Replacing a small rented space just a few blocks away, the newly constructed Spero building helps accommodate planned programming expansion intended to meet growing demand for the Academy’s services. The public K-6 elementary charter school is located in northeast Minneapolis and provides programs benefiting students with various forms of special needs.

“While the history of Spero Academy has been one of successfully working to provide quality programs that support education for students with special needs, we could not be more proud of the future of our school, which will not only support those programs, but allow for an enhanced and expanded menu of programs for our student population,” said Donna Piazza, Spero Academy Board chairperson.

For the HDR team, the project represents a unique opportunity to give back to both a city and a cause they are passionate about. “It is only so often you are given the opportunity to use your design skills to create a space that will have a lifelong impact on the lives of children and help facilitate the growth of an organization with a mission as exceptional as Spero Academy,” said Ed Vidlak, HDR’s director of education. “The personal passion in our Minneapolis studio for this project is very strong. I know the new school will be something that makes all of us proud.”

Continuing Education:

1.0 IDCEC Health, Safety, Welfare credit hours

Learning Objectives

• Articulate the unique challenges facing architects and designers when creating environments for people with autism.
• Apply specific design strategies, across any building type, to improve user experience and well-being for those on the autism spectrum.
• Understand sensory issues for children with autism and how to take these into account when designing environments.
• Examine and understand gaps in current state of built environment research as it relates to design and autism.

Please notify forums@iida-northland.org if you are no longer able to attend this event at least 24 hrs in advance from start of event. No shows that do not notify IIDA within 24 hrs before the event start time will be charged the non-member fee of $40.00.

Photography/Video:
Please note: audience photographs and/or video may be taken at this event. By nature of your attendance, you are granting permission for your image, voice and likeness to be used for marketing purposes.

Registration for this event is not a tax deductable donation.