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JCJ Architecture Invited to Become a Knowledge Partner in the American Architectural Foundation’s Design for Learning Program
Firm to Support Personalized Learning Efforts with 21st Century Design Expertise
Hartford, Conn. – January 27, 2016 – JCJ Architecture has joined forces with the American Architectural Foundation’s (AAF) Center for the Advancement of Architecture to support its national Design for Learning initiative. The firm will serve as one of six Knowledge Partners that will help AAF achieve its goal of providing key stakeholders with a single place to turn for information, technical support and inspiration on school design.
Design for Learning, which builds upon the ten-year legacy of the Great Schools by Design program, encourages elected officials, superintendents, school boards and other civic leaders to enhance the relationship between student learning and the school environment through design innovation. Its personalized learning design initiative, recently launched with a generous grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is currently working with six school districts to transform their existing schools.
JCJ will contribute the services of its experts to support design workshops with partner school districts. AAF design experts explore the role of design with local educators and administrators, encouraging thinking about design and change management in new ways to create spaces that more effectively support innovation and student-centered educational programs. The firm also participated in the recent AAF National Summit on School Design held at the landmark Crow Island School in Winnetka, IL.
“Educators nationwide are facing a challenging paradox: the need to cultivate skills for a creative 21st century economy within school buildings that were often built during the industrial era to prepare students for factory jobs,” said James LaPosta, JCJ's Chief Architectural Officer and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. “Design for Learning’s platform for collaboration is fostering broader dialogue about the role school building design can play in transforming teaching and learning.”
JCJ’s role as a Design for Learning Knowledge Partner complements the firm’s vast project portfolio in STEM/STEAM education and 21st Century Learning – including Fairchild-Wheeler Interdistrict Magnet Campus in Bridgeport, Conn.; Marine Science Magnet High School in Groton, Conn.; University High School of Science and Engineering in Hartford, Conn.; Regional Center for the Arts in Trumbull, Conn.; Portsmouth Middle School in Portsmouth, N.H., and Glover Elementary School in Marblehead, Mass., among others.
Other Design for Learning partners include Cuningham Group Architecture, DLR Group, FGM Architects, Perkins & Will and Steelcase.
About JCJ Architecture
Founded in 1936, JCJ is headquartered in Hartford with offices in Atlanta, Boston, New York City, Phoenix, San Diego and Stamford. The firm is recognized nationally as one of the country’s most respected architecture firms, providing clients with comprehensive planning, programming, architectural and interior design, project management and construction administration services. With a long standing reputation for creativity, excellence and business acumen, JCJ Architecture works across a broad range of building types including K-12 and higher education, civic and community, sports and recreation, mixed use, hospitality and entertainment. For more information, visit www.jcj.com.
