The Commodore John Barry Elementary School accommodates 646 students on Philadelphia’s west side. Surrounded by two-story brick row houses, the design was challenged to create a first rate academic facility on a tight site.
Preserving 40% of the site as open space was achieved through careful placement of outdoor spaces for all ages. From at grade play structure and a half-court to the roof-top learning environments, the school does not shy from a connection to the outdoors.
The design divides the school into three vertical zones. The base zone houses community spaces including the lobby, cafetorium and administrative offices. The middle zone (floors two and three) consists of classrooms arranged to create smaller internal communities, either “small schools within a school” or grade related instructional clusters.
The two story Gymnasium occupies the center of the middle zone with strategic views to circulation. The third zone features classrooms for arts, science and media share outdoor decks that can be used for hands-on learning experiences and student collaboration.
Extensive daylighting, water conservation, and increased energy performance makes this school a showcase for environmental stewardship while also becoming a pillar for the community.
Team:
Architects: Ross Barney Architects
Client: School District of Philadelphia
Collaborative Partners: The Seward Partnership, Associate Architect
Photography Credit: © Matt Wargo
