Condit Elementary Receives Highest Honor For School Architecture

BELLAIRE, TX — Condit Elementary School was named Thursday as one of four state recipients of the prestigious 2017-2018 Caudill Award, the highest honor given in the annual Exhibit of School Architecture competition.

Contest judges described the newly built school in Bellaire as a "transformational learning environment" that makes excellent use of its space, reflects the school’s 100-year history, and serves as a showcase campus for the district.

"From indoor personal spaces to collaborative outdoor gardens, education happens everywhere and at any time," the judges wrote. "The instructional model and the building design support hands-on learning tailored to individual learning styles that allow students to develop their critical thinking, problem solving, and presentation skills through collaborative and team-based opportunities."

The annual architecture competition showcases new and renovated Texas schools and recognizes excellence in their planning and design. It is sponsored by the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.

The award is named after late Texas architect William Wayne Caudill, whose progressive concepts continue to influence school design.

Condit is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, being rebuilt or renovated as part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. Designed by VLK Architects, the $24.3 million project features a centralized learning commons surrounded by a two-story cluster of classrooms, an open-concept design with bright colors, curved walls with seating nooks, and plenty of natural light throughout.

"Condit is a wonderfully unique school. The building is outstanding and an exceptional example of 21st-century design," HISD General Manager for Facilities Design Dan Bankhead said. "We are proud of our partnership with VLK Architects and the work of our bond team that made the school a reality."

Three additional HISD bond campuses — Atherton Elementary School, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, and Sterling Aviation High School — received Stars of Distinction in an earlier phase of the competition.

All nominated architectural projects will be on display and the winners will be recognized at the 2018 TASA Midwinter Conference in Austin Jan. 28 to 31.

Houston ISD contributed to this report.

Photos courtesy of HISD