The project that renovated and nearly tripled the size of Longwood University’s art building has received national recognition.
The work on Bedford Hall was chosen for a Silver Citation in American School & University’s 23rd Annual Educational Interiors Showcase, which recognizes the architectural merits of interior projects in educational settings. The award is shared by Longwood and Moseley Architects of Virginia Beach, the architect for the project.
"The project accomplished what it set out to do: it showcases student art in spaces very nicely enhanced with natural light. Public circulation areas are formed creatively in a minimal manner," says the award citation from the jury.
The Bedford project was one of 14 overall award winners, selected from among about 95 entries, and one of four chosen for a Silver Citation. Entries are accepted for instructional, administrative and service facilities for public and private schools of all levels.
The competition is sponsored by American School & University magazine, a trade publication that describes itself as the leading educational facilities/business publication for school and university administrators. The August issue of the magazine is devoted entirely to the Educational Interiors Showcase. This year’s issue will be available, both in print and digital version, around the third week in August. Information on the 2013 winners may be viewed by visiting http://schooldesigns.com/Educational-Interiors-Showcase.aspx.
"We do this contest so our readers can see all of the great projects that are going on," said Molly Roudebush, the magazine’s senior marketing manager, who coordinates the entry process. "Educational institutions use the August issue as an idea book for what other schools are doing."
This year’s criteria included a design that creates new solutions, effectively meeting program requirements, adaptability/flexibility, innovation and creativity, cost-efficiency, sensitivity to the community and context, and integrated, transparent and seamless technology. Winners are selected by a three-member jury of school administrators and architects.
Bedford Hall, home of Longwood’s art program since it opened in 1970, underwent a nearly $28.2 project that added a new section in the front of the building, completed in August 2011, and renovated the existing space, finished in August 2012. Bedford now has nearly twice as much studio space, a glass-walled art gallery fronting Brock Commons, two outdoor water features and an open feel with lots of light.
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