Buchart Horn Architects Teams with Reimagine America’s Schools

To stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, educational architecture has to evolve in response to emerging trends in pedagogy. Buchart Horn Architects (BHA) was selected to lead three out of six Pittsburgh area projects as part of Remake Learning and Reimagine America's Schools (RAS), a national initiative to develop a new model for the design of 21st-century learning spaces.

One hundred ninety applicants applied for sixteen cohort positions to receive a $50,000 grant from one of three local foundations. The $800,000 investment is the single most substantial investment in learning space design in Remake Learning's history.

In July 2019, BHA attended two design summits with the Remake Learning Network, cohort members, and other Pittsburgh area architects. Three months later, in September, RAS led 75 educators through an in-depth review of the design process, including critical community-building aspects, and visioning exercises. Four RAS design teams were paired with cohort members in charrettes to create state-of-the-art approaches and strategies for the redevelopment of learning spaces. After the charrettes, BHA started construction documents to build the sixteen projects.

BHA is using design to enhance learning at Carlow University's Campus Laboratory School. This project will feature new furniture, power, and finishes to align the space with the independent Catholic school’s innovative approach to student-centered learning.

We are also designing interior renovations for the Leslie Park Boys and Girls Club in Pittsburgh, PA and improvements to the game room, STEM learning areas, and robotics lab include a room partition, new flooring, lights, sinks, suspended power outlets, and wall and ceiling repairs. These updates will cosmetically refresh the spaces while enhancing flexibility and learning for young visitors.