School is Out But Concrete is in

Lately there have been several new schools built in my neighborhood and a couple of older schools remodeled. I must say, they are not like schools in the old days with either faded linoleum and pale green or gray walls or with stained carpeting and the same faded, pale green or gray walls.

Schools are being built better, smarter, more eco-friendly and more durable. I visited the newer schools and the remodeled schools to see what they looked like and get an idea of how well the jobs were done.

I was absolutely stunned. Some of these schools look like Marriott hotels! One of the things that jumped out at me immediately was the liberal use of decorative concrete on walls in hallways, on floors – especially in the auditorium and lunch room, and on the exterior of the buildings. Not only did this look state of the art and very attractive, it was obviously easy to maintain and very durable.

In browsing through various special rooms, such as the art rooms and computer rooms, it was as if I was walking through a university. It certainly was not anything like what I used to call school.

That gave me an idea. I went to look at the local university which had expanded and been renovated recently. I was struck by the ingenious use of decorative concrete and polished concrete on floors, walls, stairs and pillars. This was truly a university whose décor and structure had been well thought out and planned. The use of stamped concrete on many of the interior and exterior walls, as well as the rotunda in the student center created an atmosphere that was conducive to learning. The polished concrete floors added a sturdy yet artistic framework to the design and played well off the buttery-yellow walls.

Schools have come a long way and so has concrete. Schools are no longer plain wood, brick and linoleum buildings with pale walls. Concrete is no longer dull gray cement poured into a framework. Both have stepped forward into the 21st century with bright colors, patterns, creativity and durability.

Concrete isn’t just for driveways and sidewalks anymore.