Page 23 - spaces4learning, Spring 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOCKUS PAYNE
views of the front landscape and ponds. The rotunda mimics a restful zone with space to work, connect, and enjoy an abun- dance of natural light. It also encourages instructors to break out of their classroom on elective days, making use of the grand stair for student seating—a unique option for energized learning. Corridors are designed to ensure the glass exterior walls filter light into the classrooms and labs. The corridors feature semi-open drywall ceilings with linear LED lighting that turns up to accent the edge of the ceiling.
Francis Tuttle sought to create a facility that encourages and facilitates the Design Thinking process, an approach that centers on the principles of empathy, expansive thinking, and experimentation. To do this, Francis Tuttle envisioned learning spaces like campfires (for open learning and collaboration), watering holes (that encourages reorientation between students learning from each other), and caves (to isolate and challenge oneself). To accomplish this, the design is highly flexible. Classrooms offer several furniture group selections and layouts to foster small group collaboration and individual learning. Glass entries at all classrooms and labs reveal the activities inside, making spaces come alive. Classrooms are open to cor- responding labs so educational concepts can be quickly demon- strated. Two Design Thinking Studios enable students to explore concepts and work on projects. Nooks in the corridor provide space for small group discussion.
Francis Tuttle’s modern, clean interior is inviting and durable, with exposed natural elements that inspire creative and inquisitive minds. The exploration of full-spectrum color and a variety of energized shapes and angles invite the user
to manipulate their environment by moving the furniture and writing on the walls—engagement to the fullest. Bockus Payne’s design embodies the school’s goals and supports the development of a thriving incoming workforce.
Chris Cleburn is a partner, architect, and project manager at Oklahoma City-based firm Bockus Payne, where he has worked for 18 years. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Chris graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1997 and is now married with four children.
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