DLA Architects, Ltd. announces that New Early Learning Center, Des Plaines, Illinois has been awarded a Bronze Citation for outstanding design in Endeavor Business Media’s American School & University®2021 Educational Interiors Showcase. It is featured in the August 2021 edition of the magazine and online at School Designs.com. An annual competition honoring excellence in educational interiors and facility planning, the Educational Interiors Showcase spotlights today’s most effective learning environments.

This innovative, new 40,000 square foot Early Learning Center provides 14 Pre-School Learning Studios, STEM, nutrition, and active play Learning Hubs, a Gross Motor Skills Room/Storm Shelter, and support spaces. Read more about this project in New Early Learning Center

A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) members and education administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools, and universities across the country. Seventy-five projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, an educational facilities, purchasing, and business administration magazine reaching 57,000 facility planners, school and university administrators, and architects with this issue. This is the 31st year the competition has been held.

Each project was considered based on the following criteria:

• How successfully does the design address the project vision?
• Does the project create a healthful indoor environment?
• How well did the designers take into account the life-cycle costs of project materials?
• Does the project enhance the learning environment?
• Timelessness of design
• The functionality of the space