Spaces4Learning names 2026 Education Design Showcase winners

By AI, Created 8:31 PM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – Spaces4Learning announced the winners of its 2026 Education Design Showcase on June 1, recognizing school and campus projects that blend innovative design with practical learning needs. The annual awards highlight planning, architecture and construction solutions across higher education and K-12.

Why it matters: - The Education Design Showcase spotlights design choices that can affect how students learn, move and use campus space. - The awards also serve as a reference point for schools, colleges and universities looking for practical ideas in planning, architecture and construction.

What happened: - Spaces4Learning announced the 2026 winners of its Education Design Showcase on June 1, 2026. - The program recognized projects in higher education and K-12 education. - Rhea Kelly, editor-in-chief of Spaces4Learning, said the showcase demonstrates the power of innovative design to reimagine learning environments and create places where students can learn, grow and thrive. - Winner information is available at the winners page.

The details: - The Education Design Showcase was established in 1999. - The annual program highlights innovative but practical solutions in planning, design, architecture and construction. - The program’s goal is to share ideas that help schools at all grade levels achieve better learning environments. - Higher education grand prize for new construction went to Agricultural Sciences Complex at the College of Western Idaho, designed by Cushing Terrell. - Higher education grand prize for renovation went to Texas Recruitment at The University of Texas at Austin, designed by McKinney York. - Higher education project of distinction for new construction went to RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition at Rochester Institute of Technology, designed by LaBella Associates. - Higher education project of distinction for new construction also went to Health & Science Building at the College of Western Idaho, designed by Cushing Terrell. - Higher education project of distinction in spaces went to Classroom Revitalization - Basil Hall Room 216 at St. John Fisher University, with no architect listed. - K-12 grand prize for new construction went to Arlington High School in Arlington Public Schools, designed by HMFH Architects. - K-12 grand prize for new construction also went to Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School at William Penn Charter School, designed by EwingCole. - K-12 grand prize for renovation went to Barbara Vick Western Branch at Chicago Public Schools, designed by Bailey Edward Design, Inc. - K-12 projects of distinction included Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts at East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, Homewood-Flossmoor High School NetZero Addition in District 233, Compton High School, Porter Family Center for Innovation and Academics at Lake Highland Preparatory School, and Big Horn Academy at Hardin Public Schools. - The listed architects for those K-12 projects were RHH Architects / Tipton Associates (JV), DLA Architects, DLR Group, Schenkel Shultz and Cushing Terrell.

Between the lines: - The list shows continued interest in projects that combine aesthetics with operational usefulness. - The presence of both new construction and renovation winners suggests schools are balancing expansion with upgrades to existing facilities. - Multiple repeat appearances by firms such as Cushing Terrell point to a competitive design field with a few firms earning multiple honors.

What’s next: - Spaces4Learning is directing readers to its website for full winner details. - The annual showcase is likely to continue serving as a benchmark for school facility design in future years.

The bottom line: - Spaces4Learning’s 2026 showcase puts a spotlight on school and campus projects that aim to make learning spaces more effective, flexible and inspiring.