CEFPI Announces 2015 James D. MacConnell Award Finalists

Posted: Tuesday, July 21, 2015

The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School as one of four 2015 MacConnell Award finalists. The MacConnell Award recognizes a comprehensive planning process that results in educational facilities that enhance the educational program, meet multiple goals, and hold purpose and distinction within a community.

Congratulations to the 2015 MacConnell Award finalists:

Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School, Greenville, South Carolina - McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture in Association with Co-Design Architect Fielding Nair International

A new pedagogy based on an integrated, collaborative and project-based learning curriculum is the basis for this wonderful STEAM middle school project. Creative inquiry and project-based learning can take place anywhere in Dr. Phinnize J Fisher’s flexible and adaptable learning spaces. The school conveys an atmosphere of a professional research facility with a balance of studio, collaboration and lab space.

The other finalists are Alexandria Area High School, Alexandria, Minnesota - Cunningham Group Architecture, Inc.; Ernest S. McBride High School, Long Beach, California - LPA, Inc.; and Raisbeck Aviation High School, Tukwila, Washington - Bassetti Architects.

Renee Alexander, AIA, BBT Architects and jury chair commented, “All of this year’s entries were exceptional, making it an extremely difficult task for the jury. These projects reflected the innovative school planning and design work that is moving beyond the traditional world of schools as we know them and inspiring transformation in education for tomorrow’s learners and leaders.”

The MacConnell award finalist projects will be showcased at the CEFPI LearningSCAPES Conference in San Diego, CA, October 22- 26, 2015, with the winning project recognized at the Awards Breakfast.

The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) is the only professional organization whose principal purpose is improving the places where children learn. CEFPI embraces a collaborative network of professionals with one single goal – building healthy, safe, resilient and sustainable 21st Century learning places which enhance student and teacher performance and support culture and community vitality.