Design

Nov 23

0

Campus Redevelopment

By Jennifer Wilson | Higher Education

Huckabee had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking for the redevelopment of a community college campus in northwest Tarrant County. The $350 million project includes the design of four new buildings and renovations to existing facilities that will create modern, flexible and student-ready environments. The campus opened in 1976 and has become integral to the community and region through its high-quality programs for students and professionals of all ages.

The planning process for the redevelopment ensured the continuation of the college’s legacy while building toward a bright and vibrant future. Through a series of charrettes, the team used the college’s goals and principles to guide conversation and shape the design in service to students, faculty and community. The resulting design includes four multi-level buildings that form a park-like plaza at the core of the campus.

Building 1 will be home to the early college high school as well as science labs. Building 2 features general-purpose classrooms, testing rooms, administrative and faculty offices and multipurpose space for events and student development services. The core feature of Building 2 is a large atrium and learning stair that can be used for student gatherings. Building 3 houses art, music and general-purpose classrooms and will connect via an enclosed bridge to Building 4 where students can access the learning commons that overlooks the nearby lake. Building 4 also includes a bookstore, a multipurpose center and food services. It also connects to Building 2, creating ease of access to student-focused amenities.

Building 1 and Building 2 are under construction, with Building 3 and Building 4 to follow in 2023. The project will be complete in December 2025. Huckabee is the Prime Firm and Gensler is our design consultant.

Oct 13

0

2020 TASA / TASB Awards

By Jennifer Wilson | Clients

1

Northwest ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and Georgetown ISD have been recognized by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) for their design and instructional vision. Their school designs received Stars of Distinction in this year’s TASA / TASB Exhibit of School Architecture; two of the schools, Lance Thompson Elementary School (Northwest ISD) and James Tippit Middle School (Georgetown ISD), also qualified for the prestigious Caudill Class.

The Exhibit of School Architecture awards are given at the discretion of a 12-member jury, which includes: four school board members, four school administrators, and four members from the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southern Region. The juried exhibit awarded Stars of Distinction for Excellence to 25 projects in one or more of the following six areas: design, value, sustainability, community, planning, and school transformation. Click below to view the submissions.

Stars of Distinction for each campus include:

Northwest ISD, Lance Thompson Elementary School: design, value, sustainability, planning, and school transformation / Caudill Class finalist
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Cannon STEM Elementary School: school transformation
Georgetown ISD, James Tippit Middle School additions and renovations: design, community, planning, and school transformation / Caudill Class finalist

Aug 20

0

Channelview Campus Branding

By Jennifer Wilson | Clients

Huckabee worked with Channelview ISD on a district-wide rebranding process. By looking at the current brand and discussing what messages were important for the district to share, we helped create new logos and branding for each campus. Many stakeholders helped bring life to Channelview’s vision. Those involved felt that school pride, campus involvement and tradition were just a few of the positive results the new brands will foster. For more information on Huckabee’s environmental graphics and branding services, click here.

Aug 20

0

Student Engagement Research

By Jennifer Wilson | Research

The LEx Collaborative’s research was published in Learning Environments Research and continues to explore the impact of flexible furniture in elementary classrooms. In this study, we investigated the various impacts of flexible furniture paired with teacher professional development in 10 elementary classrooms. It’s critical work as educators look to the physical learning environment as an additional resource in meeting learning outcomes. The findings from our research has helped inform design of both space and professional development for our clients.

To access the paper, click here.

Feb 13

0

The Impact of Flex Furniture

By Jennifer Wilson | Research

LEx Research’s findings and methodologies from the early pilot studies on flexible furniture in the learning environment are now available. Through our research, Huckabee and our partners at ESC Region 12 and Baylor University seek to evaluate the effectiveness of flexible learning environments related to student engagement and achievement. More and more, educators are using the built environment as a tool to meet the needs of their students. In many cases, schools are replacing traditional desks and chairs with furniture that is more mobile and capable of multiple configurations.

