Exceptional School Prototype

Design

Architecture

Nina B. Harris & Paul B. Stephens

This school focuses on developing independent living skills for K-12 students who have physical and mental disabilities. To facilitate this mission, GLE’s staff interviewed parents, teachers, therapists and other staff who have extensive experience working with special students. 

Natural and indirect lighting, which is more soothing than direct lighting, is used throughout the $13.3 million, 99,245 square-foot facility.  Each color-coded wing features a life-skills area with accessible appliances where the students learn to cook, do laundry and prepare for independent living.  

Brightly colored equipment and wheelchair-adapted swing sets dot the playground, which, like the indoor gym, has rubberized flooring for added protection.  Other safety features are hydro-operated lifts to help students in wheelchairs get into the water as well as retractable covers for the pool and a hydro-spa that are strong enough to walk on when the pools are not in use.  In addition, the design captured space out of the classrooms to provide more room for storage of wheelchairs and oxygen tanks and larger restrooms to accommodate wheelchairs and changing tables.

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