May 28, 2024
Designing for Students of the Future When James L. Capps Middle School, one of the oldest schools in the Putnam City School District in northwest Oklahoma City, needed a new home, the district saw an opportunity to try something new with biophilic design. Instead of building an environment of closed classrooms and hallways with limited…
May 2, 2024
Years before the pandemic, flexible design was already trending in education facilities. A growing body of research has found that instructional environments that allow for choice, freedom of movement, and interactive experiences result in students who are more comfortable, more engaged, and perform better academically. When the time came for the Oconomowoc Area School District…
October 12, 2023
Nature has always been a source of inspiration, influencing centuries of art, literature, design, and music. In recent decades, science has proven what we’ve always felt – that experiencing nature has positive mental and physical benefits. Biophilic design seeks to wield the power of nature with intent, positively impacting building occupants by incorporating natural elements…
September 1, 2023
In his book Biophilia, American biologist Edward O. Wilson reflected that humans have an “innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes.” In other words, our brains are hard-wired to seek out and connect with nature. Wilson’s theory, also known as the biophilia hypothesis, makes up the foundation of biophilic design, which is an…
April 8, 2023
Interface recently partnered with YCH Architects to take on the task of designing for the future of the classroom at Roberta Road Middle School in Concord, NC. From top to bottom, this project’s goal was to create an inviting, safe and creative space for middle school-aged children that encourages learning, collaboration and community. Taking inspiration…
November 30, 2022
Editor’s Note: This piece originally appeared in Learning by Design’s Spring 2022 issue as part of a content partnership with the title, “Natural Selection.” Architecture is an experience. Among the best of it, context, character, and community inform place, purpose, and point of view to shape a myriad of choices made along the way. In…
August 26, 2022
Within the overlapping orders of education and design, the pace of change has accelerated so consistently that the only way to prepare for tomorrow is to get ready for the day after.
February 17, 2022
Home to over 17,000 students, the University of Surrey is continually transforming its campus to create inspiring environments. For one of its most recent renovations, the university wanted to create a space to promote student well-being. Wanting to offer its 17,000+ students a space different from any other on campus, the University of Surrey set about creating an area accessible to all students where…
October 22, 2021
Design innovation in educational facilities at all levels is undergoing a revolution. Evidence-based design—making design decisions based on research about how aspects of the physical environment directly influence human performance and well-being — has transformed healthcare architecture, measurably impacting experiences for patients, families, and staff. Now, the same principles are being applied to spaces for…
August 9, 2021
In January 2020, Georgia Institute of Technology began the process of renovating its Harris and Smith residence halls to foster a more dynamic student living experience. An active campus with more than 32,000 students, Georgia Tech’s Facilities Design and Construction team was accustomed to working under tight deadlines. However, this project was made more complex…
Gayle Smallwood 
Interface 
Sean O'Keefe