Page 28 - School Planning & Management, July/August 2017

FACILITIES PROGRAMMATIC SYNERGIES
flexibility. On a micro-level, individual spaces have the capacity to be easily repurposed. Individual spaces were designed at BMHS around the use of movable furniture, robust wireless and perim- eter casework. These types of agile spaces allow for localized flex- ibility in configuration responding to a variety of student learning needs and styles. The environments reflect the prerequisite to sup- port direct instruction, collaboration and individual learning in a single room while at the same time allowing for the dissemination of information in a format that is not yet known. On a more macro- scale, the larger educational planning allows for future teaching pedagogies. Classrooms and spaces were structurally created to support larger scale reconfiguration. The teaching methodologies in 20 years will look nothing like they do now. Industries may be the classroom of the future with students focused on real world problems with true interdisciplinary teams. It is crucial for K-12 schools to reflect this capacity to adapt.
When Generation Alpha, born after 2010, comes of age, they won’t think about technologies as tools — instead, technology will be integrated directly into their lives. Schools will need to deliver learning experiences and events. Projects must reflect this ability and the capacity to transform to fully-integrated technological environments. For example, the Bishop Lynch Center for Advance-
ment and Academics includes a new 12-classroom addition known as the Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) Classrooms. TEAL classrooms are larger than a typical classroom putting students in a learning environment that encourages interaction with peers while promoting active learning. Technology enhances the experience and challenges students to think and express themselves in non-traditional ways. Collaborative learning is accomplished by students working in small groups with shared screens, technology integrated hands-on activities, media rich vi- sualizations and simulations delivered via laptops and web-based response systems — all promoting better student engagement.
Schools as Hybrid Facilities
Classrooms as we know it are changing as schools become hybrid facilities that connect K-12, higher ed, business, industry and communities. Imagine businesses creating hands on spaces for K-12 students who can then work to problem solve for compa- nies. Creative students will gain opportunities like college interns do now. Learning will also be customized as we move from insular to integrated. Schools will become incubators for problem solving and industries will be our classrooms of the future. An example
of this public-private partnership is at the Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies in Overland Park, Kan. Students are working with educators and business professionals to emulate real world experiences and get a glimpse at various professional career strands such as engineering, bioscience, human services and business. Innovative components include large flexible spaces, transparent project areas and small group areas for meeting and presenting individual work.
Educational facilities are built to sustain a 50+ year span, so designs must support unknown pedagogies. Flexible, adaptive environments that support hands on project-based learning is key to successful planning. SPM
>> Brooke Trivas is a principal at Perkins+Will. Her focus is firmly rooted in educational facilities. Her passion for this work is evident in her involvement within her community and beyond.
28 SCHOOL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / JULY/AUGUST 2017
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