H.G. Blake Elementary School

Medina, Ohio

Firm

Fanning Howey

Client

Medina City Schools

Area

75,191 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$9,298,687

Completion Date

09/2001

The excitement surrounding Medina City School District’s new elementary school stems from the “thematic whimsy” and “applications of educational elements to that theme.”
The objective was to have each child approach every school day with great excitement, in anticipation of the school’s magical learning environment. The setting is filed with curvy bulkheads, hand-painted wall tiles and flooring designs that reflect the water, land and sky themes. The design incorporates water, birds, vegetables, fish, the sun, stars and an open-grid ceiling design situated within each of the three sun-filled neighborhood common areas.
The materials and colors are soft, warm and acoustically sensitive. The design is intended to foster a non-institutional environment that encourages learning. A generous amount of built-in casework allows for a more efficient classroom setting. The linoleum flooring is suitable for a variety of classroom activities, yet enhances classroom acoustics and provides a quality learning environment.