On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the VLK | EDGE® team partnered with Dr. Yanira Oliveras, Associate Professor from The University of Texas at Tyler to present groundbreaking research at the University Council for Education Administration (UCEA) Annual Convention. The study, titled Collaboration Spaces and Middle School Students’ Engagement in Learning, explored the relationship between open collaboration spaces, student engagement, and the perspectives of students on their learning. This valuable research sheds light on how such environments enhance both educational outcomes and student experiences, providing crucial insights for educators and architects alike.

VLK | EDGE® is a dedicated team of lifelong public educators and thought leaders who merge pedagogy with architecture, ensuring that the schools designed by VLK meet the evolving needs of next-generation learning. This team conducts and publishes influential original research and presents at conferences, contributing to the national discourse on educational design. By fusing firsthand classroom experience with cutting-edge architectural strategies, the VLK | EDGE® team ensures every design solution aligns seamlessly with the curricular instructional goals of its clients. Their work not only drives the firm’s success but also sets new standards for educational environments nationwide.

As educational methodologies evolve, VLK | EDGE® plays a pivotal role in shaping how learning spaces are conceptualized and built. From their firsthand experience as educators to collaborating with academic institutions on critical studies, VLK | EDGE® remains at the forefront of educational innovation. This team’s expertise bridges the gap between theory and practice, making them a trusted partner for clients seeking to create environments that inspire both educators and students.

The recent presentation in Los Angeles marks yet another milestone for VLK | EDGE®, underscoring VLK’s commitment to leading the conversation on educational design. By combining rigorous research with innovative design solutions, VLK | EDGE® continues to elevate learning environments and support the success of educators and students alike.

About VLK: VLK provides architecture, planning, and interior design services to automotive, K-12, higher education, corporate, and institutional clients, delivering innovative solutions for their specific needs. For more information, please contact marketing@vlkarchitects.com.

About the University of Texas at Tyler: A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered to nearly 10,000 students. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News and World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.

About University Council for Education Administration: UCEA is a consortium of university-based, preK-12 leadership preparation programs committed to supporting educational organizations in advancing equity and excellence. As a community of researchers, faculty, and practitioners, we are dedicated to the improvement of preK-12 educational leadership, policy, and organizations, including conducting and disseminating research that benefits schools, communities, and society.