VT Schools Face Challenges Funding Construction

Schools across the state are in need of repair and maintenance but are facing challenges with passing local bond measures to fund the work. This was the story reported this week on WCAX TV.

TruexCullins is currently working with Rumney Memorial School - and others across the state - to come up with solutions to their building needs. As David Epstein points out in the report, creating high performance schools from both an energy and educational standpoint is a great investment for Vermont.

WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

You can also view this story on the WCAX webpage.

Building Hope, One Bag at a Time

In an earlier blog post, we described the innovative building technique known as earthbag construction that is being used to build schools in the rural countryside of Nepal. We shared the details of our own earthbag construction project that we are designing with Edge of Seven. And we invited you to celebrate with us as we commemorate the transition for Sparky Millikin from TruexCullins Managing Principal to Himalayan mountain climber.

Well, these is one more surprise we have in store. To build excitement for our earthbag construction project in Mankhu Village in Nepal, we are building a wall of our own in our offices at 209 Battery Street in Burlington.

LET’S BUILD THIS TOGETHER

FILL A BAG FOR A NEPALESE SCHOOL

The “earthbags” will come together during Sparky’s retirement party on Thursday, May 9th. For a $50 tax-deductible donation to Edge of Seven, we will place your name on a polypropylene bag like the ones we will use to construct a new community center for Nepalese girls. As our wall rises, it will symbolize our collective efforts to lift up these girls out of poverty and raise opportunities for all.

In Nepal, your donation will go far to educate and empower girls and break the cycle of poverty. Edge of Seven is a non-profit organization that works closely with local NGOs to ensure that all projects are carried out in a cost-effective manner. In 2010 and 2011, less than 10% of donations went toward administrative costs.

Donate Today!  You can make a donation through our crowdrise site at: http://www.crowdrise.com/truexcullins-nepal


And please join us on May 9 to celebrate Sparky’s lifelong career and support the work of the Edge of Seven in Nepal!

A New School and Community Center

THE NEXT EARTHBAG CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

MANKHU VILLAGE FARM FOR WOMEN

This spring, TruexCullins architects are collaborating with Edge of Seven and The Mountain Fund to create a new Community Center specifically for women at the Mankhu Village Farm in rural Nepal. The center will be built using earthbag construction and will complement the existing programs at Mankhu Village Farm to offer women a safe and collaborative space for education and health.

Many women at Mankhu Village Farm have been victims of sex trafficking or domestic abuse, and, as a result, have nowhere to go. They possess valuable agricultural skills, but have been deprived of the opportunity to achieve independence from their own labor.

Known as “Her Farm”, this project will help women in these situations heal and develop the skills they need to live independently and support their children. The Community Center project will include 2 buildings: one will contain a classroom and computer lab; and the other will contain a health post and daycare center.

TruexCullins is donating design services for the Mankhu Village Farm. Architect Diantha Korzun and others in our office are supporting Edge of Seven and the team on the ground in Nepal.  For projects in the developing world like this one, architects still play a contributing role, but it is one which is substantially redefined from the western model.  Here, it is less about pure design or individual style, and more about engaging local communities, working within vernacular aesthetics and finding creative solutions to practical problems.

For example, the buildings are designed so they can be easily replicated in other villages, built by local Nepalese people who may not possess construction skills. Local materials are relied upon, which influences the design of everything from the structural connections to the interior finishes.

The building itself is modest by American standards, but what it represents is huge.  We are excited to have the chance to work on such a unique and innovative solution to address a dire need.

The foundation for the adjacent residential building is now under construction:

Interested in supporting this work in Nepal?  You can donate now on our Crowdrise site at www.crowdrise.com/truexcullins-nepal

And stay tuned for more adventures related to our work with Edge of Seven!

Announcing a Special Project for Nepal

The international scope of the TruexCullins Education Studio has brought us to some of the far corners of the world. Our work on K-12 school design and planning projects has reached over a dozen countries including Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Russia and Brazil.

