Minerva Park Middle School, Westerville City Schools

CLIENT VISION

The Owner gave the design team a monumental task when they asked them to design a middle school that was emblematic of unity. The team embraced this idea and took to defining what unity could and should mean in this context. They settled on the idea of a school that provides inspiration for the development of the mind, body, and spirit of its students, faculty, and community.

The building is organized around the development of the “whole” individual. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) promotes a connection between the brain (thinking) and the heart (feeling). Therefore, the “whole” may be the development of the mind, body, and spirit, or the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the middle school age learner. Middle school is a period of high emotions and character forming moments for students as well as a period of change and discovery in one’s own body and physical abilities. Spaces are designed to promote social and emotional learning and each student’s journey towards self, and eventually, community actualization – a model for not only learning to be content with oneself but also a contributor to the surrounding community.

The building embodies these concepts and enhances student learning and current teaching methods in various ways.  The cafeteria was made a central focus to the design, providing a space symbolic of the dinner table where people come to break bread and learn about each other in numerous intimate seating areas. The media center was provided with stunning views to the natural environment and abundant amounts of controlled daylighting making it a destination for academic achievement. An elaborate courtyard with a labyrinth was created as a place for reflection and contemplation. A variety of artwork, informational and interactive displays throughout common areas provide a safe place to pause and reflect as well as encourage social interaction, unity, and connectedness.

CHALLENGES THAT WERE OVERCOME

This project was completed in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This impacted the project in several ways. One obvious way was construction cost. Despite skyrocketing costs, we were able to get bids to move the project forward.