Lakeland Elementary School is one in a set of four elementaries designed under the same archetype for Federal Way Public Schools. DLR Group's design for this school re-thinks what a school should look like. From the outside the bright colors and translucent "bars" break the mold of typical school design.

© Chris J. Roberts Photography

Architects: DLR Group

Location: Auburn, WA, United States

Area: 44703.0 sqm

Project Year: 2011

Photographs: Chris J. Roberts Photography

Participants: Jody Miller Construction, The Robinson Company, Karen Kiest Landscape Architects, OTAK

© Chris J. Roberts Photography

Lakeland Elementary School is one in a set of four elementaries designed under the same archetype for Federal Way Public Schools. DLR Group's design for this school re-thinks what a school should look like. From the outside the bright colors and translucent "bars" break the mold of typical school design.
© Chris J. Roberts Photography

Inside there are a variety of different sized learning spaces, the majority of which are not customized to a specific purpose, maximizing possible uses and flexibility. The literary commons features bookshelves with built in reading nooks. Interior finishes are simple and raw, allowing this school to be built at a significantly lower cost per square foot than other schools at the time. Structure and util...