Since the pandemic turned our world upside down in 2020, we have all had to learn to adapt, pivot, and modify, in all aspects of our lives. There is no “new normal.” It’s just an ever-evolving normal. This especially applies to the world of design, engineering and construction.
Anastasia Barnes
An article by Anne-Sophie Divenyi of Harvard University and Sam Clement of Jones Architecture starts off this month’s focus on Schools and Institutions on page 18. They say the pandemic influenced how they are redesigning the university’s classrooms, stating “…both faculty and students now think nothing of, for example, a guest speaker presenting remotely rather than showing up in person, which would have been extraordinary prior to the pandemic.” They add that “each project includes a healthy discussion about how changing needs — like video conferencing — are best supported.” The team is also engaging faculty and students in the design process as they seek to create learning spaces that support modern teaching and learning approaches.
In our most recent episode of the Build Better podcast, I welcomed Sarah Tarbet of Jones Architecture and Jenny Burton of the Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAMM), who also shared how they prioritized community engagement to help finalize the design for two buildings at Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Mass. Be sure to check out the latest episode at buildbetter.space to hear in detail how the team engaged both students and staff to design spaces that best serve the whole school community.
This month’s focus also includes projects aimed at preserving the unique elements of a structure as teams convert or restore historic buildings for educational uses. South Coast Improvement Company is currently underway on the renovation of East Wareham School on the South Shore of Massachusetts. The project “aims to convert the long-vacant school into a state-of-the-art Head Start Program.” Check out the pictures and read more about the historic elements the team is preserving, including the cupola perched atop the building, on page 20!
We love to shine the spotlight on stories that highlight the educational opportunities for kids to learn more about architecture, engineering and construction, and the firms that are making it happen. This month, just one of those stories is on Suffolk’s “Rebuild the Ratio” partnership with Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA). The Girl Scouts had the opportunity to tour Suffolk’s headquarters, participate in a hands-on STEM-related activity, and attend the topping-out for Roxbury Prep Charter School. Turn to page 46 to see all the details.
The focus for our next edition is Corporate and Interiors. Be sure to submit your project news or industry insights by Sept. 22.
Enjoy the read,
Anastasia Barnes
