CREJ

DECEMBER 2016 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \

curious children and daring college students off a con-

struction site. Keeping students apprised of the project can

lead to less curiosity and a greater respect for the process.

Whether it’s a weekly update bulletin on construction op-

erations, or easily read signage, this is all apart of assuring

that you keep your site safe in an occupied space.

Additionally, it is important to be flexible with the school

district or university on its educational needs. For instance,

loud constriction operations cannot commence during

standardized testing or final exams. Construction sched-

ules should accommodate the concerns for maintaining

the learning environment.

Valor Christian Center for Culture and Influence:

Saunders com-

pleted the 82,000-square-foot building in October 2015.

The project took place while school was in session and

throughout summer break. Our superintendent escorted

students and staff through the site on multiple tours to

educate them on what was taking place and what to ex-

pect throughout construction. Acting students interviewed

our project team members about construction operations,

while highlighting unique features to their highly antici-

pated arts facility.

Building Community Relations

Education addition and remodels tend to be taxpayer

and/or student-funded projects. The community deserves

to be well informed on what is taking place in the backyard

of their neighborhoods. Remodels are often in the middle

of existing communities, which limits access and lay-down

area that may cause disruption to the community.

Holding a community preconstruction meeting is a

great first step to gaining trust and respect of parents, stu-

dents, staff and neighbors. Complaints are not uncommon

in our world of construction. After all, construction is not

the most attractive thing to witness. However, the precon-

struction community meeting may help save a few head-

aches for your team in the future by educating the com-

munity and making them feel safe and comfortable with

operations taking place. The experience can be pleasurable

for all, and open communication with the community is

key to assuring this happens on education remodels and

additions.

ELEMENTS

Educational Facilities

Paul Wedlake Photography

Valor Christian’s addition includes a beautiful ballet studio.