Mandarin Immersion Magnet School

Houston, Texas

Firm

PBK

Client

Houston Independent School District

Area

119,966 sq.ft.

Completion Date

08/2016

The Mandarin Immersion Magnet School supports a dual language program that enables students to participate in rigorous core academics that encourage learning through real-world work experiences. Fifty percent of a student’s instructional day is spent in Mandarin, and the rest of the time is spent in English. The program effectively immerses students in a culture-rich environment that enables them to become balanced bicultural and biliterate citizens, well prepared for an ever-growing global economy.
The design is inspired by the Chinese character Ming, meaning “bright future” and composed of two Chinese characters—sun and moon. The “sun wing” showcases a lively light-filled three-story learning commons in its core and houses the academic facilities. Its form provides uniquely shaped flex and collaboration spaces to support blended learning models. The “moon wing” supports student and community functions through a glassy façade that reflects Houston’s architecture and maintains traditional Chinese elements.
The campus uses smart systems (building automation systems), is a LEED Silver candidate and deploys many sustainable strategies. Value-added elements were paired with aesthetics, shared services, and amenities to reduce cost.