Downer Elementary School

San Pablo, California

Firm

Bunton Clifford Associates

Client

West Contra Costa Unified School District

Area

79,158 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$17,201,343

Completion Date

01/2007

The overwhelming support for the Downer Elementary School project was a direct result of the partnership formed between the architect and the community-based committee.
The culture and desires of the surrounding community of San Pablo are reflected in the design of this two-story, 800-student elementary school. Some of the Spanish-style architectural themes are expressed through the creation of a community plaza lined with palm trees and the off-white stucco exterior with terra-cotta tile roofs and arched windows. The architecture welcomes local residents onto the school site after hours.
This design style is merged with expressions of contemporary architecture at the entry to the school using scale, color, light and geometric form in the rounded library.
Other unique amenities in this school:
-A large library/multimedia facility at the center of the campus and adjacent to the school entrance to facilitate after-hours community use.
-A separate entry to the gymnasium and cafeteria portions of the campus for community use.