Tyler ISD—Moore Middle School and MST Magnet
Architect: WRA Architects
A middle school replacement building also housing the District MST Magnet school. The east and west wings of the building are the loud public spaces, creating a large courtyard. 21st Century and Sustainability features include shared-use collaboration spaces on each floor, sheltered outdoor learning spaces in the courtyard, enhanced acoustics in classrooms, windows in every classroom and work area, east-west orientation of the classroom wing minimizing heat load, and an Energy Management System.
Community
This new 21st Century school is an on-site replacement of a large school that has been the community anchor of the neighborhood for six decades. With many new multi-purpose community-use spaces, the new building was designed to share many of its functions with the community, including its extensive outdoor space, fine arts facilities, gymnasium, and cafetorium – all can be open for night and weekend events. Break-out learning spaces and collaboration spaces are provided on every floor.
Design
Innovative design capitalized on the steep terrain minimizing the costly environmental impact of cut and fill. The athletic wing’s location exploits the slope to economically situate locker rooms directly under the gym. Community-use spaces ring the perimeter of the site creating an outdoor learning area courtyard. The academic wing hosts various types of learning zones for students’ different learning preferences and has collaboration spaces on every floor. Every classroom has natural light.
Planning
N/A
Sustainability
Designed by LEED-accredited architects to include many Sustainable Design features: East-West orientation of the largest wing saves energy by minimizing glass on East and West faces, more windows on the North, South windows are shaded; Shared-use spaces open to the community; Courtyard area provided for Science Garden; Dedicated recycling area for the school and neighborhood; Windows in every classroom and work area; Energy Management System; Reusing site’s natural slope to reduce cut and fill.
Value
Most of the traditional corridor space has been transformed into shared-use collaboration space providing students and teachers maximum flexibility in the learning process. The architect designed school in 100% BIM, no 2D-CAD, and coordinated with contractor to integrate structural and mechanical systems in 3D, before construction, preventing costly conflicts in the field. Capitalized on sloped site putting part of the building under ground, reducing utility costs due to exterior wall exposure.
School Transformation
This school has been the neighborhood social magnet for six decades and has now incurred a metamorphosis in its building, curriculum, and role in the community – and is now a literal Magnet. The District’s new MST program is part of a beloved old campus whose new building has been revered for its openness, technology, and provisions for the District’s innovative new learning methods. Rolling with the natural terrain, it presents new options for learning in addition to traditional classrooms.
Star of Distinction Category Winner