Brock ISD—Brock Elementary School
Architect: WRA Architects
An all-new 21st Century school designed to facilitate this District’s Next Generation learning. Initially grades PK–2, expanding in future to PK-4. Secure glass-enclosed Reception area overlooks the main entrance and entrances to the Gymnasium and Cafeteria. Cafeteria opens to the Library, main corridor, outdoor courtyard, and playground. Classrooms in each grade area are grouped around open Collaboration spaces, instead of corridors, to facilitate multiple activities and varied learning styles.
Design
A Sustainable project designed for maximum long-term cost-efficiency and the full complement of the District’s new 21st Century learning features. The District’s first new school in decades, it is an all-new concept where each grade level has its own large Collaboration Area adjacent to its classrooms. Large glass walls enable teachers and staff to monitor multiple areas simultaneously. The project also includes special-purpose and multi-function spaces, and shared community-use spaces.
Value
Extremely economic life-cycle cost was one of several goals driving this design. Every classroom has ample daylight and a separate “daylight zone” which can be dimmed when the daylight level is high. Computer monitored Energy Management System keeps the HVAC operating efficiently. Highly durable, low-maintenance, long-life materials are used throughout. Vacancy sensors turn lights off in unoccupied rooms. Landscaping is all native plants adapted to the local ecosystem to minimize irrigation.
Sustainability
Designed for Sustainability in a locale with harsh temperatures and limited rain, the project’s environmental features include: Maximum green space retained; salvaged a large grove of mature trees included in the children’s outdoor area; and native plants. The building is designed for significantly reduced energy consumption by a compact design, optimum solar orientation, ample natural daylight throughout the school, efficient LED lighting, and a computerized energy management HVAC system.
Community
The innovative concept for this school’s design was heavily influenced by a close-knit, stable community that is both ag-based and tech-savvy. A long tradition of academic and extracurricular success inspired a modern, open-plan, collaborative, technology-intensive learning environment. Many varied community voices contributed to this invigorating learning place for the District’s youngest students. Being located at the entrance to the District’s main campus gives the District a renewed image.
Planning
Using web-based community opinion surveys, a public Design Charrette, and multiple planning sessions, the design team was able to create a well thought out design solution addressing the community’s priorities. Careful site planning separated the drives for parent drop-off from the buses, and students are protected from the elements of the long length of the drop-off lanes. The “heart” of the campus is the open Library / Media Center, contiguous with the main circulation spine through the school.
School Transformation
This District’s new concept is a technology-intensive, highly varied, 21st Century learning center with Collaboration Areas, modular furnishings, and a variety of special-use and multi-function rooms. Flexible spaces with open Collaboration Areas in each grade area facilitate diverse activities and learning styles and have significantly improved student-teacher interaction. The collaborative environment combined with the strong tech environment has helped increase student achievement.
Star of Distinction Category Winner