Now we find ourselves in Nepal, with a unique opportunity that promises to dramatically improve the lives of children and transform entire communities. 

 

 A PROJECT IN NEPAL

BUILDING HOPE FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

On a recent trip through the Himalayas, TruexCullins principal Sparky Millikin was introduced to an organization that is working in the rural villages of Nepal, helping young women and children achieve an education and break out of the cycle of poverty.

In rural Nepal, girls face many barriers in their quest to receive an education, whether it is poverty, a lack of infrastructure, or cultural beliefs that girls should marry early and tend to household chores. By some estimates, up to 80% of rural Nepalese women are victims of domestic abuse. Many of these women are sold into human trafficking, and the leading cause of death among women of childbearing age is suicide.

Often, it just takes the example and leadership of one empowered person, such as one girl who has succeeded in receiving a higher education and vocational training, to change an entire community’s beliefs about what is possible.

THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT GLOBAL POVERTY

INVESTING IN WOMEN

IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD

Motivated by the realization that our work can make a real difference, TruexCullins is collaborating with Edge of Seven, an organization that creates access to education, health and economic opportunity for girls and women in the developing world. By partnering with local non-profits in Nepal, Edge of Seven champions grassroots development efforts that are community focused, locally driven, and sustainable.

 

In the coming weeks we will share more details about our work with Edge of Seven and related events, including a celebration at our office where you can try Nepalese food, and an opportunity to join us on a 21-day trek this fall to Everest Base Camp!

In the meantime, you can learn more about Edge of Seven at www.edgeofseven.org.

TruexCullins Wins Awards for School Design

Anglo-American School of Sofia, Bulgaria

TruexCullins Architecture recently won national awards for their design of the Anglo-American School of Sofia (AAS), an authorized International Baccalaureate World School located in Bulgaria. TruexCullins was hired to create the “Vitosha Wing”, the new home for the middle and high school programs.

The $8 million expansion, included  site planning and building design developed by Architect and Managing Principal David Epstein, AIA, LEED AP and Associate Architect Diantha Korzun, AIA, LEED AP. Epstein Leads the K-12 and International Education Studios at TruexCullins.

TruexCullins worked closely with the AAS; listening to the needs and desires of the administration, faculty, students and parents. “The project is a result of unique community effort,” shares Marchella Ignatova, Business Manager of the AAS. “Students, parents and teachers worked with the TruexCullins providing feedback and ideas for these buildings.”

The significant expansion, which doubles the capacity of the school, includes new classrooms, sports facilities and plans for a new performing arts complex. The campus layout was crafted to foster smaller learning communities within the larger school community.TruexCullins designed the new 8,500 sq. meter middle school and high school facility to incorporate green building features including storm water management and reuse. This is accomplished through the use of green roofs, constructed wetlands and ponds. Other green features include daylight harvesting, solar hot water, photo-voltaic roof covered parking and extensive use of local materials. The project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and is expected to earn LEED® Gold certification.

TruexCullins’ building design earned first place at the National Building of the Year Awards in the Education Category and runner up in the Bulgaria Building of the Year in the Green Category.

The Bulgarian Chamber of Architects also awarded it first place in the Bulgarian Building of the Year – Education Category. It also received a second place award in the Bulgarian Building of the Year – Green Category.

“AAS was a great partner to work with," shared David Epstein, AIA, LEED AP. " They were truly interested in creating a facility that fosters collaboration, community, and engaged learning. And they were fiercely committed to sustainable design solutions. We are fortunate to work with clients with great vision."

Join our Team

We are happy to say that due to an increase in our project workload, we are now hiring Architects and Project Managers to join our team at TruexCullins. We currently have immediate openings for these full-time positions:

ARCHITECT / PROJECT MANAGER
TruexCullins is seeking a senior level Architect / Project Manager with 10+ years of experience to work on a variety of project types in our resort, workplace and education studios. Registered architects with a B.Arch or M.Arch degree are preferred. Qualified candidates should possess extensive Project Management experience, experience coordinating a consultant team, superior design and communication skills, familiarity with building and life-safety codes and be capable of running multiple projects independently. Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Revit is required, and LEED AP Certification is highly desirable.
 
