These days, a learning space that keeps students engaged has never been more important.
We all know that when it comes to K-12 education, emphasis on curriculum, teaching methods, and technology are all critical. But the physical space in which learning takes place is another, equally important factor — and the design of learning environments plays a crucial role in shaping how students engage, collaborate, and ultimately succeed.
When schools invest in smart, thoughtful design, they’re not just improving the aesthetics of a building — they’re directly impacting student outcomes. Shockey works with school boards and architects in three states, and here are a few trends we see again and again:
- Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) as a Delivery Method: Many K-12 projects are now adopting the Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) delivery approach, in which the construction manager is brought in during the design phase to provide cost estimates, schedule guidance, and risk management. CMAR allows for more collaboration between the design team, contractors, and school districts, helping to prevent cost overruns and delays. The CMAR method ensures that schools are delivered on time and on budget, while maintaining benchmarks of quality, safety, and efficiency.
- Biophilic Design: The incorporation of nature promotes mental well-being, reduces stress, and improves focus. Schools are incorporating more green spaces, indoor plant life, and natural materials such as wood and stone into their buildings. Additionally, more large windows, skylights, and outdoor classrooms are planned to improve light quality and encourage a connection with the environment, benefiting students’ physical and emotional health.
- Integration of Flexible, Multi-Use Spaces: Today’s classrooms and learning spaces are evolving into flexible areas that can adapt to different learning activities — whether it’s group work, independent study, or community wide events.
- Design Focus on Wellness and Mental Health: Quiet rooms and areas for relaxation are being integrated into school layouts. Gyms and fitness areas are being designed not just for physical health but as multi-use spaces to foster mindfulness and social-emotional learning. Wellness-oriented designs create a more supportive environment for students, helping them navigate the challenges of modern education with greater strength and grit.
- More Sustainability Features: Energy-efficient designs, natural lighting, and eco-friendly materials are being used more and more. Two of our recent school building projects have been nationally recognized by the EPA for leadership in environmental design, achieving ENERGY-STAR® certification for meeting strict energy efficiency design targets.
Students Are the Future: Investment in Them Is Everyone’s Success
At Shockey, we don’t just build buildings; we partner with you to invest in the future. Students are the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of the future, and giving them the best possible environment to thrive prepares communities to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and resilience.
We bring proven experience in delivering award-winning new and renovated elementary, middle, and high school facilities that help promote the love of learning and inspire creativity for students of all ages.
Our team currently has more than one million square feet of K-12 projects under construction, and it’s our hallmark to deliver schools on time (even when no one thinks it can be done).
Investments in schools can be transformative for a local economy as well as for the students who attend, and we are proud to partner with school boards to build attractive, safe, energy-efficient spaces that are reflective of the communities in which they are located.
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