By Rob Filary, AIA

Across the country, Transitional Kindergarten is moving from pilot to policy, from niche offering to a foundational layer of public education. As districts expand access, a practical question comes into focus: where do four-year-olds fit within systems built for older children?��

The answer is beginning to reshape the physical environment of schools in ways both subtle and consequential. Transitional Kindergarten is not a program that can simply be absorbed into existing classrooms. It asks for spaces tailored to a different stage of development, where independence is��emerging��but not yet assumed, and where the first experience of school can shape a child’s long-term relationship to learning.��

Design, in this context, becomes less about accommodation and more about calibration.��

A Different Kind of Classroom����

Traditional elementary classrooms are organized around independence and routine. Transitional Kindergarten��operates��on a more fluid threshold. Students are learning how to be at school, and the environment plays��a central role��in that transition.��

Classrooms are larger, more��flexible��and intentionally zoned. Distinct areas for quiet reading, active play, group instruction, and sensory exploration allow students to move between modes of learning with clarity. Fixtures,��storage��and visual cues are scaled to a child’s perspective, supporting autonomy without overwhelming choice. In-class restrooms reduce disruption and reinforce independence, while material shifts from soft flooring to durable surfaces support a range of activities throughout the day.��

These intentional adjustments shape how students navigate space, build��confidence��and begin to understand the rhythms of school.��

The Architecture of a First Experience��

For many families, Transitional Kindergarten marks a child’s first sustained interaction with the school system. Design decisions at the campus level carry weight beyond the classroom.��

Locating Transitional Kindergarten classrooms near the front of campus, with direct access to drop-off zones, can ease daily routines and reduce stress for caregivers and children alike. What appears to be a logistical decision becomes part of a family’s sense of trust and belonging.

Within the classroom, access to daylight, views to nature, and controlled sensory input support focus and emotional regulation. Just beyond it, outdoor environments extend this experience in more physical, immediate ways.��

Outdoor Transitional Kindergarten play yards do more than providing a space recess by functioning as a dynamic extension of the classroom where learning becomes physical,��sensory��and directly connected to the surrounding environment. A well-designed outdoor space carries the same intentionality as its indoor counterpart, supporting exploration,��discovery��and skill-building across developmental domains.��

These environments play a critical role in social and emotional development. Open-ended areas invite collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving, as children learn to navigate shared spaces and group activity. The ability to move freely and make choices fosters independence,��confidence��and self-regulation which are skills that underpin long-term academic readiness.��

Support for the student’s physical development is embedded in the landscape itself. Climbing elements, varied terrain, and adaptable materials support coordination, spatial awareness, and both fine and gross motor skills. At this stage, movement is fundamental to well-rounded learning.��

Thoughtful outdoor classrooms also reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity. Shaded areas, quiet nooks, sensory gardens, and flexible play features create multiple points of entry, allowing all students to engage in ways that align with their individual needs and comfort. Designing a yard with these elements in mind provides even the youngest students with an environment that broadens the definition of learning while��remaining��legible and supportive to every child.��

Here, play is not separate from learning but one of its primary vehicles.��

Fitting into the Larger Whole��

As Transitional Kindergarten expands, its integration into existing campuses becomes a strategic exercise. These classrooms do not��operate��in isolation but instead influence circulation,��supervision��and daily operations across the site.��

Proximity to kindergarten can support developmental continuity, while a degree of separation helps��maintain��an appropriate scale��for younger students. Many schools are beginning to cluster early learning environments into dedicated zones, creating a “school within a school” that balances connection with protection.��

Operational patterns shift as well. Drop-off and pick-up routines change when families��accompany��younger children. Supervision lines, restroom access, and security measures must account for different behaviors and needs. Even the orientation of windows and outdoor spaces contributes to a sense of safety and enclosure.��

These considerations extend beyond design in the narrow sense and shape how the campus functions over the course of the day.��

A Foundation with Lasting Impact��

Well-designed Transitional Kindergarten spaces help students understand where they are, what is expected, and how to move through the school day with growing confidence. They offer families clarity and reassurance and give educators environments that support a range of teaching approaches.��

As districts continue to invest in these programs, the question is no longer whether Transitional Kindergarten belongs on the elementary campus, but how its presence can strengthen it for everyone.��

By getting it right early, schools can reduce friction for families, support educators more effectively, and create environments aligned with how young children learn and develop. A stronger start for students and a more responsive campus begins with treating the first step into education as a moment worth designing with care.����

Rob Filary, AIA, is an Education Sector Leader at��.

Get more weekly reports and��timely��updates by subscribing for free at��schoolconstructionnews.com/subscribe.��

The post Designing the First Step: How Transitional Kindergarten Is Reshaping the Elementary Campus appeared first on ������Ů.

The post Designing the First Step: How Transitional Kindergarten Is Reshaping the Elementary Campus appeared first on ������Ů.

