Linda Keane Wins Creative Achievement Award

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) honors architectural educators for their exemplary work in building design, community collaborations, scholarship, and service. This year the ACSA honors the NEXT.cc e-Learning Designopedia, a systems thinking network of resources for K-12 teachers and students co-founded by SAIC professor, architect, and founder of the School's architecture program Linda Keane (Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects), AIA and her partner, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professor Mark Keane. In its 10th year as an educational non-profit, NEXT.cc introduces what design is, what it does, and why it is important to life across nine connected scales of human invention and knowledge. NEXT.cc's STEAM by DESIGN activities integrate art, science, and the environment as dynamic creative processes that motivate student learning and drive innovation.

As design and architecture are typically not taught in elementary, middle, or high schools in the US, the Keanes spread the value of engaging in the built environment with college art, art education, design, and architecture college students who through service learning opportunities empower children to redesign their classrooms, schools, school campuses, and communities. NEXT.cc disseminates design opportunities to remote classrooms in 50 states and more than 200 countries. The National Endowment for the Arts, The Graham Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and Architecture, The Association of Architectural Organizations, American Architecture Foundation, American Institute of Architects, The United States Building Council, National Environmental Education Foundation, and Union of International Architects support NEXT.cc’s growth diversifying design interest in children.

The Keanes will accept their award at ASCA's annual conference in March. Read more about the award here.