ARCHITECT / PROJECT MANAGER, EDUCATION STUDIO
TruexCullins seeks a registered architect with 10+ years of experience in K-12 school planning and design to work in our Education Studio on US and International school projects around the world. Familiarity with educational trends, space programming and master planning required. Qualified candidates should have Project Management experience, superior design and communication skills, and be capable of running multiple projects independently. Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit and LEED AP Certification is highly desirable.


Our creative team is currently comprised of over 25 talented and dedicated individuals who are passionate about design and enjoy working together. Our work includes local, national and international projects in the residential, commercial, education and resort markets. We offer competitive compensation with full benefits including health insurance, 401k retirement plans, profit sharing, flexible vacation and sick time.

For either of the above positions, please send a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio sample of your work to: employment@truexcullins.com.

Anglo-American School of Sofia Grand Opening

This fall the ribbon was cut and the doors swung open on the new $8 million expansion project for the Anglo-American School of Sofia in Bulgaria.

TruexCullins first developed a master plan for the school’s growth from 350 to 650 students, then provided Design Guardianship services as the new building addition took shape.  Under the leadership of David Epstein and Diantha Korzun, the school doubled its classroom space, which serves middle and high school students from 44 countries.

The project also includes new sports facilities, a performing arts complex, and an outdoor amphitheater built into the naturally sloping site.  The new wing has a green roof, solar power collection, and greywater recycling.

The existing wing received LEED Gold certification for Existing Buildings, and the new wing is currently being certified under LEED for New Construction.  The school is the only LEED Gold-certified building in Bulgaria.

The project was completed in August and the reviews are now coming in.  The Anglo-American School received Building of the Year 2006, and Sustainable Building Project 2010 by the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria. The project was also profiled on the Interior Design website in October.

If your Bulgarian is up to par, you can follow along with this video from the opening ceremonies.  The event was attended by school officials, dignitaries, and plenty of happy students and parents to mark the opening of their new school.

Digital Crayon: Article 9 - Safety and Security

by David Epstein, AIA

In light of recent tragic events, I thought it would be timely to discuss safety and security at schools. It is always a difficult discussion. In many of our local schools, there is a feeling that the community is safe and something bad couldn’t happen here. The shooting in Essex, Vermont in 2006 certainly shifted that perception, and now, in the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre, every school is re-evaluating its security arrangements. For our international clients, this has always been a paramount concern and we often consult with the Regional Security Officer to understand the security concerns for that region.

The first step in improving safety and security is to identify the nature and range of the potential threats. Is it a concern car loaded with explosives, an armed perpetrator or kidnapping, for example? Or perhaps flooding or power outage? Different threats often require different responses in both facility design and operations. A successful approach will be a combination of common sense facility improvements in concert with effective operational protocols.

To be clear, there is no way to completely remove the risk of an event. Each school has to achieve a balance between the effectiveness and the cost, both financially and culturally, when considering security improvements. On one hand, we can’t ignore the potential threats; on the other hand, do we want our schools to resemble prisons?

Let’s start first on the exterior. Following the Sandy Hook shootings, much of the discussion has centered on how to keep a perpetrator out of the building. Unfortunately, it is very difficult, if not impossible if the perpetrator has made it to the building perimeter. And what about the safety of the students using the playgrounds and recreational fields?  They are in a completely unsecured area. This is why virtually all of the international schools we work with create the security zone at the perimeter of their property, usually with a 3m high fence and guard house at the entry points. It is recommended that buildings be placed a minimum of 100ft from a public way.  While this is standard for international schools, this is considered overboard for schools in a region like Vermont.

