The Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) is a Knowledge Community of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). We are a large and active group of over 10,000 architects and allied professionals concerned with the quality and design of all types of educational, cultural, and recreational facilities that promote lifelong learning in safe, welcoming and equitable environments. The CAE’s mission is to foster innovative and collaborative design of educational facilities and to heighten public awareness on the importance of learning environments.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:Following Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) adapted its mission to respond to the changing needs of its recovering community. By integrating indoor and outdoor interactive experiences in a park setting, LCM presents a unique model for children’s museums.CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE:The museum’s new home is distributed into two linked buildings, carefully sited to protect existing live oaks while enhancing the lagoon and open space for environmental education. The choreography of the visitor experience connects people and nature – moving through groves of live oaks, across water, and into a courtyard and sensory gardens.DIVERSE COMMUNITY RESOURCES:The co-location of a two-story exhibit wing with centers for literacy, parenting, early childhood research and environmental education creates a holistic and supportive environment for families. The City Park location uniquely supports outdoor experiences and environmental education, not possible at the previous Warehouse District site.