American School & University Magazine Outstanding Designs - Middle School
Marion, Iowa Neumann Monson Architects The Linn-Mar Community School District is one of the fastest growing in the state, so flexibility and expandability were primary design goals. Rather than build separate elementary and middle school buildings, the district settled on the design of the Oak Ridge K-8 facility. Eventually this facility would become a dedicated middle school with an adjacent elementary school planned for the future. The facility is single story for grades K to 3 and two stories for grades 4 to 8. Each classroom pod has a series of classrooms surrounding a common learning center. These centers can be used by single classrooms or collaboratively by multiple classrooms; they can accommodate a wide array of functions. Maximizing daylighting was a primary design requirement. Large expanses of curtain wall glass, interior glazing and skylights all aid in achieving this goal. Interior materials provide a bright and sophisticated environment that is appropriate for many ages. Contrasting bricks, cast stone, aluminum fascia cornice and a pronounced entrance canopy give this facility its identity. A geothermal system provides heating and cooling. |