Richard & Sharon Portillo Performing Arts Center Addition at Argo Community High School, Argo Community School District 217, Summit, IL awarded Outstanding Designs in High Schools from American School and University Magazine

A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education members and education administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools and universities across the country. One hundred sixteen 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 competition’s 36th year.

Awarded projects exhibited clarity of concept, innovation and creativity in response to the specifics of program, users, community, and site. Other considered criteria included: clarity of idea, sense of place/atmosphere, unique identity, healthful interior environment, anticipates user needs, security, flexibility/adaptability, pushing envelope, suited to community, and economy.