Bold Charter School

The Opportunity

Bold’s vision is to provide a world-class education driven by personal habit-development, independence, strong community relationships, and shared values to set students on a path towards a self-determined life. In response to Bold’s mission statement, the building is designed as a series of learning neighborhoods that extend the urban landscape into the school using typologies of the plaza, home, landmarks, and porches/pathways.

Our Approach

Large windows in each classroom provide access to daylight and views, with a building scale that is relatable to the surrounding, largely residential community. The use of brick contextualizes the school to its nearby neighborhood typologies and material vernacular, lending a reliable, integrated feel. Entrances are inviting and prominent, relating to the adjacent street context, while expressing Bold’s identity and branding. Exposure to a variety of subjects, through project-based, discovery-focused curriculum is critical in developing student passions, interests, and confidence in learning. STEAM-focused classrooms at the corner of the building provide a visible connection for students and their families to view active student work, inviting further investigation and curiosity, which promotes learning. Community engagement is supported by locating the commons and gymnasium at grade level, which allows direct, but controlled access for school and community use.

Program

Classrooms, gymnasium, science labs, office, makerspace, occupiable roof, administrative space

Partners

AKRF, Civil
IMEG, Structural
MG Engineering, MEP/FP
JEM West, Food Service
Kelmar Designs, Contractor