By Greg Cromer��

Public school systems across the country are entering a period of sustained enrollment decline, driven by a convergence of demographic and behavioral shifts, particularly��evident��along Colorado’s Front Range.��As explained in Part I of this article, Colorado��is projected to lose more than 15,000 children ages 0–17��over the next five years, due to factors such as��persistently low birth rates, high housing costs, an aging��population��and slower immigration.��

Online programs, private schools or homeschooling offer further competition for public schools across the country, helping to accelerate enrollment losses that exceeded 10,000 students this year alone, the largest drop since COVID-19. ��

Part I of this article discussed how��declining��enrollment��across the nation��is forcing��leaders to consider��consolidation,��closures��and replacement. However, this shift is also��creating��opportunities��to modernize aging facilities and rethink how space supports evolving educational models, from flexible, data-informed facility plans��to right-sizing��school capacity through consolidation and reconfiguration. Read further recommendations here:��

Establish Shared Understanding to Align Community and System Needs��

Engaging communities in school closures or consolidation is one of the most challenging responsibilities for school boards because it sits at the intersection of personal impact and systemwide necessity. Families often focus on identity, commute��changes��and neighborhood stability, while districts must address enrollment decline, underused facilities, financial��pressure��and equity. Bridging this gap requires transparent, data-driven storytelling that connects individual decisions to broader trends while also acknowledging the real loss communities feel—an essential step in��maintaining��trust.��

These decisions also require courage from district leaders, as delays or inaction can deepen inequities and strain limited resources. The transition also offers a powerful opportunity for community renewal by reimagining school identity through a new name, mascot,��colors��or symbols, which allows architectural teams to embed that identity into the built environment and shape a unifying community asset.��

Additionally, districts are increasingly designing schools for flexibility from the outset by positioning facilities as civic assets. Through adaptable layouts and coordinated shared-use spaces like flexible commons, gyms or auditoriums, schools can better serve both students and communities year-round, maximizing public investment and long-term value. This approach positions facilities not as static assets, but as adaptable infrastructure and dynamic tools that can continue to deliver student success and community buy-in.��

Unlock��Value in��Existing��Assets��

Reframing existing school assets is a key strategy for districts facing enrollment decline and uneven��utilization, shifting underused schools from excess capacity to flexible hubs that can be repurposed to meet emerging needs. Converting space for early childhood education, expanding special education or alternative programs, co-locating community services and even exploring workforce housing to support educator recruitment and retention can make an impact. Alongside physical reuse, specialized models such as STEM, Career and Technical Education (CTE) or arts-focused programs can also re-energize underenrolled facilities by drawing students across traditional boundaries.��

Partnering with architecture and design firms can help reimagine and maximize the value of existing assets. Consider repurposing underutilized wings into collaboration zones, student��services��or community spaces. At Sheridan High School, the design team revitalized an abandoned pool building into a trades skills workshop where students could work alongside trade professionals to develop hands-on skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.��

Districts such as Aurora Public Schools are leaning into programmatic strategies to attract and��retain��students in a competitive enrollment landscape. As choice expands and demographic pressures intensify, districts are moving beyond boundary-based enrollment to emphasize what makes each school distinct. This includes developing and branding focus-based schools built around themes, specialized��programming��or community partnerships to create a clear value proposition for families. For example, in response to shifting enrollment patterns, the Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy leaned into its identity rooted in entrepreneurship and innovation, using its programmatic focus to differentiate itself and re-engage families.��

Designing for��consolidation and future repurposing is essential to creating resilient school environments that attract and��retain��students. Flexibility helps future-proof facilities against demographic shifts, funding��changes��and broader disruptions, enabling districts to respond to enrollment changes without stranded assets and keeping buildings relevant and impactful over time.��

Greg Cromer is an education practice leader at��Wold��Architects and Engineers with more than 40 years of experience designing K–12 learning environments. He can be reached via email at��gcromer@woldae.com.��

Get more weekly reports and��timely��updates by subscribing for free at��schoolconstructionnews.com/subscribe.��

The post Right-Sizing Schools, Part II: Turning Enrollment Decline into Opportunity appeared first on ������Ů.

The post Right-Sizing Schools, Part II: Turning Enrollment Decline into Opportunity appeared first on ������Ů.

By Greg Cromer

Public school systems across the country are entering a period of sustained enrollment decline, driven by a convergence of demographic and behavioral shifts, particularly��evident��along Colorado’s Front Range. Over the next five years, the state is projected to lose more than 15,000 children ages 0–17, as persistently low birth rates, high housing costs, an aging��population��and slower immigration reduce the number of school-aged students.��

With more families considering online programs, private schools or homeschooling, public schools across the country are facing declines in student enrollment, accelerating enrollment losses that exceeded 10,000 students this year alone, the largest drop since COVID-19. According to projections from the National Center for Education Statistics, this downward trend is expected to continue nationally, placing increasing pressure on district funding, staffing and long-term planning, especially in high-poverty communities where per-pupil revenue is critical.��

Within this challenge lies a strategic inflection point: declining enrollment is forcing long-delayed conversations around consolidation,��closures��and replacement, while simultaneously creating an opportunity to modernize aging facilities and rethink how space supports evolving educational models. As some districts grapple with underutilized buildings and shifting community needs, the question is no longer whether change is necessary, but how to approach it. Below are strategies to unlock strategic investment in existing assets, align facilities with evolving educational programs and position schools to attract and��retain��students in a more competitive, choice-driven landscape.��

1. Build flexible, data-informed facility plans

In neighborhoods with aging populations, schools are��operating��below capacity, prompting consolidation or closure, while growth areas on the urban fringe��and in��redeveloping corridors face rising demand and need targeted expansion. This divergence is pushing districts toward more nuanced, data-driven strategies that balance right-sizing in legacy neighborhoods with growth planning elsewhere.��

