Widener University, Freedom Hall, in Chester, Pennsylvania featured in 2014 Architectural Portfolio

Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. announces that Widener University, Freedom Hall, Chester, Pennsylvania has been selected for publication in Penton’s American School & University 2014 Architectural Portfolio. The project is featured in the November 2014 edition of the magazine and also online at www.SchoolDesigns.com. An annual competition honoring education design excellence, the Architectural Portfolio spotlights projects representing today’s most effective learning environments.

A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education members and education administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools and universities across the country. One hundred twenty-seven projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, a monthly educational facilities, purchasing and business administration magazine reaching 57,000 facility planners, school and university administrators and architects with this issue. This is the 23rd year the competition has been held.

When determining citation winners and other outstanding designs, this year’s jury decided upon the following criteria. Facilities should embrace environmental stewardship through both mechanical and cultural means. Indoor and outdoor social space that engage students in learning are critical to successful design. Comfortable and flexible learning spaces foster student ownership of the school environment. Innovative programming that brings together partners to form community allows vital resources to be directed to students and families. A design process bringing together multiple stakeholders can lead to powerful architecture that can positively impact learning outcomes. Holistic design solutions aim to promote health, a sense of wellbeing and connection to the outdoors.

More information about the Architectural Portfolio, including a complete list of 2014 projects selected for publication, is available on American School &  University’s www.SchoolDesigns.com Web site, or by contacting Molly Roudebush, senior marking manager, at 1-(913) 967-1959 or mroudebush@ASUmag.com.

Founded in 1928, American School & University is devoted exclusively to education facilities/business administration. The authority for information about the educational facilities market, AS&U delivers an insightful combination of exclusive reports, special focuses and how-to articles each month. For more information, please visit www.ASUmag.com and www.SchoolDesigns.com. American School & University is published by Penton.