The Council of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI) has recognized the Highland Middle School project designed by VEBH Architects for the Blackhawk School District as a 2014 “Project of Distinction”.
The project’s design team was commended for the manner in which it “responded to the vision of the community”, “infused sustainability” into the project, and created a school that “serves as a learning tool”.
The innovative design solution saved a building that had served the Blackhawk School District communities for more than half a century. Educational-based themes of “Explorers”, “Inventors”, and “Pioneers”, developed with the school’s teaching staff, are represented by specific colors and patterns and define the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade neighborhoods in the building.
The project’s lead architect and educational planner was Daniel Engen. Mr. Engen joined VEBH in 2010 and is now a principal of the firm. His prior planning and design efforts have included the new Moon Area High School and the Pine Richland School District’s acclaimed Eden Hall Upper Elementary School.
The award was presented at CEFPI’s annual Northeast Regional Conference. CEFPI is a global advocacy and education organization whose mission is to promote the improvement of places where children learn.
Click here to learn more about the Highland Middle School project design.