Our Classroom
CTE Spaces That Work
Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a pivotal role in preparing all students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving workforce. As industries advance through technology and global/local shifts, CTE spaces must adapt to meet these demands.
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Why We Do What We Do - The Impact of School Facilities on Student Engagement
As a firm of designers who focus on creating learning environments, we know the design of educational facilities plays a pivotal role in shaping the learning experiences and outcomes of students.
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Student Well-Being - School Facility Design and Students' Well-Being
At frk architects + engineers, we spend most of our days thinking about schools. As our primary design focus, we design our buildings directly with educators and community members. In our eyes, a school is a creative and flexible building, giving us the opportunity to stretch our creative muscles. Realistically, a school is a community of minds with the purpose of creating a safe physical and emotional space for students to thrive.
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School Furniture - The Impact Furniture has on Learning
Furniture impacts how we interact with our environment. Used to support work, play and interaction, furniture is a key final step in creating a functional space.
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Case Study - Northwest High School
Forward-thinking leadership and community input shaped the expansion plan for Iowa's fastest-growing school district, resulting in the creation of Waukee's new Northwest High School.
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WELL Buildings - The International WELL Building Standard
Integrating the principals of the International WELL Building Standard creates spaces that promote optimal health, productivity and satisfaction.
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Case Study - B.C.Berg Middle School
The Berg Middle School located in Newton, Iowa, completes a vision of reinvention by a school district serving a city that is well-versed in the concept.
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Project Phases - 7 Stages to the Planning Process
Congratulations - you've decided to hire an architect! What next? How do you and an architect turn your ideas into reality? There is a well-defined method for doing this - read on to discover the seven stages to the planning process.
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Master Planning - Objectives of a Successful Plan
There are many reasons a school district might choose to undertake a Facility Master Planning Study. Whatever the reason, there are key components of every Facility Master Plan that should be considered and there is a plan framework that can be easily tailored to a district's needs. The overarching questions always need to be: Where are we? Where are we going? and How do we get there?
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Gender-Neutral Toilet Rooms - What to Consider When Discussing Design
The most basic reason for gender-neutral toilet rooms is equality - no one is segregated or separated by gender or mobility level.
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Color Theory - Basics of the Color Wheel
Color theory is both the science and art of using color. It explains in what manner humans perceive color and the visual effects of how colors mix, match or contrast with each other.
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Case Study - Wallace Elementary & Johnston Early Learning Academy
The Johnston Community School District engaged frk architects + engineers to create a vision for a new elementary center and early childhood academy that would support a more engaged and collaborative approach to delivering curriculum. Through the interactive, hands-on process, the goals were formed and implementation began.
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