Durango School District R-9
Durango, Colorado
Located in a rural area of the Durango School District, this Pk-5 school was selected to be expanded to accommodate 225 students. This expansion nearly doubled the size of the enrollment and the physical size of the school. Due to the timing and extent of the work the design was planned around the continued occupancy of the building while the additions and renovations were constructed.
Lantz-Boggio Architects orchestrated an intensive planning and design process that involved a large share of the staff and community. The process was very participatory so the result is truly a design that reflects the values and program delivery methods of this community school. The District provided a framework building program which required refinement for this particular facility and location. In addition the District established objectives which were to be accomplished for every project included in the bond program. Some of these objectives were:
· Community identity
· Easy identification of the main entry
· Upgrading the image of the structure
· Integration of this teams efforts with those of other development teams in the program
· Creation of a functional school
· Improved site circulation
Major program elements for Sunnyside Elementary School included:
· A new primary wing including a Preschool
· An addition to the intermediate competent of the school
· A new support space addition which included a Media Center, Computer Room, Cafeteria and Kitchen and Administrative Offices.
· A new music classroom
· Remodeling of the existing school to include new classrooms, reading suite and faculty areas
· Mechanical and electrical upgrades to existing systems
· New bus drive, expanded parking and parent drop-off/pick-up
· Relocated play grounds and new primary playgrounds
· Relocated high pressure gas line to accommodate a more functional school facility
· New septic systems and improved fire protection capabilities including a fire sprinkler system designed to operate from water storage tanks and a pressure pump system.
The planning concept utilizes a double-height “spine” to organize the new spaces around the existing gymnasium. The “spine” and entry canopy establish a strong visual presence for the school. The program areas of the facility are located to provide easy access by the public and security of a large portion of the building during off-hours events.
