The new, two-story addition will include a new student commons and theatrical black box theatre that can be co-joined to allow for the critical school’s program where the entire school assembles to showcase student work. In working with stakeholders to understand the needs of the school, it was clear that the renovation needed to increase parking at the school, while also creating new points of entry and exit for a more efficient site design and increased school community. Bassetti worked with Vancouver Public Schools to re-orient the front of the school, while adding many important elements such as a new administrative block, additional science laboratories, re-purposing old spaces into new classrooms, a black-box theatre and commons, and a secure courtyard area. In-Person or Virtual Tour and Happy Hour May 17, 2022Īttendees on this tour will see the renovation and addition of Vancouver School for Arts and Academics (VSAA). Vancouver Innovation, Technology, and Arts Elementary School
Theater Consultant: PLA Designs Performance Space Consultants įood Service Consultant: Halliday Associates īuilding Commissioning: Elevate Building Commissioning Structural Engineer: Kramer Gehlen & Associates Structural EngineersĮlectrical & Mechanical Engineers: Interface Engineering, Inc.Ĭivil Engineer: Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc.Ĭontractor: Robertson & Olson Construction, Inc.Īcoustical Engineer: MBF Audiovisual & Acoustical Consulting LLC
Key learning objectives include how to attenuate sound in an open learning environment, providing flexibility and security in an open learning environment, providing opportunities for voice and choice by students in an educational environment and objectives for planning for future partnerships and expansion opportunities.Īrchitect of Record: LSW Architects, P.C. Bright colors and natural materials provide the backdrop to the learning experience throughout the building and across the campus. This project brought our architectural and interior studio teams together to produce an interior experience that is inquisitive, inspirational, flexible and fun. Additional features that will reduce VITA’s carbon footprint include a smaller than typical building footprint, ability to be ready for 32kW of photovoltaic panels on the rooftop, dimmable LED lighting and occupancy sensors, efficient HVAC, and 95% efficient water heaters. In addition to the neurological benefits of natural daylight, these qualities also promote a more energy-efficient campus.
An abundance of windows and access points offer students and teachers a view to the playground and outdoors, where the learning experience extends into various play spaces. This caters well to its multidisciplinary, exploratory curriculum and reinforces a sense of connection across the site. Brightened by a flood of natural light, the 63,454 sf building features high ceilings and open, learning studios that can be reconfigured to accommodate larger groups and lecture-style demonstrations. The project-based learning elementary school will focus on arts, innovation, and technology, while bringing these disciplines together at a campus that has been created to nurture curiosity, design thinking, innovation and most of all instill a joy of learning. Flexible, forward thinking and filled with the Joy of Learning, the design for Vancouver Innovation, Technology, and Arts (VITA) Elementary School (known as VITA) makes collaboration, innovation and connectivity a part of the daily experience.