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.
2014 Committee on Architecture for Education Design Excellence Award Category: Merit Description: Nathan Hale is a progressive, public high school known for its collaborative, presentation-based curriculum and strong community connection. This significant facility modernization and addition to the 1960’s structure creates a flexible teaching facility that puts student life at the center of the school and unites the campus community. The design allows the building to breathe fresh air and daylight while respecting the existing structural rhythm. Light-filled halls and classrooms, as well the building transparency, express the school’s values and provide a healthy, inspirational environment. Jury Comments: The result of a holistic planning process, this bold transformation of a traditional late 20th century high school creates an edgy, stimulating environment for high school students that engenders socialization and creativity. Skillful renovation and adaptive reuse include the amazing transformation of exterior façade to revitalize drab interior spaces with natural light. The revised plan is peppered with double height forums with bleacher seating and smaller scale collaboration spaces. This is an exemplary example of how the creative re-use of existing resources can encompass innovative design and progressive pedagogical integration. #design #award #Merit #2014 #Jury #CAE