New Salina Elementary School

Narratives

Architect Narrative

This new 73,654 square foot elementary school is a 600 student preschool through third grade facility that replaces an adjacent school built in 1921 on a tight urban site. Together they form a new academic campus, with the existing building having received an addition and conversion to an intermediate school serving grades 4 through 8. Children go off-campus to attend high school. Site constraints determined that a two-story building concept was the ideal solution for the new school. This was a benefit in conserving green space and outdoor play areas on the small site.

The new school accomplishes many design goals. The architect worked closely with the principal and staff to make the building “feel” more like an extension of home than an institution. Given the site context, a primary design goal was to shape a building that is both attractive and colorful, but not overpowering, while avoiding an institutional “feel” to the building both inside and out. Situated between its service neighborhood and a heavy industrial district, it screens out undesirable views in that direction.

In designing the building exterior, care was taken to create a relevant contemporary facade that relates to the existing school‘s facade without mimicking it. In the new school’s facade, broad, flat panels of smooth red brick are modulated with bands of precast concrete and then scooped into with tan window niches of aluminum framing and metal panels, converting industrial scale to residential. The aluminum “eyebrows” of the niches recall the concrete window lintels of the existing building. Classrooms facing the industrial zone are outfitted with fritted glass patterns on the lower two panels of the windows to screen views directly outward and down, but give unobstructed views upward, to allow natural light to enter the room.

The interior spaces of the new school are designed to be visually stimulating learning environments through form and color, with architectural features scaled to a child’s size using as much wood as practical, for its rich, warm visual texture. Classrooms surround a central core area consisting of main office, multi-purpose room, media center, computer lab, cafeteria and kitchen. There is ample space in each classroom for movement and flexible, diverse delivery of instruction. Classroom size was increased well above the modest district average. Each room is carpeted overall, with resilient flooring forming a wet area anchored by a two-tiered sink cabinet peninsula accommodating both students and adults. Each classroom boasts its own single occupant barrier-free restroom as well.

Educator Narrative

The key learning ideas for the facility were to create a neighborhood elementary school that encourages children to understand the importance of education and to embrace their learning environment. The goals were to design a school that stimulates the students’ minds and to create a place that encourages learning and teaching. Another goal was to ensure that the school would always be a positive environment for anyone that entered the school.

These ideas have been very successful as students enjoy coming to a school specifically designed for children and is comfortable for teachers and administrators. Early planning was necessary to achieve these goals. During the design process, the architecture firm met with community members, principal, school administrator and building staff to get their input on what they wanted in the school. Additionally, teachers from each section of the building were asked for their opinions to make sure that their voices were heard. This planning and positive dialogue among parties allowed the team to design a school that is perfect for the tight knit community.

Several unique design features helped the school achieve its goals. One of the features is the use of bright colors throughout the school. The decision to use a combination of bright colors is a hit with children. The colors are relegated to the lower half of the walls to appeal to kids, and the colors stimulate the mind and encourage creativity. Additionally, tackboards are located on the walls, which allow students to display their artwork and drawings throughout the school.

Large classrooms were designed to allow students to move around and welcome groups of up to 25 parents in each room. The large classrooms also cater to teachers as they can plan creative activities for children and break them up to work in small groups and still have room for supervision. The large classrooms don’t stifle learning or create boredom. Students can get up and move from table to table to work on group activities.

The second-floor media center also helps promote a positive learning environment. A large window overlooks the gymnasium and cafeteria and additional windows have views into other rooms. This design feature was implemented to make sure children wouldn’t feel like they are stuck inside a box.

Students have access to two playgrounds on the school grounds. One of the playgrounds is used for preschoolers and kindergarten students. This playground can be accessed directly from their classrooms to avoid traveling through the hallways. The other playground is designed for first through third grade students. Two playgrounds was a wonderful idea and students love using them.

Overall, early planning and good communication among the architect, community and school officials were the keys to creating a wonderful school for kids.