Pointview Elementary was originally constructed according to the "open classroom" movement of the '60 and '70s. Movable walls provided little sound isolation and were difficult to operate, lack of windows and misguided ventilation made the rooms uncomfortable. We gutted the interior, placed the media center in the center of the building, and arranged classrooms around the edge. This way, students of different ages interact in the wide-open media center, and the classrooms provide natural light and sound isolation.
The design was largely inspired by engagement sessions with students and staff. Pointview serves a diverse population and students wanted everyone to feel welcome, so the door to the school office says "Welcome" in over a dozen languages. The lighthouse feature in the media center anchors the supervisor's desk, and the blue floor represents the ocean, complete with turtles, mermaids, and even a sea monster.
The theme continues through "Emma's Glass Roof" (a hallway with a glass roof suggested by a student named Emma) into a new wing that terminates in a circular art room. The nearly 360° floor-to-ceiling windows have blinds that are remote-controlled, as does the opening in the ceiling that allows the room to double as a functional sundial!
Pointview Elementary School
Category
Early Childhood School/Elementary School
Description
Project Location:
Westerville, OH
Architecture Firm
TRIAD Architects
Columbus, OH
www.triadarchitects.com
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Photography By:
@Kate Horgan Photography
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