Eckles recently completed a STEAM-inspired renovation and addition project at the Pine-Richland High School.  School administrators from the district expressed a desire to offer job shadowing, real-life work experiences, and to further prepare them for college through STEAM programs.  Mary Bucci, superintendent of the Pine-Richland School District, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the link among the STEAM fields fosters “A sense of creativity and innovation which enables us to be entrepreneurs and  inventors and producers of real things”.

The Eckles design team used the STEAM principles as the heart of the design by creating a wing of classrooms that were specifically developed for STEAM learning. The newly renovated Pine-Richland High School was opened on September 13, 2012.

(For more information on our projects at Pine-Richland, please check out these links: Pine-Richland portfolio, Pine-Richland Addition Dedication, Pine-Richland Rooftop Garden.)

Currently, Eckles is also working with South Fayette school to incorporate the STEAM education.  Below are a few renderings of the classrooms for the ongoing project.

 Do your children attend a school with a STEAM program?  We’d love to hear about it!

image via

Building: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

Monticello (meaning “Little Hill” in Italian) was the primary residence of third president Thomas Jefferson.  Construction began in 1768 and was originally built as a plantation house, the residence (designed by Jefferson) sits overlooking what is now the University of Virginia (also designed by Jefferson).  Originally 5,000 acres, the plantation grew tobacco plants but later transitioned to wheat.  The plantation was originally designed with an Italian influence and was later re-worked to include many of Jefferson’s French inspirations.  Jefferson called this home his “essay in architecture”.

In 1809, Monticello was finally completed, more than 40 years after construction began.  The residence boasted 43 rooms.  One of the most beautiful rooms, Jefferson built an octgagonal dome (seen below) that offered plenty of natural light and wide views.  Though the room mostly sat empty due to its steep staircase and extreme temperatures, it remains as one of the most remarkable spaces in the home.

Eckles intern Aaron Ketner listed Jefferson’s Monticello home as his favorite because “Thomas Jefferson was a self taught architect who combined influences of Europe’s Andrea Palladio with American domesticity.  Monticello fascinates me because Jefferson was always in a design mindset and perpetually found new ideas and innovations to add to his home over the course of 40 years.  I feel that Winston Churchill perfectly sums up such fascination with architecture… ‘We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us’”.

Dome image via Thomas Jefferson Foundation/Robert C. Lautman

 Sadly after Jefferson’s death in 1826, the plantation began experiencing the pangs of neglect.  His daughter Martha was forced to sell the home due to the deep debt Jefferson had acquired.  After that the plantation changed owners several times but was finally purchased by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in 1923 and was restored to its natural glory and began wecloming tourists.

See our previous favorites: Thorncrown Chapel

Building: Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

In 1971, Jim Reed had a dream- to build his perfect retirement home.  Situated on land overlooking the Ozark Hills, Reed soon realized that his perfect location was drawing others to the site to enjoy the view.  He soon scrapped his original plans and decided to build a glass chapel to give others the chance to take in the breathtaking views.  Designed by E. Fay Jones, ground broke on his chapel in 1979 and on July 10, 1980, Thorncrown Chapel was officially opened to the public.  Since the Chapel opened, it has welcomed over 6 million visitors and received numerous awards, including being named as one of the AIA Top 10 Buildings of the 20th Century.

The chapel is 48 feet high with over 6,000 square feet of glass and has a staggering 425 windows.  In addition, the Chapel has been designed using all natural materials to mimic the surroundings.  “The building materials are primarily pressure treated pine 2x4s, 2x6s, and 2x12s. The larger elements of the building such as the trusses were assembled on the floor and raised into place,” according to Thorncrown Chapel.

In his own words, Eckles architect Bryan Tusick listed Thorncrown Chapel as his favorite building because “I’ve always been fascinated with churches & cathedrals (especially Gothic ones).  While in college, we had a project where we had to mimic the style of a modern architect, and I chose Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice E. Fay Jones, based upon his Thorncrown Chapel.  The chapel blends well with the surroundings and seemingly rises up to the heavens.  It’s very ethereal.”

All images via Thorncrown Chapel website.

Recently, STEM was expanded to include a course of study in the Arts as well- making the acronym STEAM.  The idea behind the expansion is to ensure that America remains a leader in creativity and innovation- to make sure students are able to find creative solutions in the working world.  According to Pittsburgh Magazine, “National data has shown that STEM occupations have grown three times faster than non-STEM careers over the last decade. It’s estimated that one million additional STEM graduates will be needed over the next 10 to 15 years to fill economic demands. This region alone will require more than 150,000 new STEM employees. “  By giving children the opportunity to focus on these subjects and to be taught by teachers with advanced education in the fields, America’s youth are more prepared to be leaders and innovators in the global society.

Our talented and creative staff members at Eckles understand that school buildings are more than just bricks and mortar. Well-designed spaces functioning symbiotically with a targeted educational curriculum are instrumental in creating effective learning environments.  Stay tuned for next week’s post in which we discuss the projects we’ve designed around the STEM concept.

 image via

For more on the sound of the auditorium, below is the article released by Pittsburgh Stage:

This sweeping acoustical system was built for the new Quaker Valley Middle School Multi-Purpose Space, and proves to be not only functional, but a definite statement in form as well. This design was quite large for a middle school and was comprised of two main sections, an acoustical shell on the stage and acoustical clouds in the auditorium.

The custom fit curved acoustical shell and acoustical clouds were constructed in-house by Pittsburgh Stage Inc.’s master woodworkers.

The twenty-six 7ft x 8ft acoustical clouds were installed in a series of arcs radiating from the top of the eighteen panel acoustical shell. Each of the 12ft x 24ft rear acoustical shell panels were installed in an overlapping pattern to give the shell more of a three dimensional feel.  Due to the size of the shell, each panel had to be constructed in modules, pre-fitted in-house, and then assembled on site.

One of the biggest challenges proved to be the installation of the floating acoustical shell panel above each rear stage door.  Modifications of the mounting design had to be made in the field then certified on site by our Senior Project Manager.

The ability to cope quickly and efficiently with the fluidity of a construction environment showcases the experience of our highly trained installers.  With this job, Pittsburgh Stage Inc. has once again proven that it is bringing individual and customized fitting of acoustical systems at an affordable price.

Frank Heitzman, an architect and faculty member at Triton College in Illinois has compiled a well-written guide to forming the path to your future in architecture. This guide outlines general steps to take from high school through college and into professional certifications and continuing education.

Other Helpful Links:

• Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
  Guide to Architectural Education
• Guide to Architecture Schools
• Architect Magazine
• United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
  Occupational Outlook Handbook

The Quaker Valley School District renewed a longstanding relationship when it chose Eckles Architecture & Engineering, Inc. in 2009 to craft solutions for an aging middle school.  Eckles had previously designed the Edgeworth and Osborne Elementary Schools for the district and was excited at the new opportunity.

Construction of the $26.5 million educational space began in the summer of 2011.   As construction continued through the 2011-2012 school year, the students of Quaker Valley Middle School were temporarily relocated to other facilities including the Anthony Wayne Elementary building in nearby Ambridge, PA.

The completed building yields over 130,000 sqft. of programmed learning space that will support the specific needs of a middle school educational program.   In addition to comprehensive heating, electrical and plumbing upgrades, this facility features new technology classrooms, family and consumer science rooms, a 500 seat auditorium, a fitness center and a video production studio.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on January 11, 2013 and members of the community were invited to tour the building on January 26.

More Information:

• Quaker Valley School District QVMS Renovations Blog
• Quaker Valley School District Renovation Photo Gallery
• Grand Opening Article from the Sewickley Patch

Visit the following links to vote for the Eckles designs:
Flooring Idea Category – Laurel Highlands High School
Ceiling Idea Category – Case Avenue Elementary

Eckles designs have also been entered into the “Reality” category for designs that have been installed. These designs will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Eckles is looking to defend its 2011 Reality category title.

At a dedication ceremony on September 13, 2012, representatives from Pine-Richland School District praised the design and construction process and conveyed excitement for the learning opportunities that have been made possible by this project. Eckles’ managing architect for the project, Cassandra Renninger, extended accolades to the group of faculty, staff and citizens for a successful project that will serve the needs of students for many years to come.

The dedication event and open house gave the Pine-Richland community an opportunity to become familiar with the newly completed building project and the fascinating curriculum changes that have been made in the STEAM program of studies. The pragmatic need for a building addition to house more students has blossomed into a project that helped to solidify the STEAM based curriculum that was envisioned by the Pine-Richland board, administration and community.

We are proud to have been a part of this exciting and unique project and are thankful to have served as the District’s architects for over 23 years! Additional coverage and photos of the dedication event can be found at the Pine-Richland Patch website.

All interested bidders must submit no later than 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at the School District Administrative Offices, 304, Bailey Avenue, Uniontown, PA 15401, c/o Mrs. Beverly Beal, Board Secretary.

Prime bidders may obtain one set of bidding documents by mailing or delivering a check in the amount of $500.00 payable to Laurel Highlands School District to Printscape Imaging and Graphics, 700 Vista Park Drive #7, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Bidders must write “09033 Deposit” on the memo line of the check and include a request on company letterhead containing the firm name, contact person, email address, UPS shipping address, phone and fax numbers.

This is an unofficial posting of bid information. Click here for the official bid notice and further details.