Northwood Elementary School
- Type: New Replacement School
- Size/Area: 100,213 SF
- Owner: Washington County Public Schools
- Location: 17525 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg, MD 21782
Northwood Elementary School’s motto of “We’re fierce about
learning” inspired a reinvigorated elementary school on an expansive site
within the City of Baltimore. During the stakeholder process, the community
desired this unusual urban green space to feel like a park; dreaming of walking
the site for exercise and playing together with their children.
With the existing building remaining occupied during
construction and a recreation center to remain, the goal was to nestle the new
facility between the existing structures using two distinct volumes, public and
academic, that are direct reactions to their surrounding streets and urban
edges.
Baltimore City Public Schools was keen on adopting next
generation learning for grades pre-kindergarten through 5th in the 110,213
SF, two-story school. A mixture of both traditional classrooms and
collaborative learning areas appeal to every learning style, providing a
variety of environments to choose from. A support core in the center of the
building affords necessary functions for teacher planning and resource rooms.
Collaborative areas large enough for multiple classrooms
to congregate on each floor offer inspiring views and utilize dynamic and
moveable furniture. These vibrant spaces feature unique floor and ceiling
designs to distinguish collaboration from adjacent circulation spaces.
Public spaces are located adjacent to the existing
recreation center with a separate entrance for after school access and can be
isolated from the academic wing. Community spaces included pantries and a
family resource room addressing regional needs.
Learning environments extend beyond the building onto the
spectacular site with an art plaza, reading garden, music venue, play areas,
meadow garden, and a nature trail. An outdoor learning space with fixed seating
and teaching wall is situated directly outside the main level collaboration
space. Raised planter beds teach kids about healthy eating habits and offer an
area for them to grow and harvest their own vegetables.
Organic
pedestrian pathways now strategically connect to the surrounding neighborhood
offering special park moments for exploration and play. Ultimately, the
integration of the building and site are brilliantly intertwined into a
holistic community beacon.
Project Awards
- 2024 Outstanding Project Award from Learning By Design
photography by Judy Davis, Architectural Photographer