To respond, districts are adopting more disciplined, long-range planning approaches that integrate enrollment projections, birth rates, housing trends and migration patterns with facility condition,��capacity��and educational adequacy data. Financial modeling grounded in per-pupil revenue forecasts and capital funding scenarios helps weigh renovation versus replacement, while scenario planning prepares districts for shifting demographic and policy conditions. Paired with transparent, community-informed engagement, this approach enables districts to move beyond reactive decisions and build flexible roadmaps that align facilities with evolving programs,��optimize��existing assets and support long-term sustainability.��

2. Right-size school capacity through consolidation and reconfiguration

Many schools were built during the post–World War II boom (1950s–70s), with a second wave in the 1990s–early 2000s tied to suburban growth. As a result, much of the portfolio, especially in established��districts,��is��now 45 to 65 years old, with some buildings exceeding 70 and requiring significant modernization. While newer schools exist in growth areas, portfolios are��largely defined��by older campuses in mature neighborhoods and newer ones on the fringe. This imbalance is driving complex capital decisions, as districts weigh modernization against replacement amid declining or uneven enrollment.��

Rather than defaulting to replacement, districts are rethinking aging assets and are prioritizing renovation and adaptive reuse to better match capacity with current and projected enrollment. At��Peakview��Academy at Conrad Ball, declining enrollment prompted consolidation efforts, with Thompson School District merging a middle school and two elementary schools into a��new schools��into a new PK–8 campus designed to better align staffing,��programming��and enrollment needs. Similar models, including High Plains School and Riverview PK-8 School, reflect a broader shift toward right-sizing facilities while��maintaining��neighborhood access to education.��

This approach supports more strategic capital investment, reduces long-term maintenance��costs��and improves operational efficiency while enabling evolving instructional models. By��consolidating��underused facilities and reconfiguring grade structures, districts can better balance educational quality with fiscal responsibility, transforming aging infrastructure into more sustainable, future-ready learning environments.��

Stay tuned for Part II of this article later this week, focused on establishing shared understanding to align community and system needs and how to unlock value in existing assets.

Greg Cromer is an education practice leader at��Wold��Architects and Engineers with more than 40 years of experience designing K–12 learning environments. He can be reached via email at��gcromer@woldae.com.��

Get more weekly reports and��timely��updates by subscribing for free at��schoolconstructionnews.com/subscribe.��

The post Right-Sizing Schools, Part I: Turning Enrollment Decline into Opportunity appeared first on ������Ů.

The post Right-Sizing Schools, Part I: Turning Enrollment Decline into Opportunity appeared first on ������Ů.

By Evelyn Long

In modern school design, the most critical spaces for student development may not be classrooms — they may be the areas in between. Third spaces like commons, libraries and even hallways represent an untapped frontier for fostering the youth’s social and mental well-being. They’re crucial for community health, but they are steadily declining. This presents a unique opportunity for educational facilities. ��

The Disappearing Third Space and Its Toll on Student Wellness��

Third spaces��, unlike the first and second spaces — the home and work or school. However, third spaces like malls, local parks and other����after the COVID-19 pandemic and rise of digital platforms and online communities. This reduces the number of venues and opportunities for low-stakes social interactions that children and young adults especially need.������

“We need intimate, close relationships,” Japonica Brown-Saracino, a sociology professor at Boston University, said. “But casual relationships serve a purpose as well, and many of those can be cultivated in a third place.”����

Around����between the ages of 13 and 29 report feeling lonely. Teenagers have the highest rates, and those experiencing this isolation are 22% more likely to earn lower grades. These statistics are alarming, as loneliness can����and diminish life expectancy.����

Within academic institutions, third spaces are where students choose to be, without a formal agenda. Students����these places when��they’re��at school. For example, many Gen Z students prefer to spend time in settings with third-space qualities when��they’re��not in class. The challenge for designers is how to bring those qualities inside school walls.����

From Concept to Construction — How to Build a Third Space��

While the sociological need for third spaces is compelling, the “how” is where design and construction experts can translate an abstract concept into a functional reality. Here are design strategies and ideas that can transform underutilized areas into vibrant hubs for student life.����

Implement Flexible and Biophilic Design��

Modern third spaces must serve multiple purposes and ideally connect students to nature. Consider these ideas:������

• Use modular seating, movable��partitions��and varied furniture to create distinct zones for quiet study, social��interaction��and collaborative work within a single��open area.����

• Go beyond potted plants by incorporating living walls, wood-paneled��accents��and large windows to maximize natural light.����

• Choose carpets,��textiles��or acoustic panels that feature patterns inspired by nature to create a subtle connection to the natural world.����

Adopt a “Resimercial” Approach to Materials and Comfort��

Blending the comfort of home with the durability of commercial environments is possible with��particular strategies:����

• Use durable but comfortable materials like cleanable fabrics, warm-toned��flooring��and area rugs to dampen sound and define spaces.����

• Install a long, recessed electric fireplace in communal spaces to create a powerful sense of warmth and gathering.����

• Designate��wall spaces for framing systems that display rotating student artwork to highlight the school’s community.����

