Like many architects we occasionally stretch our creative muscles by entering design competitions. In this case the subject was a school for developmentally challenged adults on a rural, desert site.
Responding to Climate and Client Requirements
Our solution to the challenge was largely based on responses to conditions of the site and the special needs of the client population. The hot, arid climate and the monochromatic landscape suggested cooling shade, covered activity spaces and splashes of color. We therefore proposed an exterior building skin punctuated by colored glass blocks. These multi-colored units refracted rainbow hues into the classrooms in a way that changed with intensity depending on the season, cloud cover and time of day. A bold, easily recognized entry announced the drop off and pick up zone – while the outdoor gathering and activity spaces were accessible only from within the school. In this way we mitigated the possibility of a client inadvertently leaving the building.
Color and Theme as Intuitive Navigation
At the interior each wing was decorated in a distinct theme and color palette to help clients understand where they belonged intuitively.
Solar Power for a Desert Environment
The site was quite sunny year round, suggesting that harvesting electricity from the sun made good economic sense. This led to a flat roof configuration suitable for the installation of PV panels.
Sculptural Form Paired With Functional Planning
For this school design we merged a thoughtful, usable floor plan with a simple yet dramatic sculptural building form. The result was a functional, buildable school facility. Were it constructed the resulting building would serve as a modest neighborhood landmark dedicated to the welfare of a vulnerable but deserving population.
