Build-n-Share #195 Back to School Due 31 August, 2025

Welcome to BNS 195: Back to School!

The morning sun cuts across the sleek lines of your desk as the door swings open. A trio of clients steps inside, each representing a rapidly growing neighborhood in dire need of educational infrastructure. They’ve come with blueprints, hopes, and a healthy dose of design drama.
First to speak is Councilman Ignacio Pancakes, gesturing to renderings of a vibrant, kid-friendly campus. “Landgraab Elementary is bursting at the seams! We need a new space—bright, playful, and structured to support the curiosity of early learners. Can you design a school that nurtures imagination as much as education?”
Then strides in Principal Johnny Zest, tossing down a folder marked 'Plumbob High'. “We’re preparing teens for tomorrow, but our current high school feels like yesterday. We’re talking labs, auditoriums, sports fields—something sleek and inspirational. Think you can capture teenage ambition in bricks and mortar?”
Finally, the chair of the Newcrest Planning Board unrolls an ambitious proposal. “Why settle for one? What if we built the future? A full K–12 campus—modern, unified, tailored to all ages. The Newcrest Horizon School would be a flagship of education in Sim Nation. Care to rise to the challenge?”

The Brief:
Choose one of the three proposed projects and design a school that meets the needs of its community. Any lot size.

Landgraab Elementary – Capacity: 8–12 children
Features: At least 4 classrooms, cafeteria, library, art room, outdoor play area Style: Whimsical, modern suburban
Budget: §120,000

Plumbob High School – Capacity: 10–15 teens Features: Science & computer labs, auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, library, faculty lounge. Style: Contemporary institutional or Brutalist flair Bonus: Drama room or rooftop hangout for storytelling. Budget: §175,000

Newcrest Horizon K–12 – Cohesive, multi-age campus of the future
Capacity: 20+ Sims across child and teen age groups
Features: Zoned areas for elementary and high school levels, shared cafeteria, gym, library, and green spaces Style: Futuristic or eco-conscious. Bonus: Include a dorm for out-of-town students. Budget: §250,000

As always, each building requires landscaping! Optional: Pick a mascot for your school.
The Sim challenge: Create some faculty members for your chosen school - a principal and at least one teacher minimum. You can choose all of their names, traits, preferences, etc. Show all of their outfits.
The Room challenge:
Design a cozy, stylish faculty lounge—but don’t stop there. Embed a secret. Something odd, mysterious, or emotionally loaded that only faculty know about. Must have comfortable seating for at least three sims, a food or drink station. Include decor that nods to faculty personalities - a favorite book, a stray soccer ball, awards, posters. But the room has a secret - what that is is up to you, be it a message board with cryptic messages, a locked closet no one can find the key to, or something else.

Remember to include the hashtag #bns195 with your build so it can be found. Entries are due by Sunday, August 31st, 23:5:59 New York Time/EDT

BUILD OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM
CHALLENGE #195 - Back to School
FORUM ID:
ORIGIN ID:
NEW LOT LINK:
LOT COST:
GALLERY COST:
TOTAL COST: (Lot cost plus gallery cost)
LINK TO ENTRY SLIDESHOW:
ENTRY DETAILS: (Tell us about your lot.)
CREDIT FOR CC/RECOLORS:
SPACE FOR PICTURES:(No more than 2 please)
Facebook: (optional, makes it easier to tag you.)
Twitter: (Optional, makes it easier to tag you.)

SIM ENTRY FORM
CHALLENGE #195 - Back to School
FORUM ID:
ORIGIN ID:
HOUSEHOLD:
LINK TO ENTRY SLIDESHOW
ENTRY DETAILS:
CREDIT FOR CC/RECOLORS:
SPACE FOR PICTURES: (No more than 2 please)
Facebook: (optional, makes it easier to tag you.)
Twitter: (Optional, makes it easier to tag you.)

ROOM ENTRY FORM
CHALLENGE #195 - Back to School
FORUM ID:
ORIGIN ID:
ROOM: (Link to where the room can be found on The Gallery)
GALLERY COST:
LINK TO ENTRY SLIDESHOW:
ENTRY DETAILS:
CREDIT FOR CC/RECOLORS:
SPACE FOR PICTURES: