These three new elementary schools share virtually identical programs, and are housed in three very different buildings that each reflect their unique neighborhood and site contexts. The efficient, four-story plans include compact classroom wings that intersect with larger core spaces such as the cafetorium and gym. Pre-K and Kindergarten occupy the ground floors with direct access to outdoor play areas, and upper grades, along with specialized classrooms and art, music, science, and the media center fill the upper floors.
The Brooks School sits in a prominent civic location on a main street in the city and has the largest site of the three schools. Its historically interesting predecessor was significant in the community and the new building mimics its curving bays and pitched roof. Columbus’ tight corner site slopes down from a public park at the rear and required extensive ramping and site walls to connect the small amphitheater and play areas nearest the school with the park beyond. The simple façade of the Roberts School responds to the surrounding neighborhood streetscape and the siting of the building, play areas, drop-off, and parking were all designed to satisfy concerns about noise and adjacencies in this dense residential neighborhood.