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VIEJA VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
Updating a library designed in the early 1960's demanded creative thinking to increase space and incorporate educational technology. A steering committee made up of school board members, teachers, the librarian, a technology instructor and parents led to a design that established the library as unique on campus - an environment where scale, color and natural light combined to create a quiet warmth.
Reading nooks and a "creation station" equipped with video and computer equipment evolved directly from student ideas and parent participation. Two teachers suggested including a video production studio, allowing them to expand the ability to produce campus-wide broadcasts of student television programs.
The textured surfaces of concrete masonry units, both on the exterior and interior, helped evoke a quiet learning environment. Concrete masonry units used in the school's original building were no longer available, but similar-colored block was found to echo the surrounding campus structures. Another benefit of concrete masonry units was simplifying the structural shear system of the building.
ARCHITECT:
Phillips Metsch Sweeney
Moore Architects
2020 Alameda Padre Serra
Santa Barbara, California
93103
Steve Metsch, AIA
Principal In Charge
Fred Sweeney, AIA
Project Designer
Ernie Knapp, AIA
Project Architect