Thomas P. Hopkins Memorial Commendation Project name: Blanche A. Ames Elementary School
Project overview: The PK-2 School is a carefully crafted learning environment featuring design features that respond to the unique cognitive, social-emotional, and physical needs that PK-2 aged students have. Built with a focus on wellness and sustainability, the school incorporates innovative features to promote active learning and a healthy atmosphere.
Design components engage all five senses at every corner and at a young person’s scale. Outdoor learning spaces foster a connection to nature. The classrooms are arranged to maximize daylight and minimize glare, creating a comfortable and conducive learning environment.
Student gardens and teaching kitchens further support the experiential learning program. These hands-on experiences help them develop a deeper understanding of their environment and their place within it.
Community involvement built consensus and shared ownership of the design. In addition to multiple stakeholder groups, a group of six local high school students collaborated on design choices, graphic information, historical facts, and orchid iconography; the results of this multi-year collaboration are on display throughout the building and campus.
The team focused on energy consumption and set a goal to achieve and exceed the LEED standards under the Materials and Resources and IEQ sections. Additionally, the project pursued Innovation and Pilot credits centered around the quality of the spaces.
The school is a testament to the belief that education should be a holistic experience. By combining innovative design, a focus on sustainability, and a curriculum that promotes active learning, the school creates a space where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Project location: North Easton, MA, Massachusetts
Firm name: Perkins Eastman
Architect of Record: Perkins Eastman Architects DPC
Jury comments: There is commendable work done related to the project’s Indoor Air Quality, as well as material transparency. The team’s response to the Design for Well-Being measure is excellent and the building is age appropriate relative to the interior environments. The themed learning corridors and integral ramping are quite successful, and the entire building is designed as a sustainable learning experience.
Images/Photographer(s): Photography by Andrew Rugge. Copyright by Perkins Eastman General Contractor: Brait Builders Project or Construction Manager: PMA Consultants Civil Engineer: Nitsch Engineering Specifications: Lund Associates Structural: Girard & Company Mechanical: GGD Engineerins Electrical: GGD Engineers Plumbing: VAV International Acoustics: Cavanaugh Tocci Associates Audio Visual: Point Line Space Interiors: Perkins Eastman Landscaping: Traverse Landscape
