The new Green Local Schools Promote Well-Being and Timeless Design

Friday, September 22, 2023
By Melinda Scalfaro, Partner - Sustainability Leader
In Design, Planning, Community

In an era where education is constantly evolving, the role of architecture in shaping the learning environment has never been more crucial. The team at SHD has been hard at work over the past 16 months designing a New Elementary School and New Middle School for Green Local Schools in Summit County, Ohio. It started with a visioning session with stakeholders including administration, staff, students, and community members, where high level goals were set to help guide the decisions made throughout each stage of the design process. The district set out for new buildings that not only facilitate effective teaching but also foster creativity, collaboration, and adaptability while creating a sense of community and supporting social and emotional well-being.

The New Elementary will be built on the site of the existing Green Primary School and will house grades 2-5. The New Middle School will be built on the site of the existing Middle School and Intermediate School and house grades 6-8. The plans for both buildings incorporate flexible learning spaces, ample natural light, and state of the art technology throughout the building. The designs place a strong emphasis on creating spaces that promote well-being. From vibrant communal areas for social interaction to serene outdoor spaces for reflection, the buildings prioritize the mental and physical health of students and staff alike. The exterior designs aim to be modern yet timeless; utilizing brick to coordinate with adjacent buildings on each campus along with glass and metal panels.

The City of Green has partnered with Green Local Schools to build recreational space attached to the New Middle School. Currently called the Community Courts project, this space will include the school’s gymnasium, an additional gymnasium, an indoor turf area, two studio spaces, office space, and an elevated walking track. The building is designed in a way that while attached, the two sides function separately allowing for community use during the day while keeping the school separate and secured; with the ability of unlocking access points after hours so that both sides can be used in conjunction. The partnership between the City and School has allowed for the school to dedicate additional square footage to academic classrooms for future growth and an enlarged band and choir area to support their strong music programs. SoL Harris/Day worked with both entities to come up with a plan that allowed this new building to be constructed while maintaining operation of the two existing buildings on site, a feat that saved 2 years on the originally proposed project timeline.

Sitework has begun on both campuses to install utilities and prepare the building pad in preparation for building construction to begin in the spring of 2024. Both new buildings are anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Follow this link to take a virtual tour of the exterior of the new Elementary School.

Follow this link to take a virtual tour of the exterior of the new Middle School and Community Courts.

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