History: After a devastating fire destroyed most of Memorial Elementary School?s original building, DIGroupArchitecture was commissioned to design a brand new facility for 650 students in grades Pre-K through 5. Collaboration with the district and consideration for the school?s history were paramount, resulting in a state-of-the-art learning facility and a welcoming public event space for the community. The success of this project is a result of two major factors: a 20-year relationship with the client and the maturing of DIGroupArchitecture?s in-house graphics and interiors departments. It is a reflection of the firm?s attention to detail at all scales, from site design to signage and wayfinding.
Photography: Halkin Mason Photography
Site Design: The building is set back, creating a transition space from the densely populated residential streets to the main entrance. Separate bus and parent drop-off driveways ease congestion for vehicular access while pedestrians follow alongside the ?Memorial Walk,? a ceremonial path dedicated to all members of the armed services. The walkway includes five seating areas, each highlighted by a concrete star in the pavement and a bronze plaque. The plaques were envisioned by DIGroupArchitecture early in the design process and suggested as a portion of the school?s budget. 42 months later during the final stages of construction, the in-house graphics team executed the final design. Site Plan
Building Design: The form of the 79,000 sf buildin...