Why Design Matters in Education.

A Letter from the OFA Chair, Debra Lemons, AIA

Greetings Parents, Students, Teachers, and Life-long Learners!

For many of you this month marks the start of a new school year, whether you are a parent getting kids ready for first day of kindergarten or a student entering your first semester in graduate school. You might be a teacher or professor finalizing lesson plans and revamping your spaces based on the curriculum or the latest research on learning behaviors. As you set foot into classrooms and corridors, lecture halls and dining halls, pause to consider the physical and environmental characteristics that impact your ability to learn, teach, connect, and be inspired. Consider the light, temperature, views, materials, nature, sound, walls and doors, furniture, and technology, all of which are some of the essential components considered by a team of design professionals based on the prevalent science, practices and products at the time those spaces were envisioned and in the design of educational spaces today.

 “Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way we teach but provide icons and symbols for the values we hold common as a society.”  (NCEF_Report.indd)

School design is a reflection and understanding of the relationship between the process of education and the physical environment in which it takes place. The efficacy of educational spaces depends on the collective expertise and collaboration of the architect, design team, educators, and administrators during the planning and execution of each project. WHY DESIGN MATTERS. Architects are problem solvers, and those that serve the education market must stay current on ever-changing pedagogical research, practices, building products and technologies.  Architects are also diplomats, balancing science and art with the unique goals of districts, administrations, school boards, and parent-teacher associations.  Finally, architects are conductors, creatively synthesizing that information with other design professionals such as planners, interior designers, engineers and landscape architects to deliver environments that enhance the academic outcomes as well as the health and wellness of students and educators.

Like other building typologies, the future of school design is characterized by flexibility, sustainability, and community engagement. Educators are seeking environments that support the diverse needs of students and educators while promoting innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.  Trends include open-concept classrooms, abundant windows and open layouts providing access to daylight and views, flexible spaces, integrated technology, and outdoor spaces as alternative learning environments.  (Data-Backed Trends in Building Modern Education System | Varthana) I invite you to read more about some of the new school projects in our community, featured this month.

New life for old schools

Central Florida’s growth, driven by population shifts and evolving societal values, has outpaced the functionality of many historic school buildings. These aging landmarks, often misaligned with modern educational needs, face challenges like outdated designs, accessibility issues, and costly upgrades to meet current codes. Rather than demolishing these structures, architects and developers are embracing adaptive reuse, transforming them into vibrant community hubs, arts and education centers, and mixed-use developments. This approach preserves history while aligning with sustainability goals, as reusing existing buildings is inherently eco-friendly. Below, explore how Central Florida’s historic schools are finding new life, alongside resources to learn more.

Repurposed Historic Schools

Community Centers

• Earlier this year, restoration efforts officially got underway at the historic Okahumpka Rosenwald School, a symbol of Black education during segregation in Lake County (Source: Lakeandsumterstyle,com)

• In 1983, the Mayor William Beardall Senior Center opened in the former Delaney Street Elementary School, (OFA), which was built in 1921.

Historic Schools

• Originally built in 1926, Princeton Elementary School in College Park, underwent a comprehensive renovation and expansion in 2012. (The Community Paper). 

• Kaley Street Elementary School has been repurposed to house professional development services for Orange County Public Schools (Bungalower). The district’s audiology program is also located in this space. Built in 1936, Kaley Elementary is the only example of Tudor Revival style utilized as a non-residential building in the city according to the City of Orlando. 

• The former Rosenwald School in East Altamonte is being converted into a new community center for residents.

• Marks Street School, built in 1926, served as a vital educational and community center. (thecio.com provides additional backstory and context.)

• According to the Jones High School Historical Society, Jones High School’s history dates back to 1895, with various locations and names, including Johnson Academy. 



• Orlando High School was initially located in a building designed by Frederick H. Trimble in 1921 and later split into two new schools, North Orlando High School and South Orlando High School. (dbPedia.org)

Arts and Education

• The Sarasota Art Museum was formerly Sarasota High School.

• Orange County Public Schools plans to restore the historic Cherokee School building in downtown Orlando and use it for arts and entertainment education.

• The Public History Center in Sanford, housed in a Romanesque Revival style brick building built in 1902, is a partnership between the University of Central Florida and Seminole County Public Schools, providing museum experiences for K-12 students and the community.

Mixed-Use Development

• The site of the former Hungerford Preparatory School in Eatonville, once a secondary school for Black students, is being considered for mixed-use development, including housing, offices, retail, and public space.

• Apartments are planned to be built on the property of the historic Lee School in Leesburg, with the design intended to acknowledge the city's history. While the school building was demolished, this project represents the repurposing of a historic site for a new use.  

Resources

• Historical and Educational Attractions: Explore more about Central Florida’s historic sites. Fun 4 Orlando Kids.

Be a Lifelong Learner!  

Education doesn’t stop when you graduate, nor do you have to have a diploma or degree of any kind to do it. It is a mindset that recognizes the continuous nature of learning and embraces opportunities for growth and personal enrichment.  It is self-motivated and voluntary pursuit of knowledge and skills that help people adapt to change and become well-rounded, valuable contributors to society at any age.

As summer winds down, fall programs and opportunities to get involved are right around the corner. We hope you join us whether on a tour or as a part of our OFA members and supporters. Stay curious, never stop learning, and continue exploring why design matters.

 With Gratitude,

Debra Lemons, AIA, IIDA, WELL+AP

OFA Chair