ELMHURST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOLEDO, OHIO
2008
TOLEDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Elmhurst Elementary School is a new K - 5 school for 457 students located next to a small park in a secluded urban neighborhood. The 55,472 SF building is sited behind the original school which has been deconstructed to provide an expansive front green and recreational field which supports the School in the Park goals.
Designed with classroom clusters organized around a courtyard, the single story design features a linear spine and loop circulation concept. A Grand Corridor connects both sides of the site with entrances at each end and passes adjacent to an internal courtyard surrounded by the Classroom wings. This organizational concept provides variety and interest to the experience of the learning environment for the students and staff, as well as abundant natural daylighting and views at the edges and corners.
The color theory employs the strong use of Red and Gray to identify selected spaces, entrances, and circulation spaces to encourage fluid movement and wayfinding. Designated to include the sight challenged students of the District, the building and the site are integrated to provide stimulating venues for learning.
Program elements of administration, music, art, media center and lab, gymnasium, and student dining facilities dynamically converge with the ring of classrooms around the courtyard. Clocks, canopies, and large bay windows featuring the name of the school compose the entries and denote civic identity.
Sustainable initiatives include orientation for and incorporation of natural day-lighting, and storm water management through rain garden islands and the formed bowl effect of the fields.