There are differing opinions on the effectiveness of armed security guards. It certainly sets a tone - for some reassuring, for others unwelcoming. Perhaps it sends a signal to the public that the school is serious about safety. To be effective, the guard must be at the right place at the right time. Will a gunman choose to enter at the most secure point? In any case, many question whether a minimally trained guard with a service revolver can stop a gunman in a bulletproof vest with a semiautomatic weapon. We do know that innocent bystanders are often caught in the crossfire. As you can see, the benefits of armed guards remain an open question. 

If car bombs are a possible threat, bollards, boulders, or swales can be used to keep vehicles away from the building. Some international school use mirrors to scan underneath a vehicle. Upon entering the building, there should be a security checkpoint with some kind of badge system. However, because of the increased flow at drop-off and pick-up times, this is often not practical at these times. Using a single entry point into the school building is one way to monitor entrants. In many schools, several administrators stand out front and welcome the students in the morning. In addition to monitoring activity, it is a great way for the school leadership to meet all of the students and parents.

The entry should be arranged so that people cannot easily enter the building without passing a receptionist or security personnel to obtain a badge. Some school entries are designed so that you must pass through a controlled area before you can enter the school. Others utilize a transaction window or counter located just inside the exterior doors. In any case, it is critical to train the staff to question anybody in the school who does not have proper identification.

Inside the school, it is imperative that there is a way to alert every staff member about an intruder. This may be through a public address, phone or walkie-talkie system. Often there is a code phrase that signals the lock down. The general protocol is to clear all public areas and sequester staff and students in classrooms. To do this, it is important that classrooms lock from the inside, which is not how older classroom latch sets function. However, they can be easily retrofitted. As it is also important that the perpetrator not see any potential victims, there must be a quick way to obscure views through both hallway doors and exterior windows.

As many of our schools function as community centers, school leaders are concerned about maintaining an open, welcoming feel while at the same time improving the safety of both students and staff. It is a difficult balancing act in light of the recent tragedy.

Next Article: Article 10 - Greening Existing Facilities

Past Article: Article 8 - Sustainability

Digital Crayon: Article 6 - The Learning Commons

posted by David Epstein, AIA, LEED AP

Last article we discussed 21st century learning concepts and their impact on school design. Nowhere is this more relevant these days than in libraries. It seems as though every one of our schools is grappling with how to transform their libraries into a “Learning Commons”. 

In our work and research, we have come to understand the learning commons as a place where students can learn in a variety of settings. Those settings can range from an active social space with food and comfy furniture to quiet spaces for individuals and groups. Technology is widely available to support their learning, including printing, copying and tech support. Learning Support services may also be located in the Learning Commons. This concept, while in flux, is in contrast with the notion of the Library as a repository of knowledge (i.e. books).

There is no recipe for the Learning Commons and each school approaches it different ways. It may be possible to co-locate a school wide feature such as a café near the library to create a social space. Think of retail bookstore design a la Barnes & Nobles. This is a case where successful commercial ventures are leading the direction of library design. Other schools are looking for an outdoor component for their Learning Commons experience.

One area where there is widespread head scratching is the role of technology in the new library. How many books should there be? What is the role of e-books, tablets and computers? Our experience is there are fairly divergent ideas about where we are heading. More on that in the next installment.

Next Post - Article 7 - Technology in Schools 

Last Post - Article 5 - 21st Century Learning

Digital Crayon: Article 1 - Musings on School Design

posted by TruexCullins Architect and Principal David Epstein, AIA, LEED AP

Welcome to the first entry of Digital Crayon, a series on school planning and design. My goal with this series is to share with you some of the insights learned in our Education Studio and throughout my career.

By way of introduction, I am a partner here at TruexCullins and co-lead our Education Studio with fellow partner Richard Deane. Richard's area of expertise is higher education design. My specialty is K-12 school design. I am passionate about the interrelationship between school design and the “new” 21st century learning paradigm. As I often joke with my clients, I know enough about education to be dangerous, but please don’t expect a scholarly discourse – this will be more of a conversation. I welcome your feedback as well. So let’s get started. This is always the hardest part – getting started (with this blog too!).

