To be the first of its kind to serve kindergarteners through eighth graders with special education needs, the K-8 special education school will be a 70,000 square feet education centre. Designed by the Midwest-based architectural practice BWBR, it will serve a growing need for education services from partner school districts. The school’s 23 classrooms will replace a patchwork of owned and leased spaces throughout the school district’s northeast metropolitan suburbs.
Unlike traditional school floor plans, the new school will feature more open and warm spaces that assist faculty and support the students as they learn life skills of self-regulation, coping, communication, self-efficacy and socialisation. The open designs will empower students to flow through the space, while providing staff the ability to maintain sight and control.
Incorporating connection to nature, the indoor environment will be designed with a calming atmosphere to provide positive effect on student behaviour. It will also create a controlled outdoor space, where students can learn, play and relax along with additional opportunities to learn life skills.
The school will also feature sensory rooms for students who can benefit from such therapies, and exercise areas for motor skill development and student engagement in-line with the designs of other mental health treatment centres.
Northeast Metro 916 serves 10 member school districts providing educational services, special education and administrative services to meet the specific needs of students. Special Education programs at Northeast Metro 916 are designed for students who are affected by neurobiological and behavioural disorders, including autism.
Construction on the project will start on 1 July 2013 and is expected to be complete by July 2014.
