In San Antonio, Pre-K 4 SA, which provides preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, and HOLT Group, which owns industrial and other companies, recently broke ground on an early childhood education: the South Education Center.
Slated for completion by summer 2025, the South Education Center aims to provide access to high-quality early childhood education for the southeast side of San Antonio—a traditionally under-resourced region and an area identified as a childcare desert.
In recent years, south and southeast San Antonio has seen a decline in high-quality childcare options, especially for families with kids 4 years and younger, according to a press statement from Pre-K 4 SA and HOLT Group.
The design by RDG Planning+Design offers abundant light throughout the building. The center’s colors and natural materials, such as stone, wood, and green walls, were inspired by the local landscape, culture, and landmarks, including the San Fernando Cathedral.
Each space in the center has been designed to foster young children’s growth and development and encourage learning through play. Every classroom offers direct access to outdoor porch settings and play areas. All exterior play areas are shielded by the building to create a safe environment away from busy streets and parking lots.
“This school takes inspiration from the natural surroundings and the cultural vibrancy of San Antonio, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces to create an engaging, enriching place for young learners,” Antonio Plascencia, principal senior designer, said in a statement.
The state-of-the-art facility features modern classrooms equipped to meet the highest early childhood education standards. Specialized spaces will support families, teacher collaboration, and interactive learning and play-based activities.
On the Building Team:
Owner/developer: Holt Texas, Ltd.
Design architect: RDG Planning+Design
Architect of record: Pfluger Architects
MEP engineer: Cleary Zimmermann Engineers
Structural engineer: Lundy & Franke Engineering
General contractor: G.W. Mitchell Construction
Landscaping: Rialto Studio
Technology: Combs Consulting Group
Related Stories
| Jul 18, 2014
Engineering firms look to bolster growth through new services, technology [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Following solid revenue growth in 2013, the majority of U.S.-based engineering and engineering/architecture firms expect more of the same this year, according to BD+C’s 2014 Giants 300 report.
| Jul 18, 2014
Top Engineering/Architecture Firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Jacobs, AECOM, Parsons Brinckerhoff top Building Design+Construction's 2014 ranking of the largest engineering/architecture firms in the United States.
| Jul 18, 2014
Top Engineering Firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Fluor, Arup, Day & Zimmermann top Building Design+Construction's 2014 ranking of the largest engineering firms in the United States.
| Jul 18, 2014
Top Architecture Firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Gensler, Perkins+Will, NBBJ top Building Design+Construction's 2014 ranking of the largest architecture firms in the United States.
| Jul 18, 2014
2014 Giants 300 Report
Building Design+Construction magazine's annual ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S.
| Jul 16, 2014
User input on aquatics center keeps students in the swim [2014 Building Team Awards]
Collaborative spirit abounds in the expansion and renovation of a high school pool facility in suburban Chicago.
| Jul 7, 2014
7 emerging design trends in brick buildings
From wild architectural shapes to unique color blends and pattern arrangements, these projects demonstrate the design possibilities of brick.
| Jul 2, 2014
Emerging trends in commercial flooring
Rectangular tiles, digital graphic applications, the resurgence of terrazzo, and product transparency headline today’s commercial flooring trends.
| Jun 30, 2014
Research finds continued growth of design-build throughout United States
New research findings indicate that for the first time more than half of projects above $10 million are being completed through design-build project delivery.
| Jun 18, 2014
Arup uses 3D printing to fabricate one-of-a-kind structural steel components
The firm's research shows that 3D printing has the potential to reduce costs, cut waste, and slash the carbon footprint of the construction sector.
