4 Education Construction Projects You Have to See
Design
Construction
Education
4 Education Construction Projects You Have to See
Check out the best education construction projects of 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Learn what goes into education construction and why your campus is due for an upgrade.
Maria Montessori once said that “the work of education is divided between the teacher and the environment.” Learning environments are essential in allowing students to grow, learn, and participate to the highest possible level.
If the environment is that important for students, then the construction and design of school campuses must be executed with the highest degree of attention to detail and excellence. These 4 education construction projects showcase just that.
What Is Education Construction?
Education construction is the process of designing and building schools and related buildings for K-12 schools and higher education organizations. School construction projects include buildings like athletic centers, admission centers, community libraries, and science buildings.
Renovating older campuses as well as designing brand new media centers and digital classrooms falls into this category of construction as well.
Are There Specific Education Construction Companies?
Yes! Like any type of construction, education construction takes a special skillset. Education construction professionals are well versed in specific areas of expertise like carpentry, plumbing, electrical systems, concrete work, and HVAC systems.
They are also experts at working around the school life cycle. While most construction companies will build a project timeline around their own schedules, education construction companies work around the school calendar and related organizations.
4 Incredible Education Construction Projects You Have To See
From interior design to playground construction, InDecca spent 2024 reimagining educational facilities throughout Columbus to give students and staff the best learning environments possible.
#1: Columbus Academy Classroom and Library
InDecca partnered with Columbus Academy in Gahanna, Ohio, to completely reimagine their campus, creating spaces where students can thrive. They relocated the 6th-grade classrooms closer to the other middle school grades so that the campus felt more connected and fostered a real sense of community among students.
They also designed a brand-new, imaginative Middle School Library on the second floor. InDecca handled everything from sourcing to installing high-quality furnishings throughout the campus. The result? A fresh, modern campus that inspires creativity and collaboration.
#2: Nationwide Children’s Hospital Playground
InDecca collaborated with Nationwide Children's Hospital to transform a second-story rooftop into a sanctuary where children can explore, play, and heal. This two-year endeavor involved a complete overhaul of the existing play area above the Emergency Department.
The project included site assessment, design development, equipment removal, roof overlay, plumbing, electrical work, installation of new play equipment, construction of a large sunshade structure, safety enhancements, accessibility features, and aesthetic landscaping.
InDecca worked closely with child development experts to design a playground that promotes engagement, accessibility, and safety. They created an inclusive environment through wheelchair ramps, sensory-friendly components, and accessible play areas so all children can enjoy this beautifully reimagined space.
#3: St. Mary’s Elementary School Gymnasium and Community Center
St. Mary’s Elementary School was ready to transform its gymnasium into a vibrant community hub. Recognizing the gym's potential as a central space for school activities, InDecca led a comprehensive redesign to breathe new life into the facility.
The renovation included repainting the walls, installing durable flooring suitable for active students, and integrating modern athletic equipment. A custom lighting design complemented a high-tech audiovisual system, including motorized window blinds and an easy-to-use stage curtain. Now, it's a space that can grow with the Lancaster community for years to come.
#4: HVAC Replacement for St. Andrews and St. Mary Magdalene
Not all education construction projects are visible to the naked eye. St. Mary Magdalene School needed to overhaul its outdated HVAC system. Clean air—especially during and after the pandemic—is a massive priority for schools.
InDecca not only installed a modern HVAC system but also assisted the school in navigating the government grant process to fund the project. The upgrades were strategically scheduled during the summer break to prevent disruptions to school activities.
Similarly, St. Andrew's Elementary School faced challenges with an aging HVAC system that compromised air quality and hindered plans for future renovations.
InDecca addressed these issues by designing and installing an energy-efficient HVAC system that improved air filtration and freed up interior space for future developments.
Structural reinforcements were made to accommodate the new equipment, and outdated units were removed from areas designated for future use.
The project was carefully phased to minimize disruption, with the construction of impacted classrooms scheduled during the summer break to ensure a smooth transition.
Education Construction: Frequently Asked Questions
How can an education building be future-proofed?
Future-proofing educational spaces means designing them to adapt to evolving student needs.
This includes creating flexible layouts and preparing for technology upgrades, like making spaces wireless for seamless connectivity or equipping science labs with adaptable utilities to support advanced learning tools.
What are the best practices for designing modern school buildings?
Modern school buildings prioritize flexible spaces, natural lighting, and energy efficiency. Designs often include multi-purpose rooms, technology integration, and outdoor learning areas to support diverse educational needs and foster creativity.
How can schools incorporate sustainable materials in construction?
Schools can use sustainable materials like recycled steel, bamboo, and low-VOC paints to reduce their environmental impact. Incorporating solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and green roofs also promotes sustainability while lowering operational costs.
What are the latest trends in education construction and design?
Current trends in education construction include open-concept classrooms, STEM-focused lab spaces, and modular furniture for flexible layouts. Schools also embrace biophilic design, incorporating natural elements to create healthier, more engaging learning environments.
Work with the Best Education Construction Company— InDecca
Inspired by the education construction projects in this article? If you’re ready to tackle a project on your campus, InDecca is ready to make your vision a reality. Book a free consultation, and let’s dream up the best learning environment out there!
Tom White
Partner