Tarver Elementary School

1. 2008 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture Tarver Elementary School Temple, Texas Elementary School New Construction Project SHW Group

2. Tarver Elementary School

3. Community Environment: The intent of the multipurpose room is for students to display artwork and science projects. Depending on the school’s use, the transparent room is easily converted between the two subjects, creating a constant learning atmosphere. Located near the school’s main entrance, visitors can observe students participating in these various activities. This area is also located near the administrative suite, allowing for constant supervision by numerous adults.

4. Community Environment: There was need for the library and cafeteria to be designed to serve for after hours use for community programs. Security for the facility was a must, so a clear sense of entry and supervision of this entry was necessary.

5. Learning Environment: An important vision and design expectation for the campus was for the students to be excited about learning. Communal hubs join each grade level to create an environment for learners and facilitators to collaborate and participate in joint learning. Students are able to interact with each other and students have the opportunity to enhance what they have learned in the classroom.

6. Learning Environment: A unique design notation was incorporating the stage area into the play area. These spaces are separated by moveable wall during a performance. When the stage area is not in use, the wall remains open for the students to use during their time in the play area. This feature also helped reduce the building’s overall square footage.

7. Physical Environment: The ‘Learning Courtyard’ is the connection between the science labs and the learning environment. This space is directly accessed from the science classrooms, allowing students so conduct and study outdoor experiments.

8. Physical Environment: A protective play area, for the youngest children, including a tricycle track is located between two classroom wings. Playground equipment is also in the area for the students’ recess time.

9. Planning Process: Rather than continuing with the existing plan, the district enlisted the architect’s help to create an innovative campus design where children can be constantly stimulated by their learning surroundings. The District wanted to create a “WOW’ factor and cause students to be excited when entering the building. This ‘kid-centered’ environment will be the District’s template for future elementary schools.

10. Planning Process: The planning and design process involved a detailed design program that was created through discussions with the District’s administration staff. The initial design concepts were developed by a team of school staff, students and architects working together in the school District’s administration office. The five day design forum allowed for open discussions and new expectations to be set between all parties invested in the new elementary school.

11. Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data

12. Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details