Project Tag: activity commons
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Clearwater Elementary School
Vibrant Pathways to Learning
Colorful corridors lead to each learning neighborhood, consisting of a shared activity commons, 5 classrooms, and a learning lab courtyard.
A Stage for Every Occasion
The cafeteria includes a multi-purpose stage—perfect for performances, assemblies, and more. An operable partition between the cafeteria and gym can be opened for additional space when hosting larger groups.
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Deer Creek Elementary School
Built for Flexible Collaboration
Flexible collaboration was achieved through grade-level learning communities, with six classrooms surrounding a multifunctional activity commons. This activity commons serves as a space for STEM activities, grade-level presentations, indoor recess, push-in remediation, and more.
Connected to each activity commons, an outdoor courtyard or balcony offers an additional learning environment.
Designed to Adapt
An operable wall connects the gymnasium and cafeteria, creating a large gathering space when opened or maintaining separation of spaces for lunchtime and P.E. classes when closed.
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Parkside Elementary School
A Brighter, More Connected Cafeteria
In the cafeteria, replacing long, foldable tables with round tables has transformed the space into a more intimate, family-style setting. This change encourages quieter, more focused conversations and allows students across different grade levels to interact. The removal of a stage made room for additional windows, enhancing natural light and reinforcing a connection to the outdoors—something the original design lacked at eye level.
Celebrating Parkside’s History While Designing for Modern Educational Needs
Columbus, Indiana is world-renowned for its modern architecture. One of the most notable schools, Parkside Elementary, was designed by Norman C. Fletcher of The Architects Collaborative (TAC) in 1962. CSO’s renovations honor Fletcher’s unique Arts and Crafts (Bauhaus) style that incorporated clean lines, abundant natural daylighting, geometric shapes, and use of wood beaming and decking.
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Carmel & Clay Center Elementary Schools
Neighborhood-Style Learning
Grade-level neighborhoods consist of five classrooms with large glass doors that open to an activity commons space which overlooks a secure courtyard. Each pair of classrooms shares a small group room and cubby alcove for student storage.
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