Tag: educational design (3)

Educational Design + ALEP

EDUCATIONAL DESIGN | ACCREDITED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT PLANNER Edward J. Kodet, Jr., FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C, recently completed the certification process for the ALEP Credential, a mark of excellence developed to reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities of a competent learning environment planner. The ALEP credential was designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance and identify those in the educational environment industry who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of learning environment planning. The ALEP certification is the industry standard for all professionals engaged in planning, designing, operating, maintaining, and equipping learning environments at all levels of education. With Mr. Kodet’s completion of this process, he has aligned himself with the standards of 21st century teaching and learning ideals, and incorporating the most current and relevant information regarding the school facility industry. The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE),is the only professional organization whose principal purpose is improving the places where children learn. Mr. Kodet’s certification has equipped him with the latest knowledge base in learner needs and styles, Community Engagement and Master Planning, Educational Facility Pre-Design, Educational Architectural Designing, Capitol Project Management and Assessing the School Facility. The CEFPI states, “An individual who has been certified by CEFPI has achieved the highest qualification in our profession. Clients can appoint ALEPs with confidence that they have been examined for competence by our association.” After meeting eligibility requirements and submitting an application, ALEP candidates must pass a rigorous ALEP exam. Once a candidate has earned the credential, they must maintain it by fulfilling certification renewal requirements every three years, in addition to maintaining minimum continuing education units each year. Mr. Kodet has worked with multiple school systems in his career. Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. and Mr. Kodet have a history of delivering projects on time and under budget, while still […]

Twin Cities Academy | Architectural Solution

The 9.2-acre site for Twin Cities Academy was the original location of the Cemstone Products Company, which was used as a concrete batch plant and nestled into St. Paul neighborhood. For many years the site was used for mining soils, storage, and concrete production. Environmental testing discovered hazardous materials and buried debris, which required extensive clean up. Chemicals used in the production of cement had also leached into the soils and increased PH levels on the entire site making it difficult to grow vegetation. However, through effective collaboration between the civil engineer, contractor, school, architect, and the MPCA, the difficult site was remediated into a healthy site for new school construction, the aerial site plans below illustrates this transformation. Through careful listening, the design team collaborated with Twin Cities Academy staff and stakeholders to develop a better understanding for the programmatic needs for each space. This resulted in an efficient floor plan that is smaller than the space they were previously renting. The student population is comprised of both middle and high school students and the school expressed a need for creating a separation of these two age groups but also developing a sense of unity within the school. In designing a large classroom wing that is comprised of middle school on one floor and high school on another floor it creates the separation desired by TCA staff. Housed in a different wing were shared programmatic spaces for gym, band, art, etc., and the two wings are connected by a grand atrium punctuated by a welcoming fireplace which promotes small group gathering and a delivers a wealth of natural light. Vital to the vision of the new Twin Cities Academy was to create a warm welcoming space for students, staff, and the community to gather. The open entryway achieves this, as students enter their […]

21st Century Classroom

EDUCATIONAL DESIGN | 21st CENTURY CLASSROOM As trends in education and learning environments evolve the design of the 21st Century Classroom must adapt as well to foster differentiated learning and enhance the learning process. Creating safe and flexible classroom spaces while utilizing technological advances are imperative as one begins the design process. Central to the design process the design team must listen to the specific needs of educational institution in order to meet their unique academic needs. Illustrated below the diagram addresses the ability for the teacher to work with content materials, varied processes, activities, and allows the students to work in flexible spaces which best fit their individual learning styles. ACOUSTICS Non-typical shapes are utilized in order to enhance acoustics, which improve focus and student concentration and focus. It is imperative each student is given an environment, which allows him or her the opportunity to perform at the highest level.   LIGHT + AIR Operable windows allow a breadth of light and air which are critical to a high quality classroom environment. Fresh air and natural light enhance students’ ability to focus and shading devices can be used to minimize glare. BREAKOUT SPACES Classrooms provide a variety of learning spaces for a collection of learning and teaching styles. Having dedicated breakout spaces will create environments, which welcome all learning styles. SMALL GROUP + INDIVIDUAL LEARNING No two students learn the same way. Small group and individual work areas have a variety of seating types and work surfaces to accommodate students’ varied comfort levels and work styles. COMMUNITY GARDEN Including a community garden extends the classroom beyond the walls of the school and outdoor learning curricula can easily be incorporated into the school day. LARGE GROUP DISCUSSION + PERFORMANCE SPACE The large group presentation area has uniform seating and a […]