Breaking the Box

The strategy for the elementary school design was to reconsider the typical boxiness of a school program and the feeling of confinement it creates. The school design focuses on breaking the box through several physical methods, and further embraces a pedagogy of community and shared learning. The openness of the floor plan paired with the connection the atrium makes between floors allows for students to engage in learning happening in the seams between classroom space. The school explores the definition of “program” within the academic setting as intentionally fluid, the curves of the building breaking the boxy mold. The box is further perforated by a framing window system that brings in light and creates a connection to the outside world. The roof planes are lifted, creating a floating effect that additionally transports students outside of the school realm.