2008 Educational Interiors Showcase Commentary: Interiors That Stand Out

“It's what's on the inside that counts” — at least when it comes to American School & University's annual Educational Interiors Showcase competition. Each May, AS&U assembles at its Overland Park, Kan., headquarters a jury made up of education and architectural professionals from across the country to pore over an array of exceptional school and university interiors, and select the best of the best. Of this year's 109 entries, the jury chose 19 projects to receive citations. The following criteria were used in making its selections:

• Sustainability.

  • Is the design a good steward of the environment?
  • Are daylighting techniques used effectively?

• Character.

  • Does the space represent its identity?

• Long-term appropriateness of materials and colors.

  • Does the design merge timelessness with quality?
  • Is the interior design more than a passing fad?

• Innovation.

  • Is the space fresh, yet flexible and functional?

• Adaptable to current and future technology.

  • Will the space endure evolving technology needs?

• Balancing collaborative spaces.

  • Is there a variety of interactive spaces for collaboration, along with focused areas for private study?

• Safety.

  • Does the design create a space that is safe for students and the environment?