STEWART MIDDLE SCHOOL, TACOMA, WA

The Stewart Middle School renovation transforms the 1920’s landmark building into a facility focused on the unique needs of 21st century middle school students. The school is divided into small learning communities of about 120 peers to help ease students from an elementary school environment into one more similar to high school, with increased independence and changing classes.

In addition to creating safe interior spaces, we also designed an exterior space specifically for students to socialize and run off steam before and after school. The school security office overlooks this plaza, rather than the vehicular areas, to ensure a safe environment. The end product is a cheerfully daylit school, which fosters a sense of community and curiosity where students can learn and grow..

Transparency throughout the building not only helps bring daylight deep into the space, but also provides a safe environment for learning. As middle school students straddle the line between childhood and adulthood – learning what their interests are and who they will be – the passive supervision afforded through relights and windows allows them to test their independence within the safety of caring adults who are watching and supporting them. Transparency into the multi-purpose Da Vinci labs also showcases the exciting STEM projects their peers are working on.