Capps Middle School

Warr Acres, Oklahoma

Firm

LWPB Architecture

Client

Putnam City Schools

Area

83,637 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$24,266,937

Completion Date

07/2020

Michael Robinson Photography

[close]

Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s words, “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees,” Capps Middle School connects students with nature.

Influenced by its natural setting, the building bridges a creek. Spanning the water is a 250-foot bridge, an innovation hub incorporating media resources, maker labs and collaborative studios.

The creek’s east bank houses three learning neighborhoods, supports inquiry-based learning, and facilitates student and teacher collaboration.

The primary learning studios have folding, glass partitions and open into shared, collaborative zones. Neighborhoods are arranged to maximize views of the creek, with a variety of community spaces arrayed along the creek. Ergonomic, mobile furnishings support the flexible architecture, as learners sculpt physical space to fit educational activities.

Each neighborhood is identifiably different and draws from the site strata—a lush green top layer, orange clay soil, and blue from the creek itself.

Interior materials, flexible furniture and expansive views create spaces that cultivate curiosity, inspire hands-on learning, and elevate the environment as a tool for teaching.