The
American Architectural Foundation (AAF) and KnowledgeWorks Foundation
have partnered to create a video case study and discussion guide that
will educate local leaders and residents about the benefits of creating “Schools
as Centers of Community.”
This video showcases the transformative story of John A. Johnson Achievement
Plus Elementary School, by Ankeny Kell Architects, a struggling St. Paul,
public school that is reborn as a beacon of academic excellence, design
innovation, and community involvement. In keeping with the latest thinking
in school design and planning, John A. Johnson opens its doors to the
community so that it may both benefit from local resources and offer
social, fitness, and educational services in return. John A. Johnson
is a recent winner of the Richard W. Riley Award for Excellence
for Schools as Centers of Community.
The “Schools
as Centers of Community” model
of school planning and design is growing increasingly popular in the
U.S. Schools are becoming a gathering place—a place of lifelong
learning, shared health and fitness facilities, and a host of other services
to enhance community and student success. At its core, this is also a
question of design. To create “schools as centers of community,” architects,
educators, designers, local officials, and residents must think differently
about our schools and create spaces that reflect a new understanding
of the school building.
An idea whose time has come
“Creating schools that serve as centers of community is an idea whose
time has come,” said Ronald E. Bogle, president and CEO of the American
Architectural Foundation. “Schools that are integrated into the fabric
of their communities can take advantage of the many resources in the local
neighborhood, while providing wonderful services for the community itself.
Community involvement in school building projects is essential at a time
when the United States is spending nearly $30 billion annually on school
construction and renovation.”
This 17-minute video and discussion guide are part of AAF’s growing
Great Schools by Design resource library. The video, in DVD format, is
accompanied by a printed discussion guide that will help local leaders,
individuals, and community groups guide conversations about the topics
raised in the video. Viewers will learn more about the story of John
A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School and discuss how this example
relates to their own community.
“By creating school facilities that accommodate a wide range of
community activities and support student and community use outside of
traditional school hours, communities create new and more effective opportunities
for students, adults, and other community members,” says Chad P. Wick,
president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks Foundation. “It is important
that communities across the country consider this significant strategy
for school excellence.”
Launched in 2003 by the American Architectural Foundation, the Great
Schools by Design initiative aims to improve the quality of America’s
schools by promoting good design, encouraging collaboration in the school
design process, and providing leading-edge resources to local community
leaders. The AAF and KnowledgeWorks Foundation are providing a limited
number of videos and discussion guides at no charge to individuals, school
groups, and other community groups. Request copies by sending an e-mail
to info@archfoundation.org or by calling the AAF, 202-626-7318. In addition,
the “Schools as Centers of Community” video and a full PDF of the discussion
guide are available on AAF Web site.
Copyright 2005 The American Institute of Architects.
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