The recently opened 4,000-sf, $5.9-million Kennedy Middle School Administration/Family Center, designed by HED, is the combination of an administration building and a Welcome Center that caters to whole families.
Over the past few years, the existing school had been expanded, resulting in a campus configuration where the administration was now internal to the campus making it difficult for visitors to find and creating security concerns with visitors walking through the campus.
Additionally, Redwood City has seen a substantial change in demographics over the last two decades that has resulted in a much more diverse student body, which meant Kennedy Middle School needed a way to engage with this new community.
The goal of the project was to create and administration building that acted as a hub for the community, as well as a welcome center and control point for those visiting the campus. The building’s placement succeeded in reorienting the campus and creating an obvious entry while keeping the architecture to a scale complementary to its surroundings.
“We were able to develop a building that serves a multitude of needs,” said project architect Juan Pagan in a release. “It serves as an administration building that is fully connected with the community. The mix of private and shared spaces foster collaboration between families, students, and staff that strengthens Kennedy’s role as the center of its community. The design presents a contemporary view of what K-12 education can be.”
Related Stories
University Buildings | Apr 26, 2017
UMass Amherst is home to America’s first CLT academic building
The building brings the architecture, landscape architecture, and building technology departments under one roof.
Higher Education | Apr 24, 2017
Small colleges face challenges — and opportunities
Moody’s Investor Service forecasts that closure rates for small institutions will triple in the coming years, and mergers will double.
Green | Mar 29, 2017
Copenhagen Zoo and BIG unveil yin yang-shaped panda habitat
The new habitat will sit between two existing buildings, including the Elephant House designed by Norman Foster.
K-12 Schools | Mar 9, 2017
The future of education facilities: Creating spaces where learning happens everywhere
The art of designing schools lies not in just understanding what makes a functional classroom, but in how successful we are in creating a wide array of educational options for teachers and students within the school environment.
School Construction | Feb 26, 2017
A new survey finds education construction activity going strong this year
Surveys of school districts and colleges, though, raise questions about financing for future projects.
Education Facilities | Feb 7, 2017
Let’s get physical: Design possibilities for the digital classroom
As companies are increasingly looking for people who can do things like communicate clearly, solve complex challenges, lead teams, and define strategic direction, a growing number of learners are turning to any resource where they can learn these skills quickly, effectively and in sync with their busy lives, writes Gensler's Meghan Webster.
Architects | Jan 19, 2017
Harley Ellis Devereaux merges with Deems Lewis McKinley
The combination is expected to bolster HED’s presence in northern California and the K-12 sector.
Education Facilities | Jan 17, 2017
A charter school gives adults a second chance at earning a high school diploma
A dingy basement in Washington is converted to an office-like learning environment.
Education Facilities | Jan 10, 2017
Outdoor educational environments provide a campus experience
Interior and exterior spaces harmoniously provide a campus experience to challenge children in the classroom, while also providing opportunities for learning and play outside.
Education Facilities | Dec 14, 2016
Design for NYU’s new $1 billion academic and student housing development revealed
The building has been opposed for years as activists called for the land to become a public park.