Pleasant City Elementary SchoolWest Palm Beach, FL |
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The two most important considerations for this urban school site were partnership with the community and new urbanism for the City. Surrounded by such community resources as the Pleasant City Heritage Gallery, Cultural Center and City Park, the design of the school demanded multiple street fronts, recognizing the immediate community needs as well as incorporating the City’s architectural requirements. The construction of the new Pleasant City Elementary School allowed students to walk to school for the first time in 37 years. The students, once bused to nine different schools, are now able to attend classes in their neighborhood for the first time since 1965, when the old school closed its doors.
The compact design of the buildings maximizes space for play fields, open areas and miniature courtyards. The two primary buildings are separated to allow flexibility of use. The two-story classroom building houses kindergarten, primary and intermediate students along with administrative rooms strategically located for maximum natural surveillance and security. The media center is centrally located in the campus, and the multipurpose/art/music/dining building is linked via covered walkways to form courtyards, art patios and open areas for student interaction and community functions. This flexibility in design serves multiple needs of the neighborhood.