Student Agency via Voice During the Pandemic: What Were Students Saying?

Kenneth Hutchens, Chief Creative Officer, VLK Architects
Dalane Bouillion, Principal, VLK Architects
Christian Owens, Principal of Educational Design, VLK Architects

Participants will experience evidence of how student voice has influenced design spaces for the future. Senior creative and design leaders will facilitate a discussion regarding the relationship between learning and the lack of school experience during the pandemic. Student opinions reveal ideas regarding the lack of learning environment during the pandemic, and thoughts for the future, as design must progress for both academic and socialization needs.

Designing for Mental and Emotional Health

Angie Gaylord, Deputy Chief, Transformation & Innovation, Dallas ISD
Sangeetha Karthik, Vice President, Corgan

Research shows that mood disorders, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts have increased along with academic pressure, social media use, isolation, and bullying. School environments need to be restorative, respond to the needs of individual students, and facilitate counseling and mentoring. This session will present design strategies and facilitate discussion on how designs can promote mental and emotional health for students.