Project Description
GWWO worked with Harford County Public Schools to design a new 101,000-SF elementary school to serve the Bel Air area. Designed to accommodate 676 elementary students, the new facility eases enrollment pressures as the area experiences expansion associated with BRAC. The new school serves residents representing a wide range of economic, educational and cultural diversity. GWWO worked to incorporate the needs of an interested and involved population so that the new school provides all students with the best educational opportunities possible.
The design of the new school centers around a common circulation spine that is easily accessible from all areas of the school and provides excellent supervision from the centrally located administrative spaces. Similar program elements are grouped in each of the three wings to take advantage of the topography of the site which includes considerable change in grade as well as offering greater flexibility for educational uses.
The school has many sustainable features including low e-glass which reduces energy costs, extensive daylighting throughout the classrooms and common spaces, bike racks on site to encourage “green transportation” and the usage of native plants that do not require watering.