2014 Annual Regional Conference

April 10-12, 2014 Crossroads & Grassroots: The Intersection of Architecture and Engineering in Planning and Design Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore, Baltimore, MD

Educational facility planning and design has always stood at the Crossroads of responding to challenges that include demands for higher standards with greater accountability while at the same time confronting the need to build new schools and renovate aging facilities within a practical boundary of affordability. Too often, the participants in the educational facility planning process miss each other at this Crossroads.

From the educational mission of the school and the condition and size of learning spaces to how they are used and organized, the built environment and physical dimensions of learning environments are critical and worthy of discussion. A Grassroots planning movement including educators, facility planners, architects and engineers can lead to a better understanding of why they matter and how the design of learning spaces can be improved to accommodate students with different learning needs.

Schools are more effective and caring places when they provide an inviting, comfortable, technology rich, and safe environment to the learner; recognizing that the learning environment has no boundaries. This collaborative educational planning approach at the intersection of architecture and engineering with learners, educators, and planners contributes to enhanced academic performance, fewer discipline problems, higher staff morale, and improved use of resources.

The three days of the conference will be packed with valuable activities for conference attendees. After a morning Opening Session on Thursday, there will be morning and afternoon, multi-track learning sessions with a noontime awards luncheon. The exhibitor reception will be Thursday evening. Friday's Opening Session will be followed by school tours and an evening off-site networking event with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Finally, Saturday morning will offer a full morning learning session and be concluded with lunch for all participants. Candidates for Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) will additionally appreciate the opportunity to sit for this exam during the conference.

Jim Hutchison, P.Eng.
Northeast Region Vice President & Conference Chairman