While there are many studies focused on flexible furniture, there are very few that focus solely on elementary classrooms. LEx Research’s most recent pilot study investigated the various impacts flexible furniture paired with teacher professional development (PD) had for this young age group. A total of 10 classrooms were included in the study with 3rd and 4th graders (206 students). Classrooms were observed biweekly for eight weeks and assigned to one of two groups: Group A received PD and flexible furniture while Group B maintained traditional furniture. During observations three students were randomly selected per classroom and continuously monitored throughout each observation.

As predicted, students who engaged with flexible furniture reported greater satisfaction with the learning environment than did peers with traditional furniture. Secondly, a series of independent samples tests demonstrated classrooms with flexible furniture provided more opportunities for student autonomy and use of furniture for learning.

To read the full paper, click here.

Feb 12

0

Transforming Teacher Pedagogy

By Jennifer Wilson | Research

At the LEx Collaborative, we are committed to empowering students and educators through the built environment. As part of an ongoing research project, we are investigating the impact that flexible classrooms have on students in the areas of collaboration, communication, critical thinking skills and creativity. As schools redesign learning environments and equip classrooms with flexible furniture, it is imperative to examine the impact on teacher pedagogy and student learning in these areas.

While the Longitudinal Study is ongoing, the critical pilot studies have been completed. Our researchers at Baylor University outline their findings and methodologies in a new article available on BEARdocs, “Transforming Teacher Pedagogy to Maximize 21st Century Skills Through the Learning Environment.”

Our Pilot Study consisted of two different types of classrooms: intervention and control. The intervention group received professional development and flexible furniture for eight weeks (four classrooms), and the control group maintained traditional furniture (10 classrooms). In total, 327 students in grades two to four, participated. Classrooms were observed biweekly for eight weeks. Our observation findings revealed that teachers in classrooms with flexible furniture provided more opportunities for students to participate and actively engage in 21st century learning skills.

To read the full paper, click here.

Feb 02

0

Presentations at SERA Conference

By Jennifer Wilson | Research

The LEx Collaborative was accepted to present all three of our submitted research papers at Southwest Educational Research Association (SERA) conference. SERA is a regional educational research association dedicated to furthering the advancement of research in education. The following papers were presented at the conference:

Initial Development and Validation of the Elementary Student Engagement Survey (ESES)
Transforming Teacher Pedagogy to Maximize 21^stCentury Skills Through the Learning Environment
Investigating the Impact of Flexible Furniture in the Classroom

In April 17-21, our group will be presenting the ESES paper at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference in San Francisco, CA. AERA is as an organized body of 25,000 members and we’re looking forward to engaging with the educational community.

To learn more about SERA, click here.

Nov 14

0

Planning Learning Spaces Book Launch

By Jennifer Wilson | Research

Kerri Ranney, Huckabee’s Vice President of Educational Practice, is a contributing author for the new book, Planning Learning Spaces: A Practical Guide for Architects, Designers and School Leaders. Kerri is one of 19 contributors from across the globe who gives unique insight into how design of learning spaces contributes to students’ learning experiences in a quickly changing world. Her chapter, “Applied and Technical Learning,” focuses on authentic, hands-on learning and CTE design and features case studies from three Texas school districts: Georgetown ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD and Mansfield ISD.

With experience in architecture, educational planning and educational research, Kerri brings a diverse set of knowledge to the project. She was invited to provide the US perspective and is the only contributing author from this side of the pond. Collectively, the book’s contributors created a planning resource for designers, architects and school leaders.

Kerri is speaking at the book’s international launch in November 2019 at the Education Construction Network’s annual conference in Westminster. She and other contributors will highlight the importance of understanding the intended teaching and learning approach before creating the physical design of a school or classroom environment. We are proud of Kerri’s commitment to the project and her dedication to providing MORE resources for stakeholders around the world to enhance learning opportunities for all students!

To learn more about the book click here or to purchase a copy click here.

May 16

0

Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners

By Jennifer Wilson | Clients

From life-sized animals to enchanting murals, the new Dr. Sarah K. Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners brings art, learning and play together for young students in Mansfield ISD.

The academy opened in January 2019 and serves eligible Pre-K students in Mansfield. Its campus mission statement and purpose “is to improve the school readiness of young children using creative, hands-on, interactive experiences within a research-based early childhood program.”

