Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School Receives Grand Prize in Space4Learning’s 2026 Education Design Showcase

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EwingCole’s design for the Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School at William Penn Charter School has been recognized with the Grand Prize for New Construction in the K-12 category in the 2026 Education Design Showcase, presented by Space4Learning.

Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase celebrates innovative and practical solutions in planning, architecture, design, and construction that help schools create exceptional learning environments for students and educators. Each year, the program highlights projects that advance educational outcomes through thoughtful design and serve as models for schools across the country.

Located on William Penn Charter School’s historic campus in Philadelphia, the Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School serves students from Pre-K through Grade 5 and represents the culmination of the school’s long-term campus master plan. The 78,000-square-foot facility brings together the Lower School community in a learning environment designed to foster curiosity, independence, and connection to the natural world.

Quaker principles guided every aspect of the design. A linear, 250′ skylight, stretching nearly the entire length of the building, symbolizes the Quaker belief in inner light while infusing the interior with daylight that changes throughout the day.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Space4Learning. What sets this project apart, and makes it exceptional in my view, is the central role that storytelling played in the design process,” said Principal and Regional Director of Design, Andrew Donaldson-Evans, AIA, LEED AP. “Meetings and workshops revolved heavily around listening to the stories of school leaders, teachers, families, students, and neighbors – stories about their personal experiences, shared values and history, and aspirations for the future. The new building embodies their stories—a sort of architectural representation of Quaker Values, of the Wissahickon River Valley, and of the joy of connection, community, and learning.”

Inspired by the concept of a “learning forest,” the building integrates indoor and outdoor learning environments through direct connections to courtyards, playgrounds, terraces, and landscape features that encourage exploration and discovery. Flexible classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, and abundant daylight support a variety of teaching and learning styles, while thoughtfully designed outdoor environments provide opportunities for both structured and unstructured play.

“What makes this project so special is not only the design, but the opportunity to create spaces that help children learn, grow, and discover the world around them,” said Senior Interior Designer Rebecca Ofsharick, LEED AP. “Through meaningful connections to the outdoors and environments designed to spark curiosity and wonderment, the project supports the school’s educational vision in a tangible way.”

The project reflects a shared commitment between William Penn Charter School and EwingCole to create a learning environment that supports the school’s educational mission, Quaker values, and vision for future generations of students.

The recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for the project and underscores the role of design in shaping educational experiences that are both innovative and enduring.

To learn more about the Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School, visit EwingCole’s project page.