Frisco ISD—Charles Pearson Middle School
Architect: Corgan
New middle school with grade level classroom communities, outdoor courtyard and supporting spaces
Community
The school facility enables district-wide focus on individual student success. Classroom communities allow for smaller class sizes. A locally accessible campus encourages community use of resources. The traditional aesthetic reflects community values. Community input was gathered during early design phases.
Design
Classroom communities were developed to focus collaborative learning. Spatial relationships between communities provide identity and ease of wayfinding. Interior spaces flow into central courtyard, providing transparency and flexibility in a variety of learning environments in corridors offer an open and welcoming atmosphere for users.
Planning
Collaboration between the community, school administration, and design team was carried out with group meetings and design charrettes. Diagrammatic studies of existing campuses compared previous organizational strategies. Building Information Modeling [BIM] was utilized for coordination and real-time design communication. Solar strategies were used to maximize natural light to necessary locations.
Sustainability
The facility is heated and cooled with a closed-loop geothermal heat-pump system with a minimal life cycle cost. Insulated concrete form construction at exterior structural walls delivers an efficient building envelope. Locally available and responsibly-sourced materials. Native landscaping incorporated. Clerestory natural lighting allows for better environments and encourage student wellness.
Value
Responsive site planning facilitates shared spaces. The efficient geothermal mechanical system meets district improvement goals for low life-cycle costs. Peripheral activity spaces allow after-hours community use. Strategic shading strategies lower lifecycle costs.
School Transformation
Classroom communities promote collaboration, security and identity. The high tech wireless instructional capabilities allow for broader range of instructional resources. A WAN (Wide Area Network) is provided throughout to allow instructional programs to be delivered on demand through video streaming in every space. Integration of technology and media allows for 21st century learning.
Star of Distinction Category Winner