The three-story, 179,000-square-foot Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School, part of the Greenville County School District, takes a different approach to education, translating the typical teacher-centered classroom into an experiential, multidisciplinary program. Rather than offer a static learning environment, education is driven by problem solving, discovery and exploratory learning, and requires active engagement on the part of each student.

The design of the $30 million STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) middle school includes labeled, color-coded pipes that exhibit the flow and consumption of resources, while exposed beams, bracing and columns display the school’s physical properties. Glass-wrapped communications and power panels display technological functions, and a bio-retention pond is used for environmental lessons.

To further support this educational approach, the school’s flexible and adaptable learning spaces are similar to more professional research facilities, with a balance of studio, collaboration and lab space, according to a statement by A4LE. These six learning communities provide easy adaptability, allowing teachers and students to morph their environments daily. Through partnerships with local businesses and other agencies, students also have unique opportunities for engaged, project-based learning.

“Fisher Middle School represents a model of collaboration between the school, the community, local business and industry, and the architect and engineering firm,” said Dr. Burke Royster, superintendent of the Greenville County School District, in a statement. “That collaboration resulted in a facility that not only serves as an effective learning environment, but is, in and of itself, a learning tool.”

A multidisciplinary planning team collaborated on the facility’s initial programming and design, evaluating curriculum, long-range planning, technology, and important energy-efficient and environmentally friendly strategies, according to a statement by A4LE. The team included school district representatives, the design team of Greenville-based McMillan Pazdan Smith and educational programming consultant Fielding Nair International with offices throughout the U.S.

The 2015 James D. MacConnell Award Jury Chair Renee Alexander, AIA, of Bend, Ore.-based BBT Architects commented in a statement that Fisher Middle School and others considered for the honor reflect “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.”

Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School is the first school in the South Carolina to receive the MacConnell Award.
 

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“It’s been a tremendous effort by a huge team of people who have engaged in analysis and discussion about our organization and what people respond to,” said the organization’s Chair Dan Mader in a statement. “We’ve looked at how we related to our members and what’s important to them. These conversations framed our rebranding effort.”

Central to the development of the new brand was an in-depth review of how the association supports its members. “Schools are designed, planned and built at the local level,” said the organization’s CEO John Ramsey in a statement.” Our regions and chapters are what make this organization function so well. Through this rebranding exercise we’ve moved from a top-down focus to a grassroots-up approach that ensures we provide our members the resources and tools they need to be successful.”

Additional changes occurred earlier this year when the board of directors approved a more flexible membership pricing structure, giving members and potential members better options for renewing their membership or for joining the association for the first time. The organization’s governance structure was also overhauled. “It’s an exciting time for use,” added the organization’s Chair Elect David Schrader in a statement. “This organization is moving ahead quickly and is being recognized globally, which is important to us.”

The Association for Learning Environments is the only professional organization with a principal purpose of improving the places where children learn. It comprises a collaborative network of professionals with a single goal of building healthy, safe, resilient and sustainable 21st century learning places that inspire transformation in education, enhance student and teacher performance, and support culture and community vitality.
 

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