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The newly modernized learning environment preserves the rich history of a community while offering students innovative collaboration areas naturally integrated into the flow of the building.

Serving the district for nearly a century, Mason Elementary School has expanded and adapted over the years to accommodate a growing student population. The existing building was over capacity, and rather than construct an entirely new school, the design team developed a renovation and addition plan bringing the new learning environment into the 21st century, accommodating the increased number of students and leaving the legacy of the historical building intact.

The horseshoe shape of the existing building made it difficult for students to connect, and inconvenient to traverse to other classrooms. Recognizing the new building needed to achieve a lot within a small footprint, the team re-imagined how the use of space could be redesigned for efficiency. The corridors now serve as collaboration spaces integrating technology and flexible furniture while also opening to classrooms with glass doors and providing natural connections everywhere. Bright colors, the use of wood and the integration of the existing brick give a warm and welcoming feel, emulating the family emphasis of its patrons.

Greeted by bright colors and a sense of place, visitors, staff and students alike can connect with the rich history of the neighborhood.

Serving as a front porch to the historic midtown community, Boyd Elementary celebrates the history and future for students and staff. Focusing on International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, the design centered around themes supporting an international experience broadening students’ horizons and outlook of the world, as well as roots in the neighborhood providing a sense of place.

Inside, joyful colors and graphics radiate energy, welcoming all in an inclusive and universal space. Both striking and subtle patterns remind students of the IB values and help provide a sense of identity and ownership. Wooden archways warm spaces and create a grand entry to the various classroom neighborhoods, where students begin their daily learning adventure.

Students traverse Boyd Hall where exposed structures and “Windows to the World” give students a glimpse into the building’s innerworkings and puts learning on display. Flexible spaces allow for independent study and group collaboration, with intentional daylighting throughout.

Awards
IIDA MADA K12 Silver Award
AIA KC Design Excellence Citation Award for Interior Architecture

Collaboration with hdesigngroup