Page 16 - School Planning & Management, October 2017

WHOLE
SYSTEMS
DESIGN
of the school as a living, sustainable labora- tory. The success of the project was only possible with a clear vision and full buy-in from all levels of district administration, school staff, students and the community.
GO WITH THE FLOW
The systems of water supply and rainwa- ter runoff illustrate that a school site doesn’t just affect what is within the property line, but can have considerable effects on the sur- rounding landscape. Plumbing fixtures and irrigation create the most demand from the municipal water supply. Designing low-flow fixtures and considering various ways to reduce irrigation requirements should be considered. Drought tolerant native plant- ings and the use of rainwater and gray water for irrigation are effective water reduction strategies, and can be used as illustrations
for environmental curriculum. Additionally, there are many opportuni-
ties to reduce the amount of water leaving the site to the city to stormwater system. Per- vious surfaces such as interlocking concrete pavers or plastic grids with gravel or grass can replace solid concrete or asphalt paving to allow water to seep slowly into the soil without leaving the site. Detention ponds can be developed into nature areas for the use of science classes. A compact building footprint provides a smaller roof area to be drained. The Arzell Ball Center for Richardson ISD redeveloped a site previously occupied by a bus maintenance facility and fuel station. This reduced site contaminants and elimi- nated additional runoff that would have been present if located on a greenfield site. An out- moded football stadium on site was replaced by a park accessible by the community from the local hike and bike trail system.
EMBODIED ENERGY
Just as each building is a complete sys- tem, each material it is comprised of is a part of its own system. It’s important to incor- porate materials and products derived from sustainable-yield processes and/or are man- ufactured locally. By knowing the inherent energy use of each specified product, based on how it is mined, processed, delivered and constructed, as well as the specific mainte- nance and replacement requirements, more informed material selections can be made. Once a school is occupied, paperless polices and a clear recycling program foster buy-in from occupants.
Designers should also maximize the natural amenities of a site. The floor plan of
Alton Elementary School in Brenham, was designed around existing locations of large shade trees. The canopies of the oak and pecan trees shaded storefront glazing and outdoor learning areas, reducing energy loads and the need for manufactured cano- pies. The new performance hall at the I.M. Terrell Academy for Fort Worth ISD was sited to provide clear views of the Trinity river tributary and the city skyline beyond.
IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE
Discussions on sustainability would be incomplete without meaningful consider- ation of human systems of the body, mind, and social and developmental needs. Stu- dents learn best when all their senses are engaged, distractions are minimized, and their environment is healthy. Natural and indirect lighting in learning spaces, acous- tic isolation and good indoor air quality have a positive impact on student focus, performance and attendance. Designs
that foster collaboration, innovation and independence contribute towards students meeting their personal goals.
The history of a place informs its present, and the decisions of designers and users shape its future. Sustainable campuses, when designed holistically, steward the natural resources of the site and municipali- ties, the financial bottom line of the district andthehealthandwellnessofstudents. SPM
>> Jason Mellard, AIA, LEED-AP, is a senior as- sociate at Corgan in Dallas. Corgan listens to their clients and transforms their insights into architec- ture that inspires, informs and innovates. Jason may be contacted at jason.mellard@corgan.com
Lovejoy High School
Tyler Career & Technical Center
Alton Elementary School
Dianne Patrick Elementary School
16 SCHOOL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / OCTOBER 2017
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