The Impact of a Themed School

by Pierre Theriot, Jr., AIA, A4LE

O.W. Dillon Elementary School, Kentwