Page 25 - School Planning & Management, June 2019

EDUCATION DESIGN SHOWCASE • ELEMENTARY
PROJECT OF DISTINCTION
HILLSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHAWANAKEE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MADERA, CALIF.
NESTLED WITHIN THE rolling hillside development between Yosemite National Park and Fresno County, Chawanakee Unified School District’s visions for their new Hillside Elementary School were to incorporate flexible building designs to accom- modate a collaborative learn- ing environment in addition to welcoming their commu- nity to share their facilities.
This new school consists of three classroom wings with central corridors, administration, state-of-the- art library/media center, and multipurpose/gymnasium. The campus radial building arrangement was selected to provide the principal with the ability to monitor activities in each classroom hallway and plaza from his/her office.
Each classroom was designed with a “unique” 12-foot-wide sliding door system that literally “Opens the Doors” to innovative instruction. The oversized openings provide a transi- tion-less, expanded learning space where teachers can plan collaborative small/ large group activities in
the classroom and hallway simultaneously.
The 26-foot-wide cor- ridors can serve other functions during the school day and after hours. On rainy days, the space can
be used by students during breaks or physical education activities. Band and choir rehearsals, small assemblies or presentations can also be accommodated.
In Superintendent Darren Sylvia’s words, “Our new school is sure to be a model for surrounding communities to admire and emulate.”
ARCHITECT
Integrated Design by SOMAM, Inc. 559/436-0881
PROJECT INFORMATION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Darren Sylvia, Superintendent
COMPLETION DATE
August 2018
GROSS AREA
49,000 sq. ft.
AREA PER STUDENT
82 sq. ft.
SITE SIZE
14 acres
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
100
CAPACITY
600
COST PER STUDENT
$52,000
COST PER SQ. FT.
$630
TOTAL COST
$31,000,000
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
Interesting site plan. Good comprehensive planning process. I liked the 12-foot sliding doors, allowing for flexibility of the spaces. Good visibility to increase student safety.
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