for Engage, Educate and Empower--is creatively
co-located inside a downtown San Diego public
library in a unique collaborative setting. While
library patrons don't have access to the school,
they can catch a glimpse inside the project-based
educational environment as they ride a glass
elevator through the building's sixth and seventh
floors.
capitalizes on the library's existing infrastructure
was chosen to foster team-based, experiential-
learning opportunities with the help of movable
glass walls, modular furniture, a demonstration
kitchen, break-out learning spaces and a plaza
area for assemblies and dining.
around a shared commons and teaming rooms,"
explains LPA Associate and Interior Designer
Kate Mraw. "The design principles for the learning
environment centralized around three ideas;
personalization, social connections and flexibility.
For learning to happen everywhere, we understood
that movement mattered--regardless of the
developed and designed."
process through workshops, charrettes, image
sharing and building tours, helping promote
the school's partnership with the city and library
foundation in linking education into the urban
culture.
setting with comfortable furniture and controllable
lighting called the Park; a central staircase, which
doubles as a social learning space; an interactive
wall that students can write on, display projects
and even sit on; and a centrally-located gallery
lined with whiteboard surfaces and specialty
lighting where students can share their work.
organization of educational space is curriculum
driven," Mraw explains. "Pull-out pockets and
display opportunities take advantage of otherwise
passing-only space, classrooms don't resemble
the classroom next door and shared learning
spaces are transparent."