LOS ANGELES — California’s State Architect Chester A. Widom, FAIA, earlier this month launched a forward-thinking new sustainability initiative. Dubbed 7x7x7: Design, Energy, Water, the initiative will engage seven experienced architecture firms to develop seven case studies in sustainable school design for seven representative school campuses, according to a statement by the California Department of General Services (DGS).
K-12 education planner and designer Wendell Vaughn, AIA, LEED BD+C, joined DLR Group as the design leader for the firm’s K-12 practice in California. He will lead design, programming and planning for school districts and K-12 education clients in California from the firm’s Santa Monica and Pasadena offices. Vaughn brings 30 years of experience serving education clients and has led the planning, design and construction of more than $3.1 billion in educational facilities.
Terrell N. Musgrove III, AIA, joined Houston-headquartered civil engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., as a program manager. In this role, he will be responsible for planning, executing and finalizing the design and construction of K-12, higher education and federal projects. Musgrove has nearly 30 years of experience managing education, federal and health care projects of various sizes from inception to completion.
Sustainable Materials announced the introduction of Organic Blocks to the U.S. market. A wall decor alternative fashioned in sustainably harvested, rapidly renewable, recycled molded cork, Organic Blocks bring dimension, depth and distinctive visual appeal to interior surfaces. Imported from Portugal, Organic Blocks convey a contemporary European design aesthetic in five high-relief geometric shapes, each pre-finished and infused with a selection of 10 vibrant, fashion-forward colors.
Watts introduced SmartStream UV, an innovative new solution for ultraviolet water disinfection in residential and commercial applications. SmartStream provides several advanced capabilities, including automatic lamp dimming, which promotes energy savings, and automatic lamp identification (wireless RFID), which ensures correct lamp energy management to maximize lamp output. Its touchscreen display significantly enhances usability. The system has a small footprint, which eases installation.
CARDIFF, Wales — Cardiff University in Cardiff is making good on plans to invest roughly £300 million (more than $425 million) in cutting edge new research and teaching facilities.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — This year, the University of Iowa (UI) will finally cap years of construction work on several major projects, three of which are valued at $400 million and were funded by FEMA to replace buildings destroyed by the 2008 flood.
PORTAGE, Mich. — Portage Public Schools recently organized a group stakeholders including of principals, administrators, staff, architects and parents to work together over the next three months to plan a $144 million construction project for the district.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Educators and technology professionals from around the world last week gathered at the 36th annual Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center to get a look at the future of classroom technology.
Jarrod Sterzinger, AIA, LEED AP, has been named principal with O’Connell Robertson, a Texas-based architecture, engineering and interior design firm with offices in San Antonio and Austin. Sterzinger has been a shareholder and senior associate with the firm, and was promoted in recognition of his commitment and contributions to the firm’s success. Sterzinger also serves as the firm’s K-12 education team director.
