Add as a preferred source on Google

A.G. Bell Elementary School

Lake Washington School District, Kirkland, Wash.

  • 09/01/15

A.G. Bell Elementary SchoolWith an existing forest and wetland, significant slopes and a sprawling campus, the replacement of A.G. Bell Elementary posed challenging natural and built constraints. DLR Group’s design brings restoration to the fractured site by integrating its unique qualities in a school enabled to meet educational goals, sustainably reduce the cost of ownership and reinforce community connections. Featuring roof canopies and staggered elevations, the building complements nearby vegetation and maximizes daylight through sunshades, light-diffusing glass and deliberate orientation, reinforcing transparent learning environments.

The surrounding forest was left intact, requiring diligent phasing of the occupied site and integration of walking paths to surrounding neighborhoods. Based on two primary circulation axes, A.G. Bell Elementary offers ease of circulation, equal access to shared learning spaces and pays homage to the former school through the reuse of salvaged cedar wood covering the library (seen prominently from the entryway and lobby). With a clear, welcoming entry and adequate space designed for community and school use, A.G. Bell Elementary is now enabled to serve both its students and community.

A.G. Bell Elementary SchoolARCHITECT

DLR Group
NOAH GREENBERG
206.461.6000

PROJECT INFORMATION

CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Forrest Miller

COMPLETION DATE
September 2013

GROSS AREA
65,306 sq. ft.

PER STUDENT
119 sq. ft.

SITE SIZE
9 acres

CURRENT ENROLLMENT
N/A

CAPACITY
550 students

COST PER STUDENT
$36,363

COST PER SQ. FT.
$306

TOTAL COST
N/A

COMPANY PROFILE

Founded in Omaha in 1966, DLR Group has grown to 22 offices across the U.S., Shanghai, and Dubai and over 600 employees combining international experience with local expertise. As an integrated design firm, we provide architecture, design, engineering and planning.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Anderson Brulé Architects Rebrands as ABA Studios

    Anderson Brulé Architects, based in San Jose, Calif., recently announced that it is celebrating 40 years of service by rebranding under a new name, according to a news release. The architectural, interior design, and planning firm will now be known as ABA Studios to refresh its identity underneath a new generation of leadership.

  • Los Angeles City College Breaks Ground on New Administration, Workforce Building

    Los Angeles City College (LACC) in Los Angeles, Calif., recently broke ground on a new $72-million administrative facility, according to a news release. The Cesar Chavez Administration and Workforce Building will stand four stories, cover 67,230 square feet, and play home to a wide variety of the school’s educational and administrative services.

  • California K–12 District Opens New Athletic Complex, Gym

    The San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) in San Mateo, Calif., recently announced the completion of two new athletics facilities: a new gymnasium at Burlingame High School, and a new athletic training complex at San Mateo High School, according to a news release.

  • UNL Kiewit Hall

    Designing for Engineering Excellence: Integrating Sustainability and Wellness at UNLs Kiewit Hall

    Kiewit Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln exemplifies how academic institutions can integrate sustainability and wellness into modern learning environments. With an integrated and collaborative team approach, Kiewit Hall addresses enhanced learning and creativity, physical health, and mental wellness, and fosters a sense of community through innovative design, operations, and policy solutions.

Digital Edition