The project objective was to design a school that would serve the programmatic needs of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in Bryan, TX. Our program put the Arts back in STEM. Rather than teach those subjects in a vacuum, STEAM programs integrate them in an inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum that more closely aligns with what students will experience in college and the workforce. Our objective was to design an interactive building that helps students foster creativity in a dynamic working environment.

The constraining square site called for an efficient parkings, service and transportation layout. The school was designed respecting the city’s 25ft set back and vertical buildable area. In order to preserve the maximum outdoor space, the classrooms were stacked to create a second level. The bus drop off, and parking drop off,  circulation paths were designed to be engaging passageways for students and staff to interact with daily. 

The roof angle was designed to mirror the functions of the interior atrium, and the form was elevated to allow for best natural light. The atrium volume is celebrated through the structural rigid steel frames that encapsulates the shared learning spaces and main circulation  paths.