◆ Architecture
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
Woodland Elementary School
Aurora,
Colorado
In response to the growing District, Cherry Creek Schools identified the need to build a new elementary school, and funding was approved in the 2020 bond. The new Woodland Elementary School now serves approximately 650 students to accommodate future growth and alleviate overcrowding at nearby elementary schools.
Elementary Schools
Project Details
- Square Footage: 74,000 sf
- Project Cost: $29.8M
Design Details
- Collaborative design process
- Outdoor learning and dining spaces
- Flexible common areas
- Extensive daylighting
- Library of Innovation, art and maker space, and gym-a-torium
- Innovative 21st Century learning spaces
- Outdoor access from classrooms
- Color used for wayfinding and grade identity
- Photography by David Lauer
The L-shaped building is simply organized to wrap around the main entry and parking lot, insulating the play area against the residential neighborhood. The orientation of the classrooms utilizes natural lighting and allows each room direct access to the outdoors. Color throughout the school is used for wayfinding and grade-level identity.
The floor plan allows classrooms to serve as dynamic, flexible, progressive learning environments capable of supporting multiple modes of teaching, learning, and educational activities. Grouped by grade level, each classroom cluster sits adjacent to an activity commons separated by garage doors that can be opened to allow classes to come together. Other spaces include a Gym-a-torium, indoor-outdoor dining spaces, a Library of Innovation, art, and maker space. Building security meets district-wide standards and uses a layered approach that includes a secured perimeter, controlled entry vestibule, building compartmentalization, and office-direct call buttons.
The design concept was developed in collaboration with RTA and the Design Advisory Committee (DAC). The DAC, comprised of key District staff and leadership, met more than 12 times to identify the design concept and goals. Community meetings, user group meetings, and a design workshop provided additional forums for stakeholders to provide input throughout the design process, ensuring that the new school met the needs of the community and aligned with District vision and goals.