The San Francisco Friends School, Learning Commons

The San Francisco Friends School sensitively transforms the historic Levi Strauss Blue Jean Factory into a modern, highly sustainable learning environment that reflects the values of a vital contemporary Quaker community. The design of the two-level Learning Commons (modern library) encourages collaborative learning among students. The flexible design elements of the Learning Commons include a retractable conference room wall that enables groups of students and facilitators to create a project-based space. Movable furniture creates a “kit of parts” that students can move to adapt their environment to their changing needs.
Although it was designed to encourage interaction and learning, the Learning Commons also includes quieter study nooks built into the structure’s trusses to give students quiet space for reading and reflection.
The design of the top floor of the Learning Commons includes a deck that provides outdoor space for upper-grade students to gather, collaborate and socialize.

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