Bryan Road Elementary School represents the evolution of the Wake County Public School System’s prototype to meet their updated design guidelines. The elementary school prototype, originally designed by our K-12 practice in 1995, has been the basis for 14 different schools over the years (including the recently completed Abbotts Creek Elementary School), adapting to changing curriculum and performance requirements.
Bryan Road Elementary School is one of the first schools to incorporate design components to support Wake County’s 2020 Strategic Plan. In an effort to create a school system where all students can be successful, WCPSS has adopted the goals that their facilities shall incorporate components to support collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking.
Using the learning commons as a vehicle to expand learning in the building, we have created these spaces by reimagining the corridor at each grade level cluster, creating a space that is large enough to support several classrooms of students.
These tangible goals translate into building components by thinking about how learning happens throughout the building – not just in the classrooms. Using the learning commons as a vehicle to expand learning in the building, we have created these spaces by reimagining the corridor at each grade level cluster, creating a space that is large enough to support several classrooms of students. In addition, there are visual connections between the classrooms and the learning commons to allow students to work independently, in small groups, or to enable interaction and collaboration among several classrooms in one grade. The learning commons features instructional technology including monitors and writing surfaces, promoting creativity and engagement.
The 52-classroom facility is designed with a courtyard bounded by the classroom wings and the main core. The courtyard houses the play areas for the Pre-K and K-2 students, while play areas for grades three through five are located at the adjacent to the playing field. The multipurpose field serves as a community resource thanks to interlocal agreements between the Town of Garner and the school system; it hosts town recreation programs as well as student activities. A separate parking area is provided for town use during the school day. Additionally, a walking track along the newly developed greenway is used by both the school and the community.
Located on Bryan Road in Garner, NC, the elementary school occupies the south portion of its 50+ acre site, which is large enough to accommodate a future middle school. A bus loop, concrete sidewalks, and more than 100 paved parking spaces provide safe vehicular and pedestrian access.
