2000 / planning , remodel , addition

BBL Architects facilitated the planning and visioning process for Seven Oak, a 750 student capacity grade school. The school is designated as a Benchmark III school that includes students encompassing a five year range. The school is structured with smaller “school communities” comprised of teachers with students ranging across the entire ability and age level.

The existing 1950’s era building no longer met the needs of the student population. As a Benchmark school, it needed to be educationally responsive to the different emotional levels and teaching needs across the entire student population spectrum. A cohesive and inviting image, appropriate for both students and the extensive community use that was anticipated, was a high priority.

The completed project provides a dramatic and visually appealing update. Numerous programming, school/site and master planning meetings were held that included the design team, community members, students, and a variety of representatives from the school district. The result is a cohesive project poised to provide a nurturing environment now and into the future. The facility is an attractive statement of the importance of the education system to the community.

2000 / planning , remodel , addition

This project was preceded by multiple planning and programming meetings with the School District, the school’s administration, teachers, students, parents, facilities staff, food service staff, and school board members. BBL elicited input from all stakeholders, defining and documenting project needs to explore and evaluate design options.

This school has been designated by the Lebanon Community School District as an official “Core Knowledge School.” The primary goal was to create an environment where students gain a well-rounded knowledge of American culture and the many cultures that have contributed to our society. To support this, educational focus is on arts, classics in literature and music, and a strong foundation in math and language arts, with a successful and proven emphasis on teaming with parents to meet student needs.

Not only did the school need to serve a much larger population, it needed a dramatic facelift and overhaul to meet the needs of today’s teaching methodologies and associated technology. Exposed arched wood beams and decking at the ceilings enhance the overall theme of accessibility in a warm and inviting environment. Clerestory windows draw natural light into the library and media center, further supporting the design theme.

Supporting the “Core Knowledge” concept, a new library/media center was located at the core of the school. In addition to new K-8 classrooms for general instruction, office areas, private offices, counseling offices, staff lounge, and a health suite, specialized classrooms were constructed.