Every space in the academy is designed to create an experience for young learners. Rather than traditional classrooms, the academy is divided into four pods and sixteen distinct learning experiences. From the deep sea and the savanna to space and Wonderland, students are encouraged to explore new places and concepts—all while building literacy, numeracy and social skills.

“I feel like these experiences have brought learning to life for them,” one teacher at the academy commented.

Research has consistently associated higher student achievement and engagement with active learning. The academy provides ample opportunities for Pre-K students to dive into active learning through meaningful, age-appropriate experiences. Notably, the students get to enjoy these experiences every day—a feature that makes this school one-of-a-kind.

“I am honored by the opportunity we have to help transform the landscape of early childhood education. This facility is truly unique, and we are so excited about the possibilities and the future ahead for Mansfield ISD students.”
Chris Huckabee, AIA, Chief Executive Officer

The exterior of the school is modern yet blends seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood. Inside, the space is progressive. Flexible furniture and technology are used alongside interactive learning displays to promote excitement and interest in curriculum. The four themed pods (which house four learning experiences each) align along a main corridor. Pods also include multi-purpose space for activities, large-group collaboration, instruction and family-style dining.

In the short time since the academy opened, teachers have observed significant student progress.

“My students have learned vocabulary words that I never would have imagined,” one teacher remarked.

From counting to collaboration to fun new words, the Dr. Sarah K. Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners is preparing students for the future by providing highly-visual, engaging and exciting experiences every day.

Feb 06

0

Hammerlun Center Dedication

By Jennifer Wilson | Clients

February 5 was a celebratory day for Georgetown ISD as they officially “opened” their new administration and training center in one of the district’s historic buildings. Huckabee team members joined the Georgetown community for a ribbon cutting, tours of the campus and one very special dedication.

GISD’s administration center is named after Jerry Hammerlun—an icon in the Georgetown community, a beloved former colleague of the Huckabee team and a fierce advocate for education. Jerry was passionate about mentoring future leaders and ensuring his community embraced the future while honoring the past. He played a critical role in the vision of the new administration building before his passing in June 2017.

^{Photo credit Jerrod Wittman, “The Bearded Wonder”}

The Hammerlun Center for Leadership and Learning serves as home-base for more than 100 district employees. It is a collaborative and innovative learning space for educators, featuring office space plus a state-of-the-art professional development center that emphasizes flexibility, choice and collaboration. District employees have access to maker spaces, professional learning labs, planning rooms and more. Their space mimics those that are found in their schools.

From the start, GISD wanted to preserve the history of the building. The Hammerlun Center was built in 1924 and was the original home to Georgetown High School, later serving as the district’s middle school, and most recently, Williams Elementary School. Huckabee worked diligently to pay respect to the architecture of the period while reflecting the current culture of learning in GISD. The exterior remains largely unchanged while the interior blends a more industrial and professional aesthetic.

The opening of the Hammerlun Center represents the culmination of a years-long effort to redefine learning in Georgetown ISD. It’s a one-of-a-kind campus that is truly reflective of the way GISD wishes to engage students, educators and administrators within an exciting and supportive learning culture.

^{Photo credit Jerrod Wittman, “The Bearded Wonder”}

May 03

0

Huckabee Ranked in ENR Top 500

By Bergen Hashemian | News

This year, Huckabee again ranked amongst Engineering News Record’s Top 500 Design Firms, climbing 13 spots. The list ranks A/E firms across the nation based on revenue for design services performed in the past year. Huckabee continues to see growth throughout the company, and we have increased our staff, expanded our offerings and grown our regional office presence in recent years. Notably, in the past year, Huckabee relocated our Dallas office to Granite Park in Plano, a thriving live-work-play community that will allow for future growth and encompasses our culture of creative and engaging work environments. We also launched the second iteration of our educational research lab, LEx Labs.

In 2017, Huckabee celebrated 50 years of business. Starting off with only 10 employees in the company, Huckabee has grown to over 250 employees in 6 offices throughout Texas, completing over 3,500 projects. Our dedication to Texas education has led Huckabee to be a leader in learning environments and a trusted advisor to many. Huckabee’s growth is due to the trust our clients impart in us and our unwavering commitment to students, educators and communities. We love what we do and who we do it for!

Click here to view the full list of ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms.

Archives