Ensure Accessibility and Code Compliance��

Compliance with codes and regulations, from��, is also nonnegotiable. Professionals must go beyond meeting the��minimum��requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure accessibility:������

• Create clear, intuitive pathways free of obstacles, with good lighting and clear wayfinding signage to��assist��neurodiverse students or those with low vision.����

• Provide a variety of seating options, including chairs with and without armrests and couches at different heights.����

• Design for various sensory needs, which may include using acoustic paneling to dampen noise in “quiet zones” and providing areas with lower levels of stimulation.����

Leverage Smart Technology for Efficient Environments��

Smart technology will be part of an estimated����by 2028. This widespread adoption means that many students and their parents increasingly see responsive features as a standard.����

• Implement a zoned, smart HVAC system to keep different zones within a third space cool or heated simultaneously based on occupancy and need.����

• Install motorized shades that are programmed to automatically lower during peak sun hours to reduce solar heat gain.����

• Ensure the smart features are well-integrated to reduce energy consumption����and gain significant savings.����

Provide Pervasive and Accessible Technology��

Beyond smart automation, third spaces must always provide the fundamental technological infrastructure students need.��

• Integrate power outlets and USB charging ports directly into couches, tables,��benches��and other furniture.����

• Ensure the third space has a blanket��coverage��wireless network with sufficient density of wireless access points to handle hundreds of simultaneous connections without lag or dead zones.����

• Create dedicated huddle stations for small group work, equipped with a monitor with screen-sharing capabilities and mobile whiteboards that can be moved to��different locations��as needed.����

The Future of School as a Community Anchor��

Third spaces are a proven sociological concept that provides the informal, voluntary social connection that today’s adolescents are actively seeking. The goal is to intentionally design these spaces into the school environment, rather than leaving them to chance. Combine flexible, human-centered architectural planning and strategically integrate smart technology. Aim to become builders of the infrastructure that supports a healthier and more connected generation.����

The post Can Design Turn Schools��Into��the New Third Space?�� appeared first on ������Ů.

The post Can Design Turn Schools��Into��the New Third Space?�� appeared first on ������Ů.

By Evelyn Long��

Modern educational institutions require engaging digital learning tools to meet the growing needs of students. However,��there’s��also the challenge of combating screen fatigue — a common occurrence in the age of electronic devices. Integrating interactive, projection-based surfaces offers a smart solution that promotes digital learning while reducing the risk of technology overload.����

The Rising Cases of Screen Fatigue��

Gadgets are indispensable in a modern student’s life. The increasing dependency on electronics is leading to��high levels��of screen time, with teenagers����than those aged 12-14 to spend four hours or more on devices daily. This phenomenon can cause computer vision syndrome or screen fatigue, which��, blurred eyesight, trouble keeping eyes open and headaches.��

Aside from smartphones, computers and TVs, traditional screen-based technologies, such as tablets and smartboards, can contribute to this issue.��

How to Transform Surfaces into Interactive Learning Devices��

The prevalence of screen fatigue��necessitates��the development of more advanced technologies, such as interactive walls and floor-based activities. Here’s how designers and engineers can collaborate to build a space that fosters sustained student engagement and well-being.����

Use Softer, Ambient Color Schemes��

Studies have shown that text colors and ambient light conditions can����and impair cognitive performance. Calming colors, such as muted greens, blues or light grays, are excellent choices for interactive surfaces. This approach can help reduce overstimulation from bright hues.����

Warm tones like yellow and orange must be used sparingly for interactive elements that need to stand out. A touch of red is enough to draw attention to a specific area or button, while yellow can be used to evoke excitement among students.��

Prioritize Projection Over Direct Screens��

Projectors offer more flexibility than direct screens, providing more visibility in large spaces. When the whole class can see it, they are more likely to engage in lessons, making it easier to learn and collaborate in rooms of��various sizes.����

Some projectors��, which��contains��blue light wavelengths. Institutions and experts recommend using orange text on a black background, rather than the standard black text on white, to help boost viewing clarity.��

Select the Right Surface Material��

Professionals should opt for durable, nonreflective and light-colored matte finishes for floors and walls to ensure the projected image is clear and to prevent distracting reflections.��

For instance,��Viherlaakso��School in Finland introduced��iWall��— an exercise gaming solution����experience. It��utilizes��smart floors that are nonreflective, nonglossy, and free of any dark or busy patterns that could interfere with projection and motion tracking.��

Conduct a Thorough Site Assessment��

A thorough site evaluation is essential for renovating existing spaces. This is especially important in older school buildings because hazardous materials may be present. For instance, asbestos��, which is why the demolition or renovation of an asbestos-containing structure must follow the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.����

Project leaders����to prevent exposure to hazardous materials during installation. They must also confirm if the rooms have adequate ventilation to dissipate the heat generated by projectors, sound��systems��and other electronic devices.��

Ensure Inclusive Access��

Interactive walls and floors encourage physical movement. A study suggests that whole-body play activities can����and reduce negative behaviors. Research author and University of Delaware professor Anjana Bhat stresses the importance of gross-motor activities.

