 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Sunrise River Elementary School
Sunrise River Elementary School Two educational and design goals were accomplished in this project: to create small, personalized learning communities within a large education facility; and to acknowledge the new school as a vital community resource. A pinwheel design of three independent learning clusters is located around a media center. Classrooms cluster around a shared, group-learning area. Acoustics are improved by an angled classroom wall. Three identical, mixed-grade clusters have the flexibility to change depending on enrollment from year to year. Technology is integrated into all curricular areas. Classrooms are equipped with document cameras, audio enhancement, LCD projectors, and computer work stations. Each community has a portable laptop lab; smart boards are used in the media center and computer lab. A participatory planning process was used in the design phase to fully understand the needs for the new elementary school. This process involved multiple meetings with the school’s user groups with the goal of matching the design to the curriculum. With this process the design was custom-fit to the district’s curriculum and philosophies and helped to determine the layout for the different grades. From the beginning of the process, mechanical, electrical and technology were considered in the design to create energy efficiency, security, and flexibility. One of the three clusters was designed to be adaptable for future kindergarten use and in order to accommodate future changes in grade configurations throughout the district. An entrance colonnade provides access to all public areas of the facility for community use while at the same time, the school functions are separated from public access. Controlled visitor access provides a safe environment for students. After hours secure zones invite community use of cafeteria, gym, media center, and meeting spaces. A variety of finishes were used throughout the building, consistent with the “river” theme and to clearly identify different areas of the building. A deep, blue terrazzo tile was used throughout the main circulation of the building abstractly representing the “river” theme, the namesake of the school. The color made a three dimensional experience by tying the floor, wall, columns, and ceilings together. Each cluster is also represented by a different color. Signage on soffits throughout the building allow for simple way-finding. The building maintenance, as it relates to student health, was an important planning element. Easily cleaned and durable finishes were placed in the high traffic areas. For example, terrazzo floors provide low porosity and easily cleanable surfaces in main corridors, locker commons, lunch room, etc. Ground concrete masonry units (burnished block) provide durable, yet easily maintainable surfaces in main corridors. Low dust, high impact resistant acoustical ceiling tile provides low particulate levels and easily maintained surfaces. Clean-ability of classrooms was maximized through the use of hard surfaces on floors. Acoustical needs were met by providing NRC acoustical ceiling tile. Ample exterior pedestrian lights support the site circulation design and enhance the safety and beauty of the school at night. Separate car and bus accesses also provide safety for the students arriving and leaving the school. Separate, secure entries are provided for community use of the media center and gymnasium. The building utilized an interdisciplinary approach to maximize energy conservation and provide the best possible learning environment for students. Natural light and light harvesting was designed whereby windows were located at key student/user locations to allow natural light for individual physical and mental health. Classroom windows were designed to maximize the daylight, without having to utilize costly light shelf systems. High windows distribute light to the back of the classroom, while long windows provide view and psychological relief from interior space. Light level sensors on light fixtures, located close to exterior windows, turn on and off as outside light levels fluctuate. Mechanical system response and personal comfort was accomplished through the use of occupant sensors that adjust ventilation based on the room utilization. Occupancy sensors control lighting operation based on use. Carbon dioxide sensors monitor levels of CO2 and adjust ventilation levels accordingly. Displacement ventilation provides natural convection ventilation, which lifts fewer particulates into the air stream. Low ventilation air velocity displacement keeps mechanical noise at a minimum to respect classroom acoustics. The school was designed to facilitate traditional and non-traditional learning styles. Flexible team learning areas (FTLA) are throughout the building to provide different educational settings for student comfort and creativity. Aesthetically, the school is a beautiful space, helping students to develop their aesthetic sense, with interesting things to look at and explore, and a lot of fun student-scale details, bright colors, finishes and textures to enhance the student’s daily activities. Sustainable qualities, a timeless design and efficient functionality make Sunrise River Elementary School a source of community pride. Project Description:
Locale:
Methodology & Standards:
Funding Method(s):
Project Delivery Method(s):
Sustainable/Green Design:
Architect(s):
Associated Firms and Consultants:
Area Map: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| © 2008 Peter Li Education Group | Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions |