Client: Capitol Region Education Council (CREC)
Location: Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Size: 89,693 SF
Completion: 2020
Grade Level: Pre-K through 5
Capacity: 704
The Academy of Aerospace & Engineering Elementary School is focused on providing students Grade Pre-K through 5 with strong foundational knowledge in STEM subjects. Scientific wonder inspires the school's design and encourages exploration and curiosity in students.
The radial layout of the school provides a safe and secure courtyard for students to gather and play, separate from vehicular circulation. This layout also allows students to experience the earth's changing position relative to the sun throughout the year, marked by the building's form. In fact, during solstice and equinox events, students may view the sun as it rises and sets through corridors that radiate from the center of the site.
Further exploration is encouraged through other unique design features. For example, the window composition illustrates sound and gravitational waves, while graphic depictions of a solar eclipse energize the facade. Furthermore, each classroom pod has a unique visual identity with the use of Newton's color wheel in both the interior and exterior design elements.
The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) chose a different direction in the design of their library. Instead of creating a traditional media center, they chose a different direction in the design of their library. Instead of building a traditional media center, they chose to build a makerspace at each grade level. In these makerspaces, there are both fixed shelving for book storage relevant to the grade level it serves, as well as flexible bookshelves and mobile soft seating that can be used to create separated spaces for group work.
Awards
Best in Class: Education, 2021 Annual Connecticut Real Estate Awards, CREW Connecticut
Outstanding Design, Elementary School, American School & University Architectural Portfolio (2021)
Photographs by: Robert Benson Photography