Engaging the 2026 Ohio School Design Manual

On Wednesday, January 14, the Urban Design Committee organized a meeting at the AIA Cincinnati offices to review and discuss the proposed 2026 Ohio School Design Manual. Chair Manuel Granja welcomed Sara Hardyman, Steve Kenant, and Couper Gardiner to the conversation.

The purpose of the meeting was to collectively read and discuss the proposed Design Manual so that each attendee could later submit individual comments during the official public comment period (which ended January 23, 2026).

Guiding Themes

Our conversation was structured around three core lenses that we believe are critical for the future of Ohio’s public schools:

• Sustainability

• Wellness

• Urban & City Environment Integration

Key Observations & Discussion Points

1. Advisory vs. Enforceable Language
One of the first items noted was that much of the Design Manual relies on advisory language such as “should,” “encouraged,” and “recommended,” rather than enforceable terms like “must.”

• Steve Kenant highlighted that this flexibility allows designers to be more creative and intentional, especially when embedding educational value into buildings.

2. Buildings as Teaching Tools
Steve proposed strengthening language that encourages technical systems, materials, and building components to be visible and educational.

• Example: If solar panels are installed, it should be encouraged that they are visible to students, turning the building itself into a learning instrument.

• This concept could extend to HVAC systems, water management, structure, and material assemblies.

3. Sustainability & LEED Silver Requirement
Sara Hardyman pointed out a critical and encouraging finding within the manual: LEED Silver is required, not optional. The manual states:

“The purpose of this chapter is to present guidelines for meeting the intent of OFCC Resolution 07-124, adopting LEED Silver certification as a minimum standard for all OFCC projects, and providing a source of proven ideas and concepts for achieving this benchmark.”

This reinforces sustainability as a baseline expectation, not an aspirational goal.

4. Indoor Air Quality & Wellness
Manuel Granja emphasized that HVAC filtration should be a minimum of MERV 13, noting that it is relatively low-cost yet has a significant impact on occupant health, cognitive performance, and long-term wellness for students and staff.

5. Urban Integration Beyond Zoning
Couper Gardiner shared observations of schools that feel disconnected from their surroundings. The committee agreed that good urban integration should not rely solely on zoning ordinances.

• A clearer design language should encourage schools to be architecturally and socially integrated into their neighborhoods and urban context.

6. Expanding the Consultant Team: Sensory & Accessibility Design
The manual currently encourages the use of environmental consultants and soil surveys. This led to a broader discussion on sensory and accessibility consultants.

• The group agreed that existing ADA requirements do not fully address the needs of blind, deaf, and neurodiverse users.

• Manuel referenced a session from the 2025 AIA Conference that demonstrated simple, low-cost strategies—such as floor textures and wall corner treatments—that can dramatically improve spatial navigation and quality of life.

7. Community Use & Shared Fitness Facilities
The committee strongly agreed with language already present in the manual encouraging separation of school fitness facilities so they can be accessed by the broader community.

• Shared gyms and locker rooms with separate access can promote neighborhood wellness, physical activity, and stronger community-school relationships.

Moving Forward

Attendees  will submit separate public comments, advocating for clearer language, stronger wellness standards, and deeper integration between schools, students, and their communities.

We encourage all AIA Cincinnati members to participate in future public comment processes and help shape the future of Ohio’s school design. To stay informed of future developments, subscribe to updates from Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.