It helps to have a strategic plan. Ideally a facility project grows out of a long term strategic direction for your school. Often, however, that is not the case. Sometimes projects are the result of growth and a response is needed – no time for a strategic plan.

There are two main kinds of projects: master planning and design. Master Planning projects look at an entire facility and create a roadmap for improvements over a five to ten year period. Once master planning is completed, a school may elect to implement phase I of the master plan. This is the point where the design project begins. Or if you have a specific need – like a new library – you can often proceed directly with a design project. The difference is really how broad a view of your facilities you would like to address. If it is the whole campus, then a master plan makes the most sense.
 

The first thing you need to do is define the project as best you can and hire an architect. Some schools have ongoing relationships with an architect; others issue a Request for Proposals (RFP). In either case, it always best to be as specific as you can be so that the proposal accurately reflect an appropriate scope of work. We have lots of examples of RFPs (good and bad) which we can share, just email me at David Epstein.

The standard process is to invite several qualified architects, review their proposals and create a short list of three to four finalists for interviews. For international projects, the interviews are often done on Skype. Sometimes there is design work requested, sometimes not. As an architect, we always hope that the level of effort requested is commensurate with the opportunity.

It is really important to find a consultant that’s a good fit – someone not only with the expertise you need, but someone you have good chemistry with. After all, you may be working with them for quite a while. Good planning sets the table for a successful project and planning and design costs are minor compared with building and operating costs so we recommend focusing on the fit and getting the leadership, creativity and expertise with a firm you will enjoy working with.

Next Digital Crayon - Article 2, The Planning Process

TruexCullins Invited to Paris Competition

TruexCullins is one of four firms invited by the American School of Paris (ASP) to participate in an international design competition.

In October, TruexCullins will travel to Paris, France to present their design. The TruexCullins team will comprise of Principal and Architect David Epstein, AIA LEED AP, Project Manager Diantha Korzun, AIA LEED AP and Pier Giovanni Spaziani, M.Arch.

“At TruexCullins, we are committed to creating healthy and productive environments,” imparts Epstein, “places that engage young people in 21st century learning.” Epstein has over 23 years of experience as a registered architect. He co-leads the Education Studio at TruexCullins, with a focus on K-12 and International Schools. Epstein has developed master plans and provided architectural services for schools in over 13 countries including: Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, and Ethiopia.

Korzun served as the project manager on TruexCullins’ recently completed King Arthur Flour headquarters located in Norwich, Vermont. “We look forward to a vibrant competition,” she shares. “I am confident that our proposal will creatively address the client’s design needs.”

Anglo American School of Sofia nearing completion

Written by Principal David Epstein, AIA, LEED AP

On a recent trip to Bulgaria, Diantha Korzun was able to check in on the construction of one of our current higher-ed projects, the Anglo American School of Sofia.  TruexCullins has been working with the school to develop a master plan, growing the school from 350 to 650 students.

The school serves middle school and high school students and the new facilities include classrooms, sports facilities and a performing arts complex, including a new outdoor amphitheater.  The design allows each section to be built independently, fosters the creation of smaller learning communities within a larger school, and minimizes disruption to ongoing operations.

When working on international projects, we take special care to listen to our clients and design spaces that are appropriate to each locale and culture.  On this project, we have had a wonderful working relationship with the local architecture firm Ivo Petrov Architects.  TruexCullins has been providing Design Guardianship with Ivo Petrov Architects acting as the local architect of record.

The facilities are nearing completion and will officially open for the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

 

Chelsea Street Ribbon Cutting

The Vermont Law School has just announced that U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Gov. Peter Shumlin, Vermont Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Reiber and other officials will attend the ribbon cutting of VLS's new Center for Legal Services at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 18.

The historic building at 190 Chelsea St. underwent a $3.5 million renovation to convert it into the new home for the South Royalton Legal Clinic and the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic. The two clinics provide millions of dollars of free legal services to needy families, community groups and others in the name of environmental stewardship, social justice and public interest.

The ribbon cutting and a tour of the building are free and open to the public.
 

