The design emphasizes treating the classroom as a home and a community gathering space based on discussions with teachers and community members. By repurposing the abandoned Dowa Yalanne Elementary School, outdoor and communal spaces are maximized by cutting the “Cookie-cutter”. The layout reflects the geology of Dowa Yalanne Mesa (DY) and supports community, education, and their integration.
Current Elementary School (left) and Middle Village (right)
Dowa Yalanne (DY) Layers and Original Building, Using Commuity and Educational Programmatic Elements to Cut the “Cookie Cutter” Floor Plan with Community Elements (North), Educational Elements (South), and the Shared Interests North South Section throughLearning, Place to Eat, and Crafting Spaces West East Section through Place to EatRendering of Front Entrance Rendering of the Classroom as an Extension of the HomeRendering of a Place to Eat