Sunset Ridge School District 29 selected Wight as the design competition winner for a new replacement 4-8 grade school in the District. Drawing from our lessons learned in consensus building and integrating new input-gathering technologies, Wight worked closely with district leaders on a structured engagement process to aid decision-making and foster community support. Recognizing that the developmental needs of children evolve as they grow and learn, the design concept explored and articulated the transitions they encounter as they move through their middle school years.
The school is a living laboratory that includes photovoltaic roof panels, rain harvesting mechanisms, a 300-gallon fish tank, and an outdoor nature area with a bird sanctuary and butterfly garden. Around the building, every opportunity was taken to maximize green space for sporting events and other learning activities. All of this is balanced against the need for extended, on-site parking and drop-off lanes.
Me – We – Community
The theme of “community” was important in creating a culture of learning, social/emotional growth, and awareness beyond school. Spaces of varying sizes were designed to support communities of learners, providing options for working independently (me), in small groups (we), or in multi-grade groups (community). Classrooms for 4th–5th grade are designed to nurture the individual spirit of the child, while introducing opportunities for small group interaction. Classrooms for 6th grade provide a transition to prepare children for increased collaboration and autonomy. Lastly, 7th–8th grade classrooms provide additional opportunities for students to connect with each other and the broader school community.
A Hard-Working Commons
The unique ‘Village Commons’ blends the library, dining, and performance spaces to nurture community collaboration. To accommodate individual styles of learning and “maker” activities, a variety of age-specifc furniture supports student fexibility and activates the space. A learning stair provides additional seating to accommodate larger groups in front of the performance stage.
Movable theatre seating accommodates 275 people when the wall is closed, and up to 400 people with chairs/risers added in the dining area. Casual seating on the learning stair offers 70 additional seats for performances or graduation. The folding partition connects the school’s past with its future by featuring archived imagery with today’s students.
Showcasing the food service area in the daylight-flled Village Commons has encouraged more students to eat lunch together. The café also serves larger community events.
The second level reading loft provides a special place for encouraging autonomy in students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Showcasing the food service area in the daylight-flled Village Commons has encouraged more students to eat lunch together. The café also serves larger community events.
The second level reading loft provides a special place for encouraging autonomy in students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
See-through glass shelving provides learning on display, allowing projects and work in the studio to be seen from the Learning Commons and the student corridor.
Centered in the south façade is the two-story Learning Commons, vertically connecting the academic neighborhoods while providing ample natural light.
See-through glass shelving provides learning on display, allowing projects and work in the studio to be seen from the Learning Commons and the student corridor.
Centered in the south façade is the two-story Learning Commons, vertically connecting the academic neighborhoods while providing ample natural light.
Designed around the concept of connectedness, grades are organized into three academic neighborhoods based on children’s developmental needs.
Awards:
2018 Exceptional Planning Recognition, LESolutions Planning & Design Awards, Association for Learning Environments
2018 Project of Distinction, New Building, Excellence in the Design of Educational Environments, Illinois Association of School Boards
2018 Grand Prize Award, Excellence in Educational Design, New Construction/Addition, Combined-Level School, Learning By Design
LEED Platinum Certification
