Episcopal Collegiate Receives Learning By Design Award

WER Architects received the Learning by Design “Citation of Excellence Award” for work on Jack Stephens Episcopal Collegiate Lower School. The 30 acre campus, formerly a lumber mill Brownfield site, was created and reclaimed by removing an abandoned railroad spur and diverting electrical transmission lines as well as an open city drainage canal. This urban site is adjacent to the State Capitol as well as an historic train terminal.

The client desired a collegiate gothic vernacular to meet campus standards for exterior design elements of the Lower School. Leeway was allowed to introduce color theory and material/textural elements within the envelope to reinforce learning and way-finding by using age-appropriate spaces and materials. Gallery space was provided to allow a revolving art program with a local museum as a vehicle to integrate fine arts into the learning curriculum. Science Labs are provided with graphing tables to better integrate math concepts and are tailored for 1st – 3rd grades and 4th & 5th grades reflecting age appropriate learning techniques. Pre-K and 1st grade are designed to incorporate special storytelling/reading events. Multiple opportunities are placed along main circulation spines for small group teaching and individual learning. Exterior classrooms and an organic vegetable garden were provided to extend teaching opportunities outside. These ‘in between’ spaces present an open, collaborative environment that celebrates the process rather than the product of learning. The design solution is simply a backdrop to the client’s unique educational program.