Current Issue

Cover Story

The Power of Sustainability
Transform Your District

Planning large-scale upgrades is a daunting task for any school district. Learn how Barrington School District 220 and Rockford Public Schools District 205 collaborated with architects and designers to bring their renovation ideas to life. 

By Keri VanSant, AIA, WELL AP

Articles

Conceptual Planning for Building Automation
Ensuring Interoperability for the Long Run

This article explores the importance of interoperability in school building automation, the long-term benefits it offers and how schools can make smart investments that will serve them well in the future.

By Calvin Cornish


Biophilic Design: A Learning Tool

Connectivity to the outdoors and nature is critical in educational environments. This is particularly important in dense urban schools where student outdoor time is severely limited, as well as in technology-heavy learning settings where students spend 50 to 60 hours in front of a screen per week. Discover why nature in educational design is important. 

By Marie Kohne, AIA and Robin Randall, FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C

Getting the Wheels Spinning
Tips and Tricks to Develop Your Green Fleet

Buses have long been seen as necessary gas guzzlers. However, with advancements in electric vehicle technology, your transportation fleet could shift from the pump to the plug.

By Doug Renkosik

Building a Community Around Our Schools

Schools and communities are becoming more interconnected through facilities. Once intended solely for learning, facilities are now becoming gathering places for entire neighborhoods. Read how schools are designing upgrades and renovations with community use in mind. 

By Mike Eichhorn, AIA, LEED AP

Evolving Educational Spaces
Rethinking Multi-Purpose Rooms Through the Lens of Modern Learners

As schools strive to offer meaningful learning experiences, the multi-purpose spaces within them are adapting to reflect these changes. Modern innovations in design now focus on wellness, social learning and connectedness, redefining how open multi-purpose spaces can better meet the needs of today’s learners. 

By Bradley Paulsen

Clean Energy Project Funding
The Inflation Reduction Act 

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is federal legislation that includes billions of dollars of funding for school districts looking to complete eligible energy improvement projects. Find out which projects qualify under the 10-year legislation, how the direct pay tax credits work and the steps to ensure project success.

By Matthew Bubness and Jesse Nelson, CPA