North East ISD—Camelot Elementary
Architect: O’Connell Robertson
This project revitalized the 1969 campus with spaces that support flexibility, collaboration, and discovery. The 49,000 SF addition allowed the District to remove all portables. The new building includes a library, administration suite, music room, 18 classrooms, support spaces, a clinic, and counseling and family services suites. The main entry was moved to provide a more secure and defined entrance. Garden classrooms, a community/school park, and an amphitheater extend learning outdoors.
Community
A joint use school and community park was designed as a collaborative effort between the District, the City and a local sports foundation. The SPARK (School PARK) provides expanded playgrounds, walking trails and an outdoor, canopy-covered classroom that is used by the campus during school hours and opened to the community in the evenings and on weekends. The library also has a separate entrance and amenities for after hours use by the community.
Design
The new addition was designed to honor the legacy of the existing school while redefining the campus as a 21st century learning environment. Old and new concepts were blended to reflect and reinforce the school’s theme, values and student leadership program. Multi-purpose spaces and furnishings provide flexibility and encourage collaboration. Design elements bring the outdoors in and enable instruction to move outside. Materials and massing harmonize with the existing campus and neighborhood.
Planning
A joint use school and community park was designed as a collaborative effort between the District, the City and a local sports foundation. The SPARK (School PARK) provides expanded playgrounds, walking trails and an outdoor, canopy-covered classroom that is used by the campus during school hours and opened to the community in the evenings and on weekends. The library also has a separate entrance and amenities for after hours use by the community.
Sustainability
Enhancing student well-being was a primary goal of replacing portable classrooms with a new facility offering 21st century learning environments and improved indoor air quality. An outdoor amphitheater and classrooms feature gardens and native landscaping that connect students and the curriculum with the natural environment. Sustainable features enhance the indoor environment with energy efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, occupancy sensors, daylighting, and low VOC materials.
Value
To maximize flexibility, a multi-purpose space was added to accommodate group teaching and collaboration, and the original library was converted into an open learning commons. The new library has a separate entry for after-hours use and a distance learning area that doubles as a Kiva. Creating an outdoor amphitheater addressed topographic challenges while providing space for gatherings and after hours events. Materials and systems were selected for durability, efficiency and maintainability.
School Transformation
A school that opened in 1969 is now a modern campus that supports 21st century learning. All portables have been removed. New indoor and outdoor environments reinforce the school’s values and inspire a sense of community. Neighbors have access to new campus amenities. Sustainable features improve efficiencies and encourage interaction with nature. A new entrance and parent/bus loops enhance safety and strengthen the campus identity. This school now incorporates the best of the old and new.
Star of Distinction Category Winner