“Such regular physical activity has the potential to improve their child’s attentional focus, executive functioning, socialization, and would give them a sense of belonging/achievement, when done solo at home or in a small group format in the community,” she says.��

Designers and engineers must develop the system to be usable by students with physical and cognitive disabilities. This includes ensuring gesture controls that are not overly dependent on precise fine-motor skills.��

Learn more about the benefits of interactive technology in schools in the��November/December Technology issue of ������Ů.��

Evelyn Long is a commercial interior design writer with specialized��expertise��in accessible, ADA-friendly spaces and designing environments that support mental health and��inclusivity.��

The post How to Design Walls and Floors as Interactive Educational Surfaces Without Screen Fatigue appeared first on ������Ů.

The post How to Design Walls and Floors as Interactive Educational Surfaces Without Screen Fatigue appeared first on ������Ů.

By Evelyn Long

Maintaining healthy sleep-wake cycles helps kids stay alert, recall information and feel eager to learn. The associated behavioral benefits linked to a good night’s rest can support children in having productive relationships with their teachers and demonstrating the motivation to excel during tests and projects.

Professionals overseeing school designs should understand the connections between the body’s circadian rhythms — which regulate daily sleepiness and wakefulness — and learners’ outcomes.

The Impact of Circadian Rhythms on Learning Potential

Over the past 25 years, hundreds of schools in the United States have established later start times to align with sleep-wake cycles. Administrators did so after a growing body of research showed students whose school days match their circadian rhythms are more likely to feel energized and pay attention in classes, mutually benefiting themselves and teachers.

Kyla Wahlstrom is an educational policy researcher at the University of Minnesota who has studied the effects of school day timing since the 1990s. “Adolescent health is start times. This isn’t a silver bullet to improve test scores. It’s a public health policy,” Wahlstrom said.

A 2025 study supported Wahlstrom’s assertion by revealing that adolescents perform better on cognitive tasks when they sleep longer. Although the investigation did not find a direct link with school achievements, the most each night did best on tests examining vocabulary, problem-solving skills, reading and focus.

Subjects in that group got an average of seven hours and 25 minutes of sleep per night and tended to go to bed and fall asleep earlier than their counterparts. In contrast, people in the two segments that scored lower slept up to 15 minutes less than the top performers. The result suggests even modest shifts supporting students’ ideal circadian rhythm cycles could facilitate learning readiness.

Additionally, a 2023 study of Australian students at a facility with 250 day attendees and 59 boarding school residents found those in the latter group , likely due to a structured routine that restricts nighttime technology use. This outcome emphasizes the need for adult involvement in developing appropriate sleep-wake cycles.

Blackout curtains can due to light sensitivity, while a familiar bedtime routine establishes consistency.

Applying Strategic Design Choices in Schools

School design and construction professionals can promote healthy sleep-wake cycles through strategic decisions.

Increasing Natural Light

Many classrooms only have artificial lighting. However, designing them to boost natural light through features such as floor-to-ceiling windows facilitates the sleep-wake cycle.

Mohamed Boubekri is an architecture professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who focuses on buildings’ impact on human health. “My studies, as well as many others, have shown that we could be losing of sleep per night because of not having natural light in our workplaces or our classrooms,” Boubekri explains.

In a study of Egyptian classrooms, researchers to investigate the impact on daylight illuminance and its effects on occupants. Those changes improved light distribution, minimized glare, and enhanced illumination in previously dark areas during critical working hours. The results showed the enhancements achieved effective circadian exposure levels for students, supporting their learning performance and health goals.

Designing Spaces for Intended Purposes

Those creating learning environments should consider how people use the room and shape their decisions accordingly. A naptime area for a preschool might feature smart lights that gradually dim to encourage kids to slumber and a soft color palette to promote relaxation.

Alternatively, bright hues , making them ideal for playgrounds and classrooms. Stylistic decisions can naturally signal when people should calm down or become more focused, depending on what particular parts of their school days require.

Installing Human-Centric Lighting

Human-centric lighting gradually shifts the illumination intensity and temperature, personalizing it to the time of day. This approach is ideal in buildings lacking abundant natural light.

A systematic academic literature review of the subject indicated it aligns with circadian rhythms. Applying it can and help them sleep better at night. Additionally, light levels tailored to activities can increase performance and comfort.

Reducing Blue Light Exposure

Fluorescent and incandescent bulbs emit highly concentrated blue light wavelengths in the 400-450 nanometer range, as does the sun. However, humans’ exposure to this type of visible light is higher than ever due to their use of screen-based electronics, which are also characterized by high amounts.

Christopher S. Colwell, a neuroscientist and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, explains why frequent screen use can disrupt sleep. Colwell mentions how light detectors in human retinas influence the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls hormones. “Their only job is to it’s day or night,” he says. “And it turns out this system is most sensitive to blue/green wavelengths.”

Screens placed around schools to announce upcoming trips, deadlines and lunch menus give a high-tech look and eliminate disposable signs. However, they increase overall blue light exposure, making it harder for students to wind down at night. Designing screen-free environments supports sleep quality, helping learners wake up more refreshed.

Supplementing Design Decisions with Behavior Changes

School designs are essential, but the overall effects become more noticeable when educators suggest that parents and guardians make changes at home to support circadian rhythms. Similarly, construction officials engaging with families at meetings about upcoming projects should position this information as helpful to everyone, increasing adults’ willingness to alter schedules and behaviors and set good examples.

Evelyn Long is a commercial interior design writer with specialized expertise in accessible, ADA-friendly spaces and designing environments that support mental health and inclusivity.

