Hutto ISD—Nadine Johnson Elementary School
Architect: VLK Architects
In an effort to provide equity among aging campuses, the district desired renovations of the library and adjacent learning spaces. The new environments needed to reflect the district’s high student expectations, foster collaboration, promote project-based learning and allow for student choice within their blended learning model. Renovations include a bright and welcoming library, direct access to a renovated courtyard, and glass garage doors that connect to innovative hands-on environments.
Design
The new library is an exemplar in the reimagining of the traditional model, redefining the purpose of the elementary library in terms of instruction and design. Collective discussions were grounded in collaboration, transformational spaces, and creating the “heart” of the school. Collaboration pods were intentionally defined with bright color, lighting, and flexible furniture. The new “Amoeba” shaped is interesting to students and allows them a variety of learning spaces.
Value
Architects were challenged to provide learning space modernization with district equity, fiscal responsibility, and minimal student disruption at the forefront of the design process. Stakeholders shared the desire to renovate the library and adjacent learning spaces due to the substantial impact on students. The value of learning increased significantly with the inclusion of opportunities for more blended learning and the upward attention students placed on their new learning environments.
Innovation
Enhancing the impact of students’ overall well-being was achieved with intentional placement of bright, inviting, and scaled spaces for students to demonstrate choice in their preference in learning. Many learning needs, identified by librarians and teachers, were addressed in the design solution that is now adored by students. The importance of student choice and blended learning is easily accomplished in these renovated areas, offering different sizes for individuals, partners, or groups.
Community
“Hippo Nation” orange accents and hippopotamus statues placed abundantly throughout Hutto by the community speaks to the importance of the mascot. Along with stakeholders, architects provided connections to the community while creating a sense of comfort and belonging. Equity, important to the community, was achieved with this approach across campuses, allowing for the continuation of Hippo pride to be accentuated. Community members and students now have an enjoyable, colorful destination.
Planning
A collaborative process gathered the voice, ideas, and opinions of stakeholders (including students) to develop the conceptual framework. Opinions on color and needed instructional areas were connected to create the preferred learning areas. Blended learning is of the utmost importance to the district, and a conducive environment for student use of individual technology was imperative. Students adore their new learning spaces, and librarians have new confidence with instructional methodology.
School Transformation
Intentional modernization of a shared learning environment that aligns with collaboration opportunities, overall well-being, and district equity was the district’s expectation. The focus on transforming the traditional library led to the purposeful design of the centrally located, open concept, blended learning appropriate library. Multiple, bright, collaborative spaces, in a variety of sizes, allow for flexibility. Students engage in the vibrant, welcoming, space as the “heart” of the campus.
Star of Distinction Category Winner