Staggered volumes organised around a rounded courtyard form the net-zero Westmark Lower School, which was designed by architecture studio NBBJ to "reduce anxiety and stress" for students with learning differences.
Located in the southern California town of Encino, the facility is part of the larger Westmark School, which serves children with learning challenges such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.
NBBJ has designed the nature-infused, net-zero Westmark Lower School for students with learning differences
There is a significant need for educational facilities that accommodate neurodiverse students, said NBBJ, a design studio headquartered in Seattle.
"One in five children have learning differences, yet most schools are not designed with neurodiversity in mind," said NBBJ.
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Infused with inclusive and natural elements, the Westmark Lower School is meant to serve as "a prototype for how design can best support students with distinct learning styles".
Encompassing 15,500 square feet (1,440 square metres), the building accommodates a total of 120 children in grades one through five.
U-shaped in plan, the facility ? which has two levels and a basement ? is organised around a courtyard with circular areas for gardens and seating.
A California sycamore tree lies at the heart of the courtyard.
The U-shaped fac...