Educational: The Latest Architecture and News

HASSELL, an international design practice, was recently awarded for their entry in both categories of the international Public Realm competition for CERN in Geneva. The competition entry, which was produced by the London studio of HASSELL, was the sole UK based design practice to be recognized with an award. The open international competition, run by the Canton of Geneva, was launched in May 2011. More images and architects’ description after the break.

The United States Green Building Council‘s (USGBC) Center for Green Schools, started by the Georgia Chapter, is behind the transformation of the educational system in this country through the introduction of high performance schools and facilities. It all starts with providing an environment for learning focusing on health, education and the responsible use of funds, which are “the three major concerns that the school system struggles with”, says Laura Turdel Seydel – Chair of the Captain Planet Foundation. The fundamentals are simple and are the typical goals of the Board of Education. But this initiative, which is a coalition between some of the top educational and environmental associations in the country, does this by focusing on where students are learning and that means updating the technology of our schools.

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Kengo Kuma & Associates recently won the proposal for the Towada City Plaza. The facility will be developed as part of a plan by the city of Towada to activate the city center by introducing the “Plaza for Education” and “Plaza for Social Communication”. Through the introduction of these two facilities, the city intends to improve public welfare and the environment for lifelong learning by attracting the public of all ages and through numerous social events improve the ties and social exchange between the communities. More architects’ description after the break.