This episode features a conversation with Rob Winstead and Maria Bninski from VMDO, a 45-year-old architectural firm headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. Rob is Principal and K12 Studio Leader for VMDO, and Maria an associate architect. VMDO has built a long track record of leading edge design in learning spaces - K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and community recreational buildings. The firm stands out in its use of research science to create learning spaces that are attuned to the learning and development of students. Physical space can be an especially powerful influencer of educational engagement and performance, as well as positive development for young adolescents in the middle grades.

In Part 1 of their conversation, Rob, Maria and Jason talk about the beginnings of VMDO, the firm’s approach to designing physical space to support the learning and development, as well as the health and wellness of youth, and young adolescents in particular, using developmental science and extensive stakeholder engagement as foundational guides.

Additional Readings and Resources

• VMDO
• Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Department of Architecture
• University of Virginia School of Architecture
• Center for the Built Environment 
• University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development
• Youth-Nex Center for Effective Youth Development
• Buford Middle School
• “Public School Facilities And Teaching: Washington, DC and Chicago,” Mark Schneider, State University of NewYork at Stony Brook, 2002.
• Plaza Life Revisited, SWA