NCMA announces educational design award winners

Masonry Construction, March, 2004 by Ron Holzhauer

The National Concrete Masonry Association has announced the winners of the 2003 Impact on Learning Awards. The awards were developed "to recognize educational facilities that solve real-world problems with design, engineering, and technology solutions." Unlike other programs that judge whole building design, the Impact Awards focus on specific solutions to specific challenges, such as safety and security or energy efficiency.

Entries were judged on several criteria. Does the solution reflect the challenge presented? Is there an emphasis on functionality? Does the solution provide flexibility to accommodate future educational programs? Is the solution innovative. And most importantly, does the solution enhance student learning?

There were 12 winning projects.

* Harold G. Fearn Elementary, North Aurora, Ill., architect: Perkins & Will

* Central Institute for the Deaf, St. Louis, Mo., architect: Mackey Mitchell Associates

* Moonlight Elementary, Gardner, Kan., architect: Hollis & Miller Group

* Kings Manor Elementary, New Caney, Texas, architect: PageSoutherlandPage

* Allegan High School, Allegan, Mich., architect: TMP Associates

* Campbell K-8 School, Campbell, Ohio, architect: Fanning/Howey Associates

* Canby High School, Canby, Ore., architect: Dull Olson Weekes

* Berea High School, Berea, Ohio, architect: Kohanski, Arnold & Chin

* Pin Oak Middle School, Houston, Texas, architect: PBK Architects

* West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield, Mich., architect: TMP Associates

* Holy Rosary School, Diocese of Oakland, Antioch, Calif., parent committee

* William E Stanley Elementary School, Waltham, Mass., architect: Flansburgh Associates

A NCMA spokesman explained that the organization sponsors the program because of "the importance in developing quality educational facilities that are conducive to teaching and learning."