Acoustic Solution

Q&A Issues in Eduction

The Samuel Randall School, Bronx, NY. Photo: Ola Wilk

How Aging NYC Schools Can Improve Accessibility, Preserve Historic Character and Minimize Disruption

Issue and Proposed Solution: New York City’s aging public-school infrastructure presents a significant accessibility challenge. With most school buildings constructed decades before modern accessibility standards, creating inclusive learning environments requires complex interventions within existing structures. Unlike new construction, accessibility upgrades must respond to limitations posed by floor layouts, circulation patterns,

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September 25, 2026
Flexible connections between studios and informal gathering spaces allow students to choose the environment that best supports their work while accommodating multiple activities simultaneously. Seminar I, The Evergreen State College. Photo: Lara Swimmer Photography

The Creative Ecosystem – Designing the Next Generation of Arts Education

How are arts education facilities evolving to create more inclusive and engaging learning environments? Arts facilities are evolving from collections of specialized rooms into interconnected creative ecosystems. By linking studios, rehearsal spaces, galleries, maker labs, and informal gathering areas, they create opportunities for students to learn from one another across

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September 25, 2026
Finneytown Elementary School, Art Gallery (left) and Little Miami Early Childhood Center, Stairway Portals of Discovery (right). Photo: William Manning Photography

The Cross-Pollination Advantage: How lessons learned from diverse market expertise help us create transformative learning environments.

What can museums and cultural institutions teach us about creating meaningful learning environments? Museums are designed to inspire curiosity, celebrate achievements, and help visitors see themselves as part of a larger story. Those same principles can strengthen educational environments. Our work with museums and cultural institutions has influenced how we

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September 25, 2026
Roosevelt High School – Robotics Lab. Photo: Brad Nicol

The Exponential Power of CTE in Schools – S/M/L

How has the concept of Career and Technical Education (CTE) changed over the last 20+ years, and what do you think makes this type of educational programming so relevant right now? Once only auto and wood shop, CTE now represents a wide array of hands-on career curriculums that often have

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September 27, 2025
Troy Preschool, Troy School District. Photo: Chris Lark Photography

Designing with Empathy: Aligning Spaces to Educational Goals

What makes designing educational environments different from designing other types of spaces? Designing educational environments goes beyond aesthetics and functionality. While most design sectors focus on current trends, schools require a deeper understanding of how space supports learning. It’s not about design trends; it’s about educational trends. A visually appealing

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September 27, 2025
A built-in perk for teachers—in district childcare and early education—we have perform program test-fits in multiple district schools seeking to replicate. Photo: Reliance Architecture LLC

Turning School Visions into Reality

How do casual conversations lead to big results? We believe some of the best insights come from truly vetting a project through everyday, genuine conversations. Walking the halls, chatting with teachers during a break, listening to custodians talk about their daily challenges—these moments uncover needs that don’t always surface in

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September 27, 2025
Immersion Charrette walking tour of campus. Photo: OLSON LEWIS + Architects

Immersion and Master Planning

Issue and Proposed Solutions Many schools start their planning with a solution in mind, but a structured process like Immersion can uncover unique solutions that better align with the school. For example, Glen Urquhart School (GUS) believed it needed a centralized dining hall. But Immersion, our process of intentional listening

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September 27, 2025
In Philadelphia, dynamic interactive learning installations for Mt. Airy CDC’s Literacy Rich Neighborhood and Live & Learn at Susquehanna Square Housing were brought to life through an inclusive, community-driven co-design and feedback process. Photos: © Douglas Benedict, Academic Images (Susquehanna Square installation) / KSS Architects (Mt Airy CDC installation)

Envisioning 21st Century Learning Environments Through A Playful Learning Lens

What is playful learning, and how does it shape educational experiences? Playful Learning, or learning by doing, combines play with goal-driven learning to promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth in children–skills foundational to future success. This approach is proven to enhance development and close gaps in early childhood literacy, especially

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September 27, 2025
The exterior of Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University, designed by ESa. Photo: Jeremiah Hull

Interprofessional Medical Education Design

What is your background and your current role? I’ve been with ESa for 19 years and currently serve as a principal, with a key interest in medical education spaces. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of spaces in this sector, from science labs

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September 27, 2025
Exterior of Schoenecker Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Photo: Farm Kid Studios

Creating Shared Opportunity Through Co-Locating Arts & Sciences

Issue and Proposed Solutions: The University of St. Thomas sought to integrate science and engineering spaces with liberal arts programs in one cohesive environment, creating a unique program that maximizes learning possibilities for every student. Based on guiding principles established at the onset (Innovative, Adaptable, Connected, Inclusive, and Sustainable), the

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September 27, 2025