Education - K-12
Solving complex engineering challenges for
K-12 public, private and specialty schools.
School administrators are being challenged to improve existing facilities and develop new spaces, even completely new campuses, to accommodate the vast needs of today's K-12 student population. There is no such thing as a simple classroom anymore. The technology requirements for dynamic classrooms, laboratory and event spaces and common areas have approached collegiate levels. Parents are demanding cutting-edge technology to help ensure that their children are well prepared after graduation whether to move onto college, or join the workforce. Bala's is leading the digitalization of school environments as they evolve to meet the technology and safety needs of students.
Additionally, Net Zero initiatives have become mainstream across the U.S. for K-12 schools which prompts new challenges for facility evaluation and design and new partnering opportunities between schools and local utilities. Bala is an engineering partner who has vast experience with developing these solutions from concept to construction across all school types including vocational and special needs.
Bala is leading the engineering of K-12 school evolution, including:
- All-electric/Net Zero ready school analysis, design and delivery
- Existing infrastructure upgrades and phased renovations
- Technology implementation for safe and stimulating learning environments
Every school contains a wide array of environments - classrooms, gymnasiums, auditoriums, natatoriums, labs, cafeterias, social gathering and administrative office space which require HVAC, plumbing, electrical and technology development or upgrades, as well as on-going maintenance. In addition to full design services, Bala also develops existing condition reports, feasibility studies and master plans to help administrators navigate the intricacies of providing for such diverse energy-conscious environments.
Designing HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems for vocational schools is far more complex than a standard high school. The needs of science and technology focused facilities, automotive, culinary arts and cosmetology are vastly different. In this environment, most classroom's heating, cooling and exhaust systems have to meet industrial standards, and include back-up power solutions. All of these factors are specifically accounted for, classroom by classroom, across all segments of Bala's MEP/FP design process.
Students who have specialized learning needs require adaptive environments that consider a wealth of factors including lighting, sound and mobilization requirements. Bala marries practical engineering designs with a view to environmental considerations that we have experienced in designing LEED and WELL Certified buildings. Designing lighting palettes, heating and cooling comfort, sound minimization, and assistive technologies are all building blocks for creating a healthy educational environment that embraces all abilities.
MEP/FP Engineering:
- Early Conceptual Modeling
- Facility Conditions Assessment
- Utilities Collaboration & Coordination
- Energy Modeling
- Structural
- Building Electrification
- CTE Infrastructure
- Standby Power
- Commissioning
- Master Planning
- Critical Systems Testing
- EV Bus Fleet Charging
- Geothermal Heating & Cooling
- PV Systems
Technology:
- IT Network Systems
- Security
- Audio Visual Design
- Wi-Fi Coverage Modeling
- Structured Cabling
- Security System Design to Support Security Analysis
- Facilities Management Technology Infrastructure
- Digital Messaging
