Algood Elementary School

The primary design driver for this 600-student elementary was to create a school that would be a tool for learning, with an emphasis on smart, cost-effective strategies that improve quality of life and achievement of students and teachers.

Throughout the corridors, benches are plentiful, and widened alcoves are incorporated for artwork display. This creates informal spaces, which encourage teacher-student discussion outside the classroom environment. The creative line-work in the tile pattern is a useful tool for teachers as children line up and “follow the leader” to eat, play or study in different areas of the building. The school colors are integrated playfully throughout these design features.

At the heart of the campus, a school commons features playgrounds, outside classrooms and gathering spaces. Outside classrooms are enclosed with benches and a primary “green screen” wall—a metal mesh fence that will support climbing plants. Integrating daylight and views into this courtyard reduces the need for artificial lighting and enlivens movement through the building.

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