I will admit, my first thought was that this school was in a Nordic country. Awesomely, it is not; it’s in Arkansas, with an amazing design that wraps a couple of buildings in a sculptural and continual roof that turns downward to become a screen wall.
And something about that matte grey metal really works here – it’s not a bland neutral, but instead subtlety reflects the hues of its surroundings and of the ever-changing sky. It also pairs well with the wood of the building itself that resides behind the sheltered arcade/atrium created by the screen wall. Then add in a sweet connection to its site (including on-site stormwater catching), a site replete with native plantings, and a couple of protected courtyards with playful water elements. Good stuff.
Inside the spaces follow the bold lines of the roof to create dynamic and bold spaces that also tie themselves to the outside. And that cafeteria! Wood slat roof (with chandeliers) creating this striking and strong linear pull towards the grand vista.
Certainly, we all need an artistic photo of rain drops falling onto our educational pool…
High grade work! And only one of several buildings on this property that follow the school’s teaching organization of Reels (narrative and visual communications through film), Wheels (physics and mechanics through bikes), and Meals (biology and chemistry through food).
Home Building at Thaden School by Eskew+Dumez+Ripple (and the master campus plan can be found here!)
Lynx Thoughts 