DESIGNWORKS 2019

Jackson Creek Elementary School

Columbia, SC

LS3P

Mary Beth Branham (Principal in Charge), Allen Taylor (Project Manager), Rohit Patel (Design Architect), Clint Riddle (Project Architect), Paul Domlyn (Interior Designer; FF&E), Bria Prioleau (Intern Architect)

From the beginning of the project the school district tasked the design team to select durable, multifunctional furnishings that align with their 21st century teaching model. Part of the challenge was to select multiple types of furniture that accommodate and contribute to the different ways in which children learn. Through a series of meetings with the principal, the administration, teachers, and even students, the design team selected furniture that gives students options. Allowing students to make choices greatly improves the students daily performance and enhances their ability to concentrate for longer periods of time. The student chairs are made from a durable plastic that is not only easily cleaned, but also incorporates bright fun colors that relate to the interior building finishes. The student desks are a mix of concave and convex table tops offering countless configurations for either group or solo tasks. The size and age-appropriateness of the furniture allows each classroom to offer at least two different size desks, chairs, and even height-adjustable rocking stools. In the central learning hubs outside the classrooms, the design team selected an even wider assortment of furniture that included curved bookshelves with integrated seating, tables with stools, and upholstered risers. This concept is also implemented In the Media Center, where the bookshelves have casters and can be moved to accommodate community meetings. Overstuffed lounge chairs, tables/chairs for activities, and workbenches for student projects all support diverse modes of teaching and learning.