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2009 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture. Casey Middle School. Boulder, Colorado Middle School, Unbuilt Category RB+B Architects, Inc. Casey Middle School. North Side of Building.
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2009 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture Casey Middle School Boulder, Colorado Middle School, Unbuilt Category RB+B Architects, Inc.
North Side of Building Planning Process: The Vision for Casey Middle School was established in 2007 and a set of guiding principles was developed through the curriculum to the building form. Along with Educational Specifications, input was gathered from district specialists, teachers, parents, students, administrators and the 20-25 member Casey Design Advisory Team to define the design of the 600-student replacement Middle School.
View of West Side of Building | Historic Wall Planning Process: Two major goals were balanced prior to the programming process: (1) there was a desire by the District and the City to achieve LEED for Schools Gold or higher (it is currently on track for Platinum certification) and (2) a desire by some members of the design committee to preserve the historic building. After pricing both scenarios (saving the school versus building new), program constraints and unstable soils determined the original building could not be saved without great expense. However, two exterior walls with beautiful terra cotta panels, intricate brick work and original light fixtures will be preserved to maintain the school’s historic character.
View of Auditorium/Gym Community Environment: The school accommodates after hours use by closing classroom areas while leaving the gym and auditorium open to the community. Both have their own separate entrance. The auditorium will have a full stage, support spaces and seating for 350 people.
View of South Side of Building | Historic Wall Community Environment: The 8.4-acre urban site incorporates plazas bordering the south side of the building. A plaza highlights the existing walls of the original 1924 school building, while creating an outdoor space for school or community gathering. The design incorporates a small outdoor classroom, playscape, climbing rock from the existing school and inspiring quotes.
Interior Corridor Learning Environment: Classrooms are grouped in teaching team arrangements around common spaces where student lockers, study/break-out space and teacher planning areas are located. Flex spaces may be used for seminars and small exploratory classes. The classroom floors are connected by an elevator and main stairs in the center and stairs at each end of the wing.
Courtyard Plaza Learning Environment: Enabling students to socialize in multiple environments was also important to the program. Common spaces, shared work spaces and integrated curriculum all support this goal. Additionally, incorporating sustainable design into the building as well as the curriculum is an evolving goal for the school.
Building Entry Physical Environment: The architecture of the new school building uses contemporary forms to contrast with the historic walls. A new main entry was created on the east side of the building opening into the commons, which serves as the cafeteria and a social space for students. The library uses the historic façade for its full three-story space. One of the original entries will remain as a secondary entry into the library. Natural daylight illuminates classrooms on the north side while tubular skylights balance the natural light in the rear of the room in both main and upper floor classrooms.
Other Features Physical Environment: Other interesting design features include a green roof to aid in learning, artificial turf field, 90% daylight in learning spaces, under building parking and an exterior stage, plaza and chessboards for community use. The building anticipates a 42% reduction in energy consumption with a ground source heat pump system. Energy and photovoltaic use will be tracked and shared with students and the community.
Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2009 Project Data
Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2009 Project Details