You can find a brief description of our work on this project on our website.  You can also read about the new center for legal services and the story of the Legal Clinic in an article posted on the VLS website.

A New Direction for Vermont State College dining

TruexCullins recently teamed up with Sodexo, one of the nation’s largest food service companies, to submit a proposal for the renovation and operation of the dining facilities of the Vermont State College system.  After a four-month RFP process, the proposal was approved and Sodexo was awarded the contract to be the exclusive food service vendor for Vermont State College.

The schools include Castleton State College, Johnson State College, Lyndon State College, and Vermont Technical College.  Sodexo will begin providing food service for the VSC students at these schools at the beginning of the 2012 fall semester, with new menus and greater variety.

The new menus will prioritize locally sourced foods, providing students with a true farm-to-plate experience.  The renovations to the dining facilities will support these new culinary initiatives with comfortable dining and gathering areas.  Students will walk into completely transformed residential dining restaurants, with new food preparation areas and enhanced seating.

You can read more about the future of dining at the Vermont State College campuses in this article from Lyndon State.

TruexCullins wins Design Competition for Brazil School

We are pleased to announce another exciting project has just been awarded to the international practice team of our Education Studio. In competition with 3 international design firms, TruexCullins won the contract for Master Planning for the Escola Americana de Campinas (EAC).  In their decision, the selection team cited TruexCullins' strong green credentials as a significant factor.

Campinas is a city of 1 million people located just north of Sao Paolo, Brazil. The EAC is a K-12 school that currently serves 650 students and is growing rapidly. TruexCullins will be assisting EAC assess their educational, functional and environmental needs as it plans for the future.

The proposed design that TruexCullins submitted for the new EAC green campus center was an environmentally sensitive approach with earth-bermed spaces, shading elements and green roofs.

Here are a few views of the existing facility, located on the site of a former coffee plantation:

TruexCullins awarded International Planning Project

We are proud to announce that the TruexCullins Education Studio has been awarded the contract for Master Planning at the St. John's International School in Waterloo, Belgium. Competing against top firms from around the world, the TruexCullins team was selected for their expertise in sustainable solutions in school design.

Since 2006, the international practice team at TruexCullins has been working with international schools all over the world, including Russia, Ethiopia and Brazil. At the Anglo-American School of Sofia, Bulgaria, an 80,000 square foot addition designed by TruexCullins is slated to receive LEED Green Building Rating System silver certification in August 2012.

Anglo American School of Sofia Breaks Ground

Our international work remains strong these days, with a variety of projects around the globe.  This week, David is travelling to India for a new international schools project.  Meanwhile, crews are busy at work pouring foundations in Sofia, Bulgaria, on a new 80,000 square foot middle and high school addition to an existing school.  Designed by TruexCullins to meet LEED Silver Certification, the new addition boasts a new atrium, library, classrooms and gymnasium, all clustered around an exterior stone amphitheater.

Environmental features include solar hot water, green roofs, daylighting, regional materials and innovative stormwater management. Classrooms are clustered around common areas designed for small group instruction and as social space.

Great care was taken to create a design that could be implemented with minimum disruption to existing operations. Summer holiday periods will be used for crucial tie-in projects.  The project was also designed to accommodate a theater at a later date.

The project is being managed by Gardiner and Theobold (Sofia office) and built by INOS Construction with Ivo Petrov Architects as design partners.  A big thanks goes to the Sofia team for an outstanding job so far!

Here are some photos of the project, currently under construction:

Hinesburg Photos

We just received these new photos of the completed renovation at Hinesburg Community School!

The project was a 14,000 square foot renovation to the interior of a 1969 classroom wing.  The space has now been transformed into a welcoming, colorful and light-filled learning environment.  The project also increased the energy efficiency of the wing, and improved campus security by relocating the administration suite.  Additional features include enlarged public ADA compliant restrooms, a new Flex-space, a centralized nurses suite, and a new roof and sprinkler system.

Best of all, the students and teachers love the new space, evident by this thank-you card we received earlier this year.