+ Education and Architecture

As we think about education, the school spaces in which we traditionally learn come to mind. Some architects are making bold statements and helping to shape the way our educational institutions both look and work.

Steven Holl Architects created the University of Iowa's School of Art and Art History. The design theme is centered around Picasso's famous guitar sculpture, and the "formless" interior spaces are meant to celebrate the socializing and unity important to a college campus.

Chosen as one of the top green pieces of architecture for 2008, KeiranTimberlake developed the Yale Sculpture Building and Gallery where an old brownfield site once existed. The space uses reclaimed and local materials, arriving at a utilitarian, unfinished palette ideal for creative students who need workspace that is inspiring but not controlling.

Finally, check out Coop Himmelb(l)au's High School #9 in Los Angeles, still under construction. The conical, centrally located library acts as the "space of knowledge" to be shared by the four academies, divided as such to give each student a more personal experience.

Designs like these may feel a little eccentric for some, but I appreciate the attention being given to school architecture. Projects like these show how communities are trying to raise the value of education through the design of new schools. This is just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more interesting projects out there. Please let us know if you think there's something we should check out!