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Visit Schooldesigner.com to view the Featured Architects, Elements and Products that can add excitement to your next project.
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| Credits |
Thanks to Sarah the Intern for creating this before heading back to school. | |
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Well, guess what's coming in November? We are revising our e-newsletter format ! This month we are experimenting with a few new features. Each month we will highlight Designer Professionals that are members. We will highlight a few each month for those looking for architects, engineers and other consultants that specialize in K-12 school design.
We will also make you aware our new "designer Elements" and "Designer Products" that have been to the website.
If we can be of assistance in any way, just let us know-
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"State Police were circling the school parking lot, ready to enter the auditorium if the crowd turned violent."
Joel K. Sims, AIA
Educational Consultant/Architect
I have always viewed architecture as a safe profession, particularly in contrast to careers in law enforcement. As a school designer, I never felt my life threatened - until I attended a school board meeting that was far different from all the others I had attended throughout my career.
There is probably no more contentious issue in the United States than when a school district decides to close an existing community school. This project was no different. The school board had decided that, in the best interest of the community at large, two high schools should be closed and one new high school constructed.
The next step in the process was the state-mandated meeting that was well publicized by law. I drove to the high school and entered the auditorium for the meeting. So did hundreds of community members, prepared to voice their concerns about the school that was slated to be closed. In fact, while the student population was less than 150, more than six hundred people turned out for the meeting. And, while we had anticipated a large crowd, it was difficult to predict how volatile some of them would become, as the community had made it clear from the beginning of the planning process that it wanted to maintain its beloved school.
The crowd was comprised of male and female, young and old. With the exception of some teachers and administrators, who sat quietly in support, the vast majority were opposed to the project.
The meeting was filled with loud protests by individuals with a plethora of anti-new school rhetoric. There were verbal attacks on individual board members and the school superintendent. The two intoxicated men seated behind me were enjoying the negative bantering and occasional profanity-laced comments. Several individuals looked so infuriated they were at the point of instigating a physical altercation.
Children were coerced by their parents to wax eloquent about how harmful the school closing would be to their education. "After all," as one student voiced, "we aren't like those other students. People will know we are different and make fun of us."
And, yes, there was even a racially degrading comment from an elderly man. Fortunately, his comment was slurred and barely audible to the majority of listeners.
Fortunately, the extreme individuals were still in the minority at this meeting. While most were opposed to the project, they voiced their concerns in a civilized manner.
At the end of the meeting, I was informed that state police were outside during the entire meeting but were only authorized to enter if there was an indication of violence. And, while the meeting ended without incident, I was still escorted to my car for precautionary reasons.
It was not coincidental that this meeting ended peacefully and the new project moved forward, as months of planning had already taken place to keep the public informed and the project on track. Similarly, here are several key planning factors that will ensure a successful consultation process, should you ever find yourself in a contentious environment.
Work with Honest and Integrity While not as glamorous and dazzling as highlighting the need for community meetings, focus groups and brain storming sessions, this issue is vital to a successful project. It is, in my opinion, the most important issue. There will always be people in the community who are both for and against the project, and they need to know that they will always be told the truth. They need to know they are being treated fairly and honestly. Do not knowingly mislead individuals or groups. Do tell the truth - a truthful person is a trusted person.
Disseminate Clear and Accurate Information Information about the project must be accurate, and it must be communicated in a way that average citizens can understand. Many years ago, I worked with a school district to communicate how much the tax increase for a new school would cost. For the average district resident, it was one tank of gas per year. Signs, promotional material and other information highlighted this point. Taxpayers approved the project at the polls!
Be Proactive with the Media News reporters often have tight deadlines and must sit through hours of meetings that will generate a news story that can be read in a brief amount of time. In order to help provide accurate information, press releases should be prepared for the media. The information should list team members' names, project highlights and other pertinent data. This approach ensures that the news is accurate, and it fosters a positive relationship between the district and the media.
Here is an example of how providing information ahead of time avoids problems. It is easy to get confused about such terms as construction cost and project cost. If the media lists your construction cost early in the process and then later lists the project cost, it will appear as though costs have greatly increased, which can have a negative impact on the community. Providing the media both costs upfront, along with an explanation of the difference, keeps communication clear.
Prepare for Public Presentations Years ago, I was working with a school administration team that wanted to present a major capital project to the school board for approval. I suggested that we meet as a group and prepare what each person would say during the presentation. We practiced for several hours. After the team presented the proposed project, one board member approached the superintendent. This man had never been one to provide compliments and was often in opposition to the administration. However, he was glowing when he said, "that was the best presentation I have ever seen from this administration." While he still did not support the project, he became less negative and adversarial.
5. Show Compassion and Caring
"They don't really care what we think," is one of the most common phrases I hear from the public when discussing a potential project.
It is important to listen to all points of view and understand every perspective. I recall attending a public meeting where the opposition was gathering outside the auditorium as I parked my car and strolled toward the front door. Everyone knew who I was and that I was paid to help move the project forward.
One anti-project leader approached me and said, "Do you want to buy a ticket to our spaghetti dinner?" They were having a fund raiser to oppose the project that I was paid to support. While I had only seconds to react, I blurted out, "Sure! I'll take two tickets, although I don't know that my schedule will permit me to attend." He did not care that I could not attend. What he understood clearly is that I cared about him and was not opposed to him personally.
6. Garner Community Involvement
Publicizing informational meetings is imperative, but often those opposed to the project "come to the party late." They can arrive six months into the project and ask questions you answered months ago. Forming a citizens committee helps with this issue. This small group of taxpayers develops the plan for communicating about the project to the public. When late comers start asking questions that were answered months ago, these key individuals can address them best.
Also, it is essential to not ignore teachers and students. Everyone likes to know what is happening with the project, and regular updates to the faculty and students are most beneficial.
7. Maintain Focus
It is essential to not lose sight of the benefits a new school brings to the students, staff and community. Often opposition is produced by a small minority, while the vast majority - in favor of the project - remain silent. While there will no doubt be compromises throughout the planning process, it is important to remember the ultimate goal.
No one wants work in a contentious environment. Still, should you find yourself in such a situation, employing these seven factors will ensure a successful outcome.
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| Schooldesigner Bookstore |
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| We still have several copies of Anne Taylor's outstanding book: "Linking Architecture and Education". We've been priveledged to be able to provide this thought provoking resourse to many, many farsighted individuals.
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The Third Annual Schooldesigner Collabetition!!
The 3rd Annual SchoolDesigner Collabetition - where collaboration and competition meet is now underway! This design competition is like no other educational design competition and here's why:
1. This is the second year we are having an online judging process so that everyone can vote for the projects they deem worthy. Schooldesigner will host the online voting for K-12 school projects.
2. Schooldesigner remains committed to promoting high-quality K-12 school design, and this Collabetition is THE way to garner recognition for your design excellence. There is no other competition on the planet where the creativity and ingenuity you imbue in the individual design elements of your projects are recognized and promoted.
3. We have kept our entry fees low and there are no additional publication fees. So, winners get published on our websites at no additional cost. Schooldesigner members even receive a discount !
Spread the word. Our third year may prove to be the best ever! And don't forget: your chances of winning greatly increase if you actually submit a project!
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| Focused on Higher Education?
Visit Collegedesigner. com for great ideas for your next project.
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