The post How to Foster Healthy Sleep-Wake Cycles Through Thoughtful School Design appeared first on ������Ů.

The post How to Foster Healthy Sleep-Wake Cycles Through Thoughtful School Design appeared first on ������Ů.

By Shelby Hinchliff

In Fort Collins, Colo., what was once a dated 1980s office park is now a thriving junior high school campus: Liberty Common School. This ambitious adaptive reuse project exemplifies the opportunities of adaptive reuse and shines a light on how we can reimagine spaces to evolve as the community needs them to.

Designed with flexibility, efficiency and student well-being at the forefront, phase one of the new campus officially opened for the 2025-2026 school year. The full school will be completed in time for the 2026-2027 school year.

For Liberty Common, a charter-public school focused on a classical, core knowledge-based curriculum, the project offered an opportunity to give junior high students a space uniquely tailored to their needs without the cost or timeline of new construction. The facility’s location further bolsters the school’s historic role closing achievement gaps for its district’s low-income and minority students, for which Liberty Common School has achieved national recognition.

“We needed a space that would not limit our growth. Having a regulation sized gym, consolidated classroom spaces and a space to support performances and presentations elevates the experience of our students,” said Kathleen Kearney, Liberty Common Junior High School principal and project manager. “Transforming an outdated office building into a fully functional school campus takes a great deal of planning and coordination, but we are so proud of the final product. It was a rewarding experience to revitalize a space in Fort Collins rather than let it go to waste.”

Reimagining space through adaptive reuse

Originally built as part of a suburban office park, the site presented clear challenges and unique potential. With flat, ribbon-windowed architecture typical of its era, the buildings were far from school-ready. But by reconfiguring the interiors, adding a connective structure between them, and completely reworking the site layout, the design team created a secure, efficient and inspiring learning environment.

The two existing buildings will house classrooms and administrative areas. A new addition, referred to as the “loggia” in a nod to Roman architectural tradition — will connect the structures and includes a regulation-sized gymnasium, multi-use cafeteria and a space to host concerts, musical-theater practice and presentations.

Parking areas will be replaced with green space, providing outdoor learning and recreation areas while supporting critical stormwater rerouting infrastructure.

Fast-tracked timeline and phased construction

Charter school construction typically requires 14-15 months for permitting, design and buildout. But strategic overlap in the design and construction process, along with a highly collaborative approach, allowed the team to deliver the project’s first phase in just 10 months, from design start to occupancy.

Phased approaches are beneficial to many different spaces, but especially critical for schools. In order to prevent any academic disruptions, Neenan and Liberty Common completed phase one, 19,000 square-feet of academic classrooms and administrative areas, in time for the 2025 school year. Phase two will include a second building, loggia, gymnasium, support spaces, specialty classrooms and site work.

With critical areas of the school fully operational, Neenan is working in lockstep with the school to coordinate daily activities. This high caliber of collaboration is needed to ensure student safety in the areas adjacent to an active construction site.

Navigating complexity with collaboration

Converting the office park into a school wasn’t just a matter of design. It also required navigating multiple layers of local and state approval. The teams worked with the City of Fort Collins to remove a public street between the two buildings, reroute stormwater systems and reconfigure vehicle access and parking.

The project remained on schedule thanks to close coordination among Neenan, the school, the city and the owner’s representative, Jeff Jensen.

“Because we’ve worked with Liberty for years, we were able to help them quickly weigh their options, support the financing package and push through approvals efficiently,” said Bill Pigg, president of Neenan Archistruction. “This project is a perfect example of how design-build can accelerate delivery without sacrificing quality.”

Planning with purpose

Prior to selecting the site, Liberty Common considered multiple options, including a ground-up build and adaptive reuse of other properties.

Site selection is a critical component of setting up an adaptive reuse project for success. It is necessary to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Ultimately, Liberty Common selected this site based on proximity to existing campuses, cost efficiency and design flexibility. Neenan supported the funding agreement by helping the school develop its financing package and understand the full lifecycle value of the adaptive reuse model.

Liberty Common School was an opportunity to translate the school’s classical academic philosophy into its physical environment. Architects worked to incorporate traditional design references while optimizing the functionality of a modern school. Classrooms were built with adaptability in mind, supporting future growth.

A model for charter school innovation

The Liberty Common Junior High stands as a proof-of-concept for adaptive reuse in K-12 education. This is especially impressive within the charter sector, where limited budgets and tight timelines are common.

By leveraging Neenan’s integrated design-build model, strong municipal relationships and deep understanding of charter regulations, Liberty Common gained a cost-effective, future-ready campus in record time.

Shelby Hinchliff is a Principal Architect at Neenan Archistruction.

The post From ‘80s Office Complex to Modern Junior High Campus appeared first on ������Ů.

The post From ‘80s Office Complex to Modern Junior High Campus appeared first on ������Ů.

By Lindsey Coulter

AURORA, Colo. — Aurora Public Schools has officially broken ground on a new P-8 school in the Horizon Uptown community, marking one of the first major projects funded by the district’s historic $1 billion bond program.

Parents, students, staff and community members gathered to celebrate the start of construction on the 124,000-square-foot building, which will replace the current Clyde Miller P-8. The original school opened in 1981 as an elementary school and later transitioned to a P-8, but district officials said the building lacks the instructional spaces and amenities of a modern facility and is in need of significant repairs.

