FFA renovated and revitalized a 40-year-old elementary school for current and future generations of students. Key to the project approach was understanding the values and visions of the community. This understanding provided a framework to analyze the necessary maintenance and infrastructure upgrades and discover approaches that would add value to the school. Identifying these opportunities allowed us to help the school district consider how it could more effectively use its funds.
Based on our understanding of the school community’s values and visions and the building needs, FFA designed a new entry canopy to replace an existing deteriorated entry canopy and create a new entry focal point; integrated new security measures in a welcoming, glass-filled vestibule; and renovated classrooms to create a makerspace which provided a fun and flexible learning environment for STEM curriculum.
Knowing the staff and community felt the library was the heart of the school, our team removed a loft and partial walls that chopped up the space and were slated for expensive seismic upgrades, to create an open and more functional library space that welcomed the community. We added flexible meeting rooms and work areas along one edge, creating a larger central space and allowing in natural light.
When the doors opened at Westridge Elementary School in the fall of 2019, the students and community were able to see how their bond-funded improvements significantly impacted the experience and learning environment of their school.
2019
46,000 sf (existing building)
2,000 sf (classroom addition)
