Paw Paw Public School's approved Bond Program is currently in the design and planning stage for its first phase of projects, which includes an addition to the High School's cafeteria and a new Early Childhood Education Center. Collaboratively, key design principles for each of these projects have been established by the district administration, key stakeholders, and its design and construction team.
The following key principles serve as the driving force throughout each phase of design and planning and ensure the delivery of healthy educational environments with the safety of students and staff as a top priority.
HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA ADDITION
KEY DESIGN PRINCIPLES
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER
KEY DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Key Principle #1: Commitment to Educational Excellence
Provide a world class educational environment for students, staff, and families, supporting the achievement of all developmental milestones for early learners in the district.
Takeaways:
Daytime light exposure can boost learning (sunlight during the school day displayed 26% higher reading outcomes)
Interaction with the natural environment is good for learning (students with unrestricted views of nature tested higher in reading, math, and language arts than students with urban views or no views)
Classroom environments may be distracting for students. Noise (students can't focus), temperature (optimal 68-74 degrees), and seating arrangement (impacts attention) all attribute to the 15% improvement in academic outcomes that is influenced by the classroom environment.
Key Principle #2: Healthy Environments
Provide learning facilities and grounds which focuses on healthy solutions in the selection of building materials, air quality, daylight and views. Provide age appropriate nutritional offerings with a focus on healthy outcomes. Provide connections to nature throughout. Promote movement, play and joy.
Key Principle #3: Safe and Secure Facility
Design the site and building with sightlines, secure drop-off and pick-up, and intuitive wayfinding for all ages in mind. Support technology systems which enhance safety and security.
Key Principle #4: Equity and Inclusion for All
Provide facilities which provide for appropriate and inclusive scale, access, and use for all students, staff and families.
Key Principle #4:
Durability and Longevity
Select materials and details which focus on promotion of health and wellness, ease of use, maintenance, cleanability, and consideration of life cycle costing.
Key Principle #5:
Sustainability and Ecological Impact
Focus on materials, systems and designs which minimize resource use and environmental impact. Use the building as a way to introduce sustainable ideas into the curriculum at an early age.
Information provided by Tower Pinkster, the Grand Rapids based architectural, engineering and interior design team leading this process