Karla Gonzalez-Morales, whose children will attend the new school, addressed the crowd during the ribbon cutting, sharing her excitement about the future.

“When a community comes together like this, it sends a powerful message to our children that their education is a priority worth celebrating,” Gonzalez-Morales said.

The new school will serve both Clyde Miller families and students in the growing Horizon Uptown neighborhood. The three-story design by local architecture firm Anderson Mason Dale includes abundant windows for natural light, exploratory labs on each floor, and dedicated art and music rooms for vocal and instrumental programs. A full-size gym and expanded athletics offerings will also be available for middle school students.

APS Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. praised the collaboration between architects, construction management teams and developers.

Before the ceremony concluded, attendees were invited to sign a structural beam with names, handprints and messages. The beam will be temporarily displayed at Clyde Miller P-8 before being installed in the new building, which is scheduled to open in August 2026.

The P-8 school is one of many projects supported by Aurora voters’ approval of the 2024 bond and accompanying $30 million annual capital mill levy. The $1 billion bond — the largest in Colorado history — funds new construction, renovations and technology upgrades across the district.

Every project falls under one of four community-driven themes: enhanced health, safety and security; equitable future planning; innovative learning opportunities; and state-of-the-art technology.

In addition to the Horizon Uptown P-8, the bond will finance construction of a new Health Science High School, a new building for Laredo Elementary School, and two other new P-8 schools. Major renovations are also planned for Gateway High School, Pickens Technical College and Aurora West College Preparatory Academy. Career and technical education spaces at the high school level and learning and support spaces districtwide will also be upgraded.

District leaders said the projects aim to improve both student learning environments and staff working conditions while preparing schools for future growth.

“As we look ahead, these investments are about more than just buildings,” Giles said. “They’re about ensuring our students have the opportunities, spaces and resources to thrive.”

Aurora Public Schools expects the Horizon Uptown P-8 to welcome its first students at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

The post Aurora, Colo., Public Schools Breaks Ground on New P-8 School appeared first on ������Ů.

The post Aurora, Colo., Public Schools Breaks Ground on New P-8 School appeared first on ������Ů.

A cost-benefit analysis examines a tiered approach to energy investments that can save schools significant money on annual operating expenses��

By Kate Mraw��

The realities of funding school construction make it difficult for districts to weigh the short- and long-term benefits of moving their campuses to cleaner, healthier, more energy-efficient environments. Are energy-efficient strategies cost-prohibitive? The Sustainability & Applied Research team at LPA Design Studios recently worked with in-house designers and engineers, and partner Joeris General Contractors, to explore the cost-benefit analysis of energy-efficient schools.����

For our case study, we chose a recently completed elementary school in Dallas, Texas — where increasingly severe weather and problems with the electrical grid have upset the status quo of cheap energy and light regulation. As school districts in every state struggle to stretch budgets amid historic political and economic uncertainty, the team looked for opportunities to save money through sustainable design.������

Our goal was to understand what it would take to achieve energy independence. We want to be able to have a smart, informed conversation with our clients about up-front costs, return-on-investment and potential savings in annual operational costs.��

Starting with a data-rich digital model of the school, the team studied three tiers of additional energy-efficiency investment and their associated costs and energy savings. Tier 1 studied only passive strategies—design elements like demand-control ventilation and increased roof insulation that reduce energy use with little to no added cost. Tier 2 looked at alternative HVAC systems — options for a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system and heat pumps — to eliminate natural gas. The third-and-final tier provided multiple options for reaching net-zero energy use by adding on-site energy generation infrastructure.��

The study shows just how much energy performance can be gained for free, simply with smart, passive design strategies; investing in modern, marginally more expensive HVAC tech; how quickly a net-zero energy school might pay for itself and start producing free energy.����

The Results��

The results illustrate the significant operational savings available from creating more-energy-efficient buildings. Starting with a passive-only approach, the estimated annual energy cost was $65,000. The optimized HVAC system cut that number by 40% at the up-front cost of $250,000.����

Going a step further, adding PV on the roof would cost an additional $570,000 but would reduce the energy costs to less than $10,000 a year, an 85% savings. To eliminate the electricity bills altogether, the school would need a total cost premium investment of around $1 million. Each of these scenarios would result in a simple payback of 14 to 16 years — potentially much less if energy prices increase, as expected.����

The numbers reveal a variety of ways to address energy efficiency, from reevaluating so-called ‘best practices’ to full energy independence. What’s clear is that a high-performing school building is not one-size-fits-all. The point is to give school districts what they need to make informed decisions with their budgets. The return might take 15 years, but over a life span of 50 to100 years, it adds up to a lot of free energy.����

Beyond operational savings, the analysis didn’t include the intangible benefits found in energy-independent facilities. Energy strategies can play an important role in developing more resilient campuses, able to function no matter what happens to the grid. Texas energy and electricity customers experience the third-highest rate of power outages in the country, with almost 20 hours of outages in 2021, according to the most recent US Energy Information Administration data.����

More sustainable schools are also, by nature, healthier schools. Campuses with natural daylight, reduced energy demand and no fossil fuel combustion save energy and promote a district’s well-being goals. They also serve as teaching tools, putting engineering and conservation on display on a daily basis.��

The data reinforces the importance of including sustainability in the initial planning process, when energy efficiency can be integrated into the design process and tied to the district’s larger goals. In a recent $370 million bond measure, Alamo Heights ISD included funds for “efficiency and sustainability,” earmarking dollars to address more-efficient energy-saving systems.��

By taking a tiered approach to the initial analysis, districts can find a comfort level that fits their budget and the priorities of their community. Districts can test the waters, see the savings and incorporate more strategies into future projects.��

While on first review, the systems may seem cost prohibitive, the real-world data illustrates an attractive return on investment. Buildings are a one-time expense that, if designed right, create value that can pay off for decades. For cash-poor districts overwhelmed by the maintenance and operation of obsolete, energy-hungry schools, capital improvement dollars provide a unique opportunity to get ahead. The way is clear: prioritizing energy efficiency spending at the right time frees up money later for the education and program expenses that make a real difference for students.������

Kate Mraw is the director of K-12 at LPA Design Studios, founder of the firm’s Sustainability & Applied Research team and co-author of “Creating the Regenerative School” (ORO Editions, 2024).��

Read more great stories in the July/August edition of ������Ů.��

The post Making the Case for Energy Efficiency appeared first on ������Ů.

The post Making the Case for Energy Efficiency appeared first on ������Ů.

By Erin McDannald

Generation Z—those born roughly between 1996 and 2010—came of age in an entirely digital world, which has had profound implications for the role of technology in their classrooms. Their teachers embraced the same devices that Millennials went to detention for using, creating lesson plans that utilized the tools Gen-Z students are most familiar with. Expectations for tech-enabled education have driven similar changes at the university level. As Generation Alpha follows quickly behind them, those expectations are increasing exponentially.

Gen Alpha’s unprecedented access to information online and climbing standards for connectivity have transformed the demands for modern-day education spaces. The “smart campus” is emerging as a model for leveraging the power and ubiquity of technology to improve the student experience, enhance the quality of education, and increase operational and administrative efficiency. By equipping education environments with smart facilities management systems and harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) integration, the future of learning is here.

AI in the Classroom

The smart campus is adaptive by design, equipped to support different learning styles and instruction methodologies simultaneously. A powerful, reliable, and secure data infrastructure forms the campus’ backbone, allowing each student, teacher, and classroom to seamlessly connect to interactive educational software, digital textbooks and online testing platforms. AI works in the background to adapt material to match the pace and preference of each student at scale, creating a more inclusive and tailored classroom experience. Teachers can leverage this data to identify key knowledge gaps and structure dedicated lessons for sustained classwide success.

A healthy, underlying environment is essential to this ecosystem. Studies have shown that , can all impact cognitive performance. Clean air is also critical for supporting developing and vulnerable immune systems. Sensors—which can range in size from that of a penny to a small, household thermostat—monitor classroom conditions and send signals to the larger campus MEP control system when values fall outside optimal levels.

Group-based activities and classwide discussions can increase the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air, which should remain below 1,000 parts per million (ppm) according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (). have measured as high as 4,000 ppm in classrooms around the world—making this technology even more critical for maintaining a non-toxic learning environment. Simultaneously, ongoing exposure to bright-white screens and overhead lighting can lead to eye strain and fatigue.

Automation tools trigger real-time adjustments to ensure that the classroom is continuously fine-tuned to student and teacher wellbeing and focus. Further, these metrics can be fed to wall-mounted dashboards, allowing students, teachers and even parents to see the system at work.

In addition to supporting academic performance, AI enables the campus system to learn from classroom data—such as when students change classes or when they’re out at recess—to optimize how energy is produced, used, and stored to support sustainability and efficiency while reducing costs. By reading changes in sensor data, the system determines where power can be saved based on real-time occupancy to strike a balance between comfort and efficiency.

At the higher education level, the energy savings can be even greater, because classroom use is often less predictable than a K-12 bell schedule. By removing the guesswork of aggregated modeling and leveraging machine learning to automate best practices, administrators can recapture the funds once spent on unnecessary resource usage and redirect those savings into other campus programs.

Beyond the Classroom

Smart technology infrastructure and seamless connectivity are equally important outside the classroom to extend the benefits of automated facilities management tools for greater campus safety and efficiency.

Security is paramount in both K-12 and higher education environments, and an AI-supported detection and response program can be a critical differentiating factor in emergencies. Smart cameras can analyze and flag behaviors that may indicate potential risk—such as someone lingering in an unusual area or wielding a weapon—prompting security personnel in real-time to assess the situation. Sensors can be used to detect sounds like gunshots or breaking glass anywhere on campus, alerting teachers and administrators as well as older students via text message to avoid the area until it’s been investigated. AI can also automate these systems to dial 9-1-1 and dispatch nearby officers to campus for back-up.

When integrated with university campus maps and smartphone apps, traffic management technology can also make it easier for new students to navigate to class and find available parking.

Erin McDannald is the chief executive officer of and its sister companies and , has been a dynamic force in lighting design and construction for over two decades, championing growth, innovation, and enhancement of the human experience at every step.

The post The Next-Generation Campus: Designing Schools for Digital Natives appeared first on ������Ů.

The post The Next-Generation Campus: Designing Schools for Digital Natives appeared first on ������Ů.