“Upgrading Education”
San Francisco, CA
In Progress
Challenge
How can an independent school optimize its physical environment as a tool to help educate for the 21st century? As the instructional tools of education advance and adapt to incorporate new technology and teaching & learning methods, the physical environment needs to modernize accordingly. Town School for Boys is situated in a mid-century school building while desiring a contemporary learning environment. The school is an aggregate of disjointed additions that hamper programs as it reaches the limits of its ability to support high performance teaching methodologies and new technologies.
Approach
MKThink is working with teachers, administrators and students to develop building-wide strategies that would promote connections between teachers, students and their environment to enhance educational programs. As part of this robust assessment, the team also sees an opportunity to re-envision the organization and efficiency of the building itself. The redevelopment of the building’s Core, Gathering, and Circulation Areas to improve visual and spatial flow between various learning spaces is a critical physical success factor. In addition, the building will be designed to help teach students about science, technology, environment, and architecture, and include new tech labs, a roof-top learning garden, and a new multipurpose and art room. The building will also employ environmental strategies for interior ventilation, thermal comfort control, and daylighting.