Scottsville Elementary School
Scottsville, Virginia
client
Albemarle County Public Schools
size
50,000 sf; 400 students
type
Renovation + Addition
The Addition and Renovation Project for Scottsville Elementary School in Albemarle County reinvigorated a building largely unchanged since 1979 and utilizing mobile classrooms across the site. The school had gained a student population from the closure of a neighboring school and the reinvestment in this now unified facility lets the larger community know this school would be a home for their children for many years to come.
Many stakeholders were enabled as decision makers in the design process through regular meetings with a selected Design Committee, presentations to the school board, and multiple meetings on site with the community, teachers, staff, parents, and students. In the concept phase the community gave feedback on what inspirational images and guiding principles resonated with them. In schematic design community members responded to initial layouts and helped the school form take shape. Blending the addition and the renovation became a crucial goal for the project for inclusivity amongst the students and the community.
The 12 Guiding Principles for Albemarle County Public Schools shaped the design process for the facility and let Scottsville showcase ACPS’ dedication to quality learning environments.
Safety + Security
Choice + Comfort
Project-Based, Problem-Based + Passion-Based Learning
Making Everywhere
Mobility/Interactivity
Transparency
Inside + Outside Learning Environments
Flexibility + Adaptability
Universal Design for Learning/Individualization
Evident Sustainable Design
Unified, Blended + Inclusive
Fun!
Closing Thoughts
Through a 17,000 sf expansion and a 33,000 sf renovation, the school was able to leave their mobile classrooms behind and combine in one integrated building that engages the surrounding rural landscape to blend exterior and interior learning environments.
Awards
Best Project in Design, Renovation-Additions
A4LE Virginia Chapter
