The new Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (KJTMA) was designed with an emphasis on technology, STEM, and outdoor learning. The school provides learning opportunities focused on robotics, coding, science, digital art, and music for 900 kindergarten through fifth grade students each year.
The two-story, 109,500-sf facility includes a media center that is surrounded by a variety of secure outdoor learning areas. The two-story media center anchors the building and was designed to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor space through the utilization of daylight, views, thermal comfort, and materials.
Courtesy KJTMA
Grade-level rows of classrooms surround the building’s core. Flexible collaboration zones with operable acoustic glass partitions link the classroom corridors with the media center and outdoor environments.
See Also: Chapman University opens new science and engineering center
A binary code pattern was applied to the exterior building fenestration meant to mimic robotics and coding principles and provide an interior corridor experience that facilitates student visibility and interaction. The building’s interior features a space travel theme that connects content to the programmatic offerings in the adjacent spaces. For example, lessons about gravity are located near the gym, while a moon buggy is displayed near robotics. Dynamic QR codes embedded in the wall graphics enable students to access supplementary information through their school-issued iPads. Teachers can alter the content tied to the codes at any time to accommodate age ranges and subject matter.
Related Stories
| Feb 25, 2013
10 U.S. cities with the best urban forests
Charlotte, Denver, and Milwaukee are among 10 U.S. cities ranked recently by the conservation organization American Forests for having quality urban forest programs.
| Feb 17, 2013
Suffolk University’s $62 million academic building gets the go-ahead
The Boston Redevelopment Authority board yesterday unanimously approved Suffolk University’s plans to move forward with a new campus building at 20 Somerset St. that will feature general-use and science classrooms, a light-filled cafeteria/function space, and indoor and outdoor lounging areas.
| Feb 6, 2013
George W. Bush Presidential Center among award-winning roofing projects honored by Sika Sarnafil
Winners of the 2012 Contractor Project of the Year Competition were announced this week by Sika Sarnafil. The annual competition highlights excellence in roofing installation. Roofing contractors are judged based on project complexity, design uniqueness, craftsmanship, and creative problem solving.
| Feb 5, 2013
8 eye-popping wood building projects
From 100-foot roof spans to novel reclaimed wood installations, the winners of the 2013 National Wood Design Awards push the envelope in wood design.
| Jan 31, 2013
More severe wind storms should prompt nationwide reexamination of building codes, says insurance expert
The increased number and severity of storms with high winds nationally should prompt a reexamination of building codes in every community, says Mory Katz, vice president, Verisk Insurance Solutions Commercial Property, Jersey City, N.J.
| Dec 9, 2012
AIA: Laboratory design, building for breakthrough science
To earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units, study the article carefully and take the exam.
| Dec 9, 2012
Greenzone pop quiz
Greenbuild attendees share their thoughts with BD+C on the SAGE modular classroom.
| Dec 9, 2012
Modular classroom building makes the grade
SAGE modular classroom opens eyes, minds at Greenbuild 2012.
| Nov 28, 2012
Francis Cauffman appoints Stainbrook Director of Higher Education
Stainbrook has 16 years of experience as a strategic planner and urban designer working on complex projects on- and off-campus.
