NEW SCHOOL CASTS LIGHT ON LEARNING

The Newport Coast Elementary School in Newport Beach, California, designed by Perkins & Will, is winning awards and recognition for its energy efficiency features. This sustainability showcase projects an annual energy savings of 43 percent over minimum state standards. This has been accomplished largely through natural ventilation and daylighting with special attention to the quality of light in classrooms. The design also includes educational features, such as exposed equipment gauges and meters, so students can track the amount of energy the school is saving.

DESIGNING AN ENDURING MUSEUM

A museum can be a plum job for an architect, a chance to make a memorable statement. But the effectiveness of its design is ultimately measured by the experience of visitors. How will they respond to spaces, colors, and views? Next week, Alice Parman, with the design firm Formations Inc., will explain how architect and exhibit designer can collaborate to create a personal experience for visitors that suits the aesthetic intent of the building's form.

THE EXCEL CENTRE OPENS IN LONDON

The ExCel Exhibition and Conference Centre, said to be one of the biggest exhibition centers in the world, has recently become the hub of the Royal Victoria Docklands’ resurgence. A system of exposed inclined masts and external roof hangers has enabled Moxley Architects to create vast column-free halls, providing exhibitors with maximum flexibility. Next week frequent ArchitectureWeek contributor Don Barker takes us on a tour of the 1200-foot (375-meter) long exhibition center.