For the past three years, I have been lucky enough to serve as a juror for the Council of Educational Facility Planners International’s (CEFPI) School of the Future Design Competition. To be honest, thefirst time I was asked to serve as a juror I was hesitant to participate. Mybusy schedule left me anxious and worried that I couldn’t devote the timerequired.
To participate in this competition, middle school students are tasked withdesigning a school of the future. This endeavor requires a combination of skillsand areas of study including art, creativity, architecture, strategic planning,and most importantly, teamwork. Throughout the school year, teams met regularlyto create 3-D designs and written narrative descriptions of their ideal school.In their designs, they address many issues including daylighting, indoorenvironmental quality, water conservation, and how the school can be used as ateaching tool.
I will never forget my first year as a juror. After the first team’s 45 minute presentation I thought…I know who the winner is going to be. They were GREAT but boy was I wrong. As the presentations continued my job as a juror became harderand harder. By the fourth presentation, I was utterly confused and a littlestressed about who should take home the honors.
After the presentations concluded, I left feeling uplifted and incredibly hopeful. I left inspired knowing that the next generation of youth is equipped with the skills to leave the world a better place for everyone.