Page 49 - spaces4learning, Fall 2022

EDUCATION DESIGN SHOWCASE • K-12
PROJECT OF DISTINCTION
SÁNCHEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MODERNIZATION AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
AUSTIN, TEXAS
A SIG NIFICANT CHAL L ENG E in the renovation of 􏰀eorge I. Sá nchez Elementary
was to create a modern learning environment that embraced the community’s historic roots and values in a meaningful way. 􏰁ust east of I􏰂-􏰃􏰄 in downtown 􏰅ustin, this neighborhood school re􏰆uired an inclusive design that celebrated its bilingual Spanish-English culture􏰇 rec- onciled historic East-West disparities􏰇 and incorporat- ed the community’s voiced values of e􏰆uity, flexibility, and connectivity.
This theme of dual-
ity informed the design concept and resulted in a re- con􏰈gured circulation spine connecting the communal gathering spaces 􏰉 dining, 􏰈tness, learning stair, library 􏰉 and extends outward
to culminate in welcoming canopies at the East and 􏰊est entries. The motif of a double-headed snake, sym- boli􏰋ing growth and trans- formation, is manifested through undulating, banded slats, which wrap the com- munal spaces and extend through the roof 􏰉 a strik- ing serpentine 􏰌billboard􏰍 promoting the school. Stra- tegic use of colors, patterns, and textures add richness on a tight budget.
ARCHITECT
McKinney York Architects
NAVVAB TAYLOR, AIA, RID, LEED AP BD+C
PROJECT INFORMATION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Anthony Mays, Superintendent
COMPLETION DATE
12/09/2021
DESIGN CAPACITY
522 students
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
428 students
GROSS AREA OF BUILDING
80,341 sq. ft.
SPACE PER PUPIL
154 sq. ft.
SITE SIZE
9.3 acres
COST PER STUDENT
$41,828
COST PER SQ. FT.
$272
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST
$21,834,677
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