National Attention Focused on School Safety
The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School now has districts and policymakers throughout the country rethinking school security policies.
February 2013
Architecture Firm Gets Green Buildings Growing
ATLANTA — Global firm, Perkins+Will has recently completed construction of the first award-winning, modular Sprout Space classroom.
Universities Team Up to Rebuild Jersey Shore
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — School of Architecture Dean Kenneth Schwartz and a team of colleagues at Tulane University in New Orleans partnered with Newark’s New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in an effort to start restoring parts of the coastal Seaside Heights community, several parts of which were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.
Tom Fortier
Tom Fortier, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, joins HOK’s San Francisco studio as vice president and director of science and technology. In his new role, Fortier will guide the group’s strategic initiatives while leading individual projects. Bringing 30 years of experience to the company, he has lead the design and delivery of several research facility projects.
Metal Panels
MBCI’s Eco-ficient insulated metal panels are available in 11 different wall profiles, which includes five hidden fastener panels: Grand, Summit, Royal, Classic and Vintage. Available in various widths and thickness, these profiles attach to buildings with concealed clips designed to eliminate thermal short circuits in the wall system. They also use a double tongue-and-groove interlock to eliminate thermal breaks and provide resistance to moisture, according to the company.
Classroom Projector
Epson introduces its BrightLink 436Wi integrated, portable projector as its latest addition to the BrightLink product series. It’s the company’s first interactive, short-throw projector that can be moved from room to room. Allowing teachers to freely connect to existing multimedia devices like PC’s, tablets, cameras, and Blu-ray players, the system can project onto any whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface. The BrightLink 436Wi can be wall-mounted or easily set up on tabletops.
Student Mobile Desk
Learn2 seating from KI is fully designed to adapt to student preferences. Its non-handed and adjustable work surface provides customized comfort for users, according to the company. The mobile seat comes in two different styles: Intellect Wave and Strive, which includes a cantilevered arm option. Available in all-poly or with-poly backs and upholstered seats, the unit includes surfaces that come in black, flannel, or warm grey plastic with various laminate options. The system is offered with or without an accessory rack and cup holder. Users can also choose from casters or bell-shaped glides.
Classroom Tables
The VS Puzzle Table is a workspace solution that encourages teamwork and collaborative learning. The amoeba-shaped tables can be configured in several ways to create larger workspaces and/or be used as separate workspaces. The tables are available in heights suitable for K-12 students as well as standard adult heights, which features an under the counter storage shelf.
Bathroom Sinks
Sloan Bio-Deck Sinks are built sustainable from bio-based materials, yet are tough enough to withstand high-use/high-abuse restrooms. The sinks also coordinate with Sloan water-efficient, sensor-activated faucets using as little as 0.5 gallons per minute for more water savings, according to the company. The one-piece molded surface is paired with a choice of one or two under mount porcelain bowls. Part of the SloanStone line, the systems feature a rugged, vandal-resistant, solid-surface design, available in numerous finish options and configurations.
Sunoptics Lightflex System
The LightFlex™ system from Sunoptics is a high-performance prismatic daylighting solution for suspended-ceiling applications. It provides optimal use of daylight, delivering glare-free lighting while minimizing energy usage from electric lighting.