The new school should act as a learning center where education is facilitated by teachers and the learning environment. The establishment of individual educational learning “modules” for project based learning classrooms provides a systematic environment that builds upon the concept of team-based learning, humanizing the overall scale of an otherwise large building program. Students will engage in school settings that are more intimate and dynamic. Renovation of program and space reinvigorates the existing school. Creation of a new classroom wing and media center enhances program and spatial experiences. Classrooms are organized with a supporting instructional commons per level. Existing and new building occur and are linked through the central media center – a transparent gesture of mezzanines and atriums that encourages interaction in program and spatial diversity.

The new addition responds to the existing school context through complimentary scale and respectful siting. Located at the rear of the existing school, the addition emerges outward to frame the rear perimeter. As the new wing extends out on each side, it reveals itself as the new counterpart to the existing building. The north court façade is designed as a neutral backdrop in appearance to frame the existing school’s character. The southern façade is a dynamic playful interplay of material and transparency. The new wing and then capped by an architectural scrim – incorporating technology through roof mounted photovoltaic power panels and sun shading systems that screen the upper instructional commons.

New play areas occur to each side of the existing school by converting existing hardscape into a combination of landscaped greens and play courts. Supervisory concerns are addressed through direct placement of administrative functions adjacent to outdoor play areas and main building entrances.

Our proposal utilizes cost effective, environmentally responsible building materials and mechanical systems. The new school embraces these globally emerging concepts in material, building program and architectural form.