Designed as a living learning center, the Center for Science and the Environment (CSE) features a student-curated natural resource museum, a grooming lab, bio-secure labs, flexible classrooms, and a student-planted roof garden. Each space is carefully tailored to accommodate specific program needs with innovative technology, lighting and thermal control, and specialized equipment that enable partnerships with local and national environmental organizations. Sustainable design elements, including green roofs, photovoltaics, and composting toilets, reinforce Bristol Aggie’s curriculum rooted in science and environmental education.

Learning by Design’s Educational Facilities Design Awards highlights successful school projects from early childhood to higher education. The Grand Prize award winners earned special recognition for addressing six critical aspects of a successful learning environment: design challenges and innovation, sustainability and social impact, interior architecture, next-generation learning, effective space planning, and community needs. The CSE demonstrates the concept of architecture as a learning tool—with building systems and sustainable design on display for students, the facility itself has become an integral part of the school’s curriculum.

Saugus Middle High School is a contemporary public educational facility that welcomes students and community members alike with light-filled common areas and state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and collaboration spaces. Supporting an equitable and engaging learning experience and a robust STEAM-driven curriculum, the design integrates careful planning with a holistic approach to sustainability to create a facility that inspires a passion for learning and nurtures student well-being.

The BSA Design Awards recognizes outstanding projects designed by and for the greater Boston community that embody design excellence and positively impact their surroundings. The BSA has recently adopted the American Institute of Architects Framework for Design Excellence as a basis for its awards program to promote environmental stewardship across the design community and celebrate projects that exemplify this commitment to holistically sustainable design. HMFH’s Saugus Middle High School earned an award in the K-12 Educational Facilities category for its comprehensive implementation of the AIA Framework.

HMFH Architects Selected for Feasibility Study at the Franklin Elementary School in Newton

Cambridge, MA – HMFH Architects, an architectural firm focused on the design of student living and learning environments, announced today it has been selected by the City of Newton, Mass. to conduct a pre-feasibility study for the Franklin Elementary School. A critical piece of the city’s 10-year plan to modernize its school buildings, the redevelopment of Franklin, whether through new construction or additions and renovations, will create greater neighborhood and school equity.

Franklin is one of 15 neighborhood elementary schools in Newton. Originally constructed in 1938 with additions built in 1950 and 1953, the original school façade provides a distinct presence along residential Derby Street, while the additions are less successful both in exterior presence and interior functionality. Franklin lacks sufficient programming space and an appropriate music room, the classrooms are undersized for today’s standards, and is not fully accessible or ADA compliant.

“The design of highly efficient and sustainable buildings is a priority for Newton, and the creation of wonderful facilities that promote 21st century teaching and learning environments helps Newton advance our goals and objectives with regards to excellence in education and inclusion,” said Alex Valcarce, deputy commissioner of the City of Newton Public Buildings Department. “HMFH is known for its excellence in educational planning, community process, and sustainable design. We are excited to be working with them to determine the best path forward for Franklin and its community.”

To better understand the enrollment, space demands, and physical challenges at the current school, HMFH is beginning with a pre-feasibility phase that includes a facilities assessment, establishment of educational programmatic needs, and development of alternative conceptual design. Moreover, each alternative concept will address educational needs, neighborhood context, and healthy and sustainable principles.

HMFH is well-known for its ability and commitment to engage stakeholders by leading comprehensive community processes. In September, HMFH and New Vista Design will facilitate educational visioning sessions with the Franklin community to assure the program meets the priorities and needs specific to its students, faculty, staff, and parents.