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Renovating Old Classroom Buildings

Many campus master plans will call for renovations of existing buildings such as "finger buildings" consisting of classrooms that open directly to the exterior. There is an opportunity to connect these classrooms to adjacent outdoor learning spaces by adding transparency.

Many of OUSD's campuses have multiple classroom buildings that are “finger” buildings. Because the learning model has changed considerably from the time period when these buildings were designed, they are inadequate for future-ready learning:

Not all activities and learning styles are supported. Collaborative and project work is difficult. Spaces for different group sizes and differentiated learning are limited. Opportunities for teacher collaboration are limited. Accommodating future change is extremely challenging.

The Ed Specs serve to illustrate concepts that will inform the master plans based on OUSD's aspirations to the audience of future architects who will implement them as well as for OUSD stakeholders to understand the reasoning behind modernizations.

Finger Building - Renovation Primer

Empower students to engage in multiple learning styles simultaneously by aligning the existing indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Courtyard Renovation Primer

Connect two finger buildings with a learning courtyard. If the distance between buildings is 30' or less, consider enclosing the space to create indoor commons.

Elementary School - New Construction

Empower students to engage in multiple learning styles simultaneously by replacing portables with new learning environments.

MS & HS - New Construction

Create Small Learning Communities that incorporate technology, support professional development and empower partners.

Modernization

Empower students to engage in multiple learning styles simultaneously by expanding the existing learning environments.