04 Jun EwingCole Wins Grand Prize in 2025 Spaces4Learning Design Showcase
EwingCole Wins Grand Prize in 2025 Spaces4Learning Design Showcase
Philadelphia, PA (June 2025) – EwingCole has received the Grand Prize for New Construction in the 2025 Spaces4Learning Design Showcase for the Lewis C. Cassidy Academic Plus School in West Philadelphia.
Designed to set a new standard for education in Philadelphia, the 83,000-square-foot K–8 facility serves 570 students. It replaces a century-old school with a flexible, inclusive, and sustainable environment tailored for 21st-century learning. The project reflects the School District of Philadelphia’s commitment to creating modern, high-quality educational spaces that support both student success and neighborhood vitality.
The design features a central student commons, known as “the canyon,” which anchors the school and encourages collaboration and social interaction. The classroom design is flexible and technology-integrated, supporting a range of teaching methods and learning styles. Specialized STEAM-focused learning spaces, a discovery commons, and a state-of-the-art media center provide students with opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration and creativity. Biophilic design strategies and an intuitive, color-coded wayfinding system contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, while the layout maximizes daylight and circulation to enhance comfort and cognitive performance.
Outdoor learning areas further enhance the student experience with a green roof, stormwater gardens, and a biophilic playground that promotes wellness, sustainability, and engagement with nature. The design also prioritizes safety through clear sightlines, secure pathways, and controlled entry points, all while maintaining accessibility for community use. Multipurpose assembly spaces and the gymnasium function as neighborhood assets, reinforcing the school’s role as a community hub.
The recognition from Spaces4Learning affirms the project’s success in delivering a future-ready learning environment that inspires students, supports educators, and strengthens its West Philadelphia neighborhood.
