WASHINGTON—November 1, 2007— Tyler J. Rush, an eighteen year old senior at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, is the grand prize winner in a national contest that asked high school students from across the country to design their ideal learning environments.
Sponsored by the American Architectural Foundation (AAF) and Target, the first-ever "Redesign Your School Contest" has been the largest national design competition open to 9th through 12th grade students in the United States. Each year, the United States spends over $30 billion building and renovating schools, yet rarely are students ever asked for their opinion. Through this contest, AAF and Target sought to give voice to the creativity and vision of the nation’s youth.
"Tyler’s winning design is a wonderful example of how a high school student can capture with great simplicity the key elements of great architecture," said Ronald E. Bogle, President and CEO of the American Architectural Foundation. "The national jury," Bogle continued, "described Tyler’s project as both imaginative and practical—it could be built today."
View images and excerpts from Tyler Rush's winning entry
The "Redesign Your School" contest drew hundreds of entries from across the country as students voiced their opinions about how to design their vision of ideal places to learn in the 21st century. $45,000 in scholarships will be presented to the eight top winners, all of whom will also be invited to Washington, D.C., to present their ideas on November 5th, 2007 at the Redesign Your School Dinner and Awards Celebration.
Tyler’s winning design, entitled "Light and Nature School," presents a vision of his ideal school, located in the Hill Country of central Texas that incorporates "as many of the elements of the outdoors as possible." The drawings and text focus attention on the principles of sustainability, various learning styles and classroom flexibility, and cutting edge technology. Buildings inspired by organic forms surround gathering spaces where students can interact and learn from one another both during school hours and after hours, as the school also serves as a center of community.
"I come from the hill country of Texas" said Tyler "and I have grown up surrounded by nature. I wanted my design to reflect the fact that there are few places more beautiful and inspiring than my hometown."
A diverse group of seven other high school students were named finalists and will also be honored at the November 5th Dinner and Awards Celebration including:
Alice Cao, age 17, Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, Hays, KansasAlexis A. Clark, age 16, Westwood High School, Austin, TexasTannie D. Duong, age 18, La Quinta High School, Westminster, California Oscar G. Lucero, age 17, Educational Center for the Arts ACES, New Haven, ConnecticutIrina M. Papuc, age 19, Woodstock High School, Woodstock, Illinois Patcharin Saefrung, age 15, San Jose High Academy, San Jose, CaliforniaAaron B. Tobey, age 18, Western Albemarle High School, Crozet, Virginia Click on any finalist above for more information and to view images from their winning entries
"Target is proud to be a part of this program that taps into the creativity, experience, and energy of our nation’s youth," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "It’s exciting to see how the winners, like Tyler, envision great design enhancing the learning experience for future generations of students."
About the Contest
The contest sought to generate innovative ideas for 21st century learning spaces while encouraging a more collaborative discussion among students, educators, parents, designers and the media. Individuals or teams of two were asked to utilize background resources and work with a community member to create engaging and original ideas for the design of a school, classroom, or other learning environment. Submissions could be submitted in the form of drawings, video, model photos, PowerPoint, or other media, so long as they fit in one 11" by 17" envelope.
About Great Schools by Design
Launched in 2004, the American Architectural Foundation’s Great Schools by Design program supports improved quality in America’s schools by promoting outstanding design of the learning environment, encouraging collaboration in the design process and providing leading-edge resources that help schools and communities transform themselves. Target is the presenting sponsor of Great Schools by Design. Target’s involvement with Great Schools by Design has made numerous AAF publications, resources, and events possible. KnowledgeWorks Foundation, OWP/P and the AIA’s Committee on Architecture for Education are advisers to AAF and partners on the Redesign Your School Contest.
About AAF
The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to educate individuals and community leaders about the power of architecture to transform lives and improve the places where we live, learn, work and play. Through numerous outreach programs, grants and educational resources, AAF seeks to inspire people to be thoughtful and engaged stewards of the built environment. For more information, please visit www.archfoundation.org
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,591 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.
Media Contacts
Helen Wechsler
(202) 626-7372
hwechsler@archfoundation.org
Target Communications
612-696-3400
1799 New York Avenue NW · Washington DC 20006 · 202.626.7318 · Fax 202.626.7420 · info@archfoundation.org