Learning By Design recognizes two GMC projects

GMC has received two Outstanding Project Awards for excellence in educational facility design in the spring 2017 issue of Learning By Design, the premier source for education design innovation and excellence. Williamson County Schools’ Mill Creek Elementary and Middle School in Nolensville, Tenn., and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) New Student Residence Hall in Birmingham, Ala., have been recognized by Learning By Design magazine for overall plan, architectural design and for having attributes worthy of imitation.

Learning By Design’s distinguished jury of architects and end users commended GMC for success in designing the Mill Creek Elementary and Middle School and UAB New Student Residence Hall. All projects featured in this edition are peer-reviewed. The jury debated and looked for unique and new concepts being implemented to improve education facility building design, with projects being judged on six criteria: innovation, community need, interior design, sustainability, functional design and 21st century learning.

Regarding Mill Creek Elementary and Middle School, the jury applauded the project team for  “leveraging resources and common support for a combined elementary/middle/high school site.”

Jurors commended the UAB Residence Hall project team for “thoughtful programming and use of common areas.”  In their comments, they noted that the “design creates a sense of home and collegiate life while providing for both social and academic experiences.” Other comments included praise for how the design of the exterior fit within the campus context, the quad and open exterior areas and the “light and efficient” sleeping rooms.

Both project features can be viewed in the Learning By Design Spring 2017 digital edition.

Learning By Design, published in the spring and fall each year, circulates to more than 50,000 leaders and decision makers at all levels of education—from early childhood and elementary schools, career-technical, college and university-level institutions across the United States.