning environments. Based at Cambridge University, our group brings together a diverse mix of undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty members from the Department of Architecture and the Faculty of Education, as well as individuals from beyond these disciplines. In this space, we create opportunities for educationalists, spatial practitioners, and academics to connect and engage in meaningful dialogue. We aim to explore and expand ideas on how the built environment shapes the learning experience. Together, we delve into pressing questions such as: How do spatial design and pedagogy intersect? What makes a school building conducive to holistic learning? Our interdisciplinary community comes alive through: - Discussions with leading voices in the field—architects, educators, design anthropologists, and activists. - Visits to inspiring local schools that exemplify innovative design. - Design charettes that bring together architects and educators to generate new ideas for the future of school design. If you're passionate about reimagining educational spaces or simply curious to learn more, we’d love to connect with you! Follow us for insights, events, and conversations on what makes a school space truly impactful. Let’s reshape the future of learning environments—one discussion at a time. #SchoolDesign #CambridgeUniversity #LearningEnvironments #EducationalSpaces #Architecture #InterdisciplinaryResearch

Yes, architecture for children, and architecture for their community! Will America rediscover the benefits of Architecture for neighborhoods centered around schools where children are the connectors for families, increasing a desirable "sense of community" within our cities? Coming out of the pandemic, is it possible for us to involve the Architects in a resurgence of building uplifting and hope-filled architecture that inspires us? Or, will we find excuses to fall to the bottom of balance sheets to reduce first costs that can lead to the making of depressingly boring buildings of no spiritual value? Is defeatism the Zeitgeist nowadays? That's not very American. We must shake it off, from the grass roots up! Children are full of hope. Let's build for their potential. Let's enliven their optimism and symbolize it as the right vibe to instill in our places, which are best when built with Architecture! Let's create the conditions for their better future. Let's reach the future with a smile and joy of being alive. Let's do it together. Let's do it for them. (Remember, we will need them when we are elderly and dependent upon them... I believe the adage is, "What goes around comes around"... We do ourselves justice by doing them right when we create architecture, neighborhoods, and community supportive cities. Thoughts?)

Are you looking for an architecture firm for your next higher education project? Today's academic buildings need to accommodate various teaching styles and evolving needs of students and faculty. It's also essential to consider how a building can serve multiple purposes - now and in the future. Let us show you how we've optimized academic classrooms for flexibility and longevity. #EnergyArchitecture #HigherEducation #FlexibiltyToLongevity #CampusPlanning #BuildingForTheFuture #ClassroomDesign

You may have seen our posts recently about the work that we've been doing with local #ArchitecturalTechnology students. Bringing these students real world experiences is something we're passionate about. Read our latest blog post to find out how we've been doing this as well as more information on the sites that we took them to: https://bit.ly/48CncuF

When educational architects and designers begin the process of modernization and construction, it can include more than the creation of blueprints and meeting district budgets. Engaging with each school's community can help to craft unique experiences whether it's in the middle of a busy city or in a rural setting. Kara Arundel illustrates some fine examples in this article. #SchoolDesign #EducationMatters #EmpoweringLearners

School buildings are undergoing a significant transformation, shedding their traditional image for a more dynamic and adaptable design. Driven by a focus on student engagement, safety, and future-proofing educational facilities, school districts across the country are implementing innovative architectural solutions. This shift is being guided by collaborative efforts between school officials, educators, and design experts. These emerging trends in school design reflect a commitment to creating a safe, adaptable, and inspiring learning environment for the next generation of students." #JamesCubitt #JamesCubittMENA #MasterPlanning #EducationalFacilities #FutureproofSchools #LearningEnvironments #SchoolDevelopment #architecture #engineering #projectsupervision #menabusiness #dubaibusiness #abudhabibusiness #projectdesign #developmentconsulting

Student Spotlight: Mariah Hoffman is a 3rd year Master of Architecture student going into her final semester at TSOA. Why did you choose to become a student at TSOA? When deciding which Masters of Architecture program to pursue I had 3 goals in mind: 1) I wanted a school that was design-build focused 2) I wanted to be back in the Desert, and 3) I wanted to have the option to pursue licensure through an accredited degree program. TSOA hit all three of those! What is your favorite part about being a student at TSOA? My favorite part about being a student at TSOA is the community life. The school has a long-standing history of “learning-by-doing” and that is still baked into our experience from cooking together, to hosting lectures, to spontaneous karaoke nights etc. I believe learning to be in community with others while training to become an architectural practitioner is valuable and necessary. What is the studio project you are most proud of? The studio project that I am most proud of thus far is my future campus design. We were prompted to design a potential future campus for TSOA over a year-long studio. My design went through a few iterations but ultimately landed on a Desert responsive option made of compressed earth blocks. I learned a lot by developing the project in more detail and producing a drawing set. It was especially productive being the “client” of the future project and really examining the design from the lens of the current end-user. #architecture #architectureschool #mastersofarchitecture #studentspotlight

A brilliant read about the future of education in our industry. The issues highlighted by Eleanor Young are the reason we started ArchAdemia. If you have an interest in Architecture, be sure to read the article. Adam Morgan Jack Johnson Jenny Russell ArchAdemia https://lnkd.in/eCUz2adY

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” - Winston Churchill, 1943 The link between intentional design and society is linear – because while architecture shapes our students, it’s the students that shape our future. And campuses worldwide are sparing no detail, specifying materials for both functionality and aesthetics. These elements breathe life into universities, building community and encouraging academic success. Don’t neglect the details. Check out our Education Brochure: https://buff.ly/3KqbrOo #Education #Architecture #HigherEd #Universities #IntentionalDesign #StudentSuccess #Academics #AcademicSuccess #BuildingCommunity #SCAD #BuildingMaterials #CSolutions #PeopleBuildingsBetter