A New Life for Stevens Elementary School and its Neighbors

Abstract

A powerful school environment unites an entire community. This thesis addresses ways to bring together neighborhoods; in particular to strengthen the relationship between the child and the city. It focuses on children in an urban atmosphere and the connection at many levels between home and school, between the public and private realm. In studying this connection, this thesis explores a site located where business district and residential zone meet.

In Washington, D.C., city schools have long been the core of the urban community, today, however, most of these schools are old and lacking in amenities. This thesis program explores a new school model where the existing infrastructure of historic schools is used as the core of a new community center within the school. In addition to the historical school, program elements to help foster new growth on the site for the school and community include outdoor play areas, a gymnasium, theatre, and library.