Barcelona Elementary School Classroom Building | View Project
Project Location :  Albuquerque, NM | Completed : September 2009
Gross Area : 12,500 SF  | Budget :  $2.8 Million

This new classroom building for the Albuquerque public school system is designed as an exciting and functional facility, which promotes creativity and is conducive to teaching and learning. This project is the first in New Mexico to obtain USGBC LEED For Schools, Gold Certification.

The solar orientation and natural daylighting strategies had the most profound effect on the building's design. The site constraints required a north-south alignment and east-west exposures which can be difficult in New Mexico's climate. The architects responded with 10' deep portals on the east and west sides, and large north-facing light monitors in every classroom. The Art/Music Room serves a second function as an important gathering space for local community events and is designed as a prominent neighborhood landmark.

Since the Barcelona campus has a very limited area, it was especially important that the building be integrated into the site in a non-intrusive way. The bifurcated building footprint strengthens the existing circulation artery from the playground to the field through the new breezeway. The design also provides a safe and sheltered waiting area for students at the pick-up/ drop-off area.