Berkshire Elementary School

Baltimore, MD

Details: Prototype school design; Media center, cafeteria, gymnasium, general classrooms; Shared space for the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks use; LEED Silver Certified

Owner: Baltimore County Public Schools

Services: Feasibility Study, Sustainable Design, Interior Design, Full Design Services, Construction Administration, Building Information Modeling

A replacement school located on a tight site within a densely populated residential neighborhood, the new Berkshire Elementary School maximizes learning spaces, both indoors and out.

Comprised of a two-story classroom wing and a one-story cafeteria/gymnasium wing linked by a central core, the new school features a variety of interwoven collaboration spaces. A large learning commons with moveable furniture and writable wallcoverings accommodates multiple modalities and serves as the organizational element for each floor of the classroom wing. Pairs of classrooms share smaller breakout spaces for group and individual instruction. Circulation spaces are multi-functional, offering additional areas for informal learning. Students and teachers can gather on the main stair for presentations and performances that activate the central space. Underneath the stair, student creativity is on display through programmed pinup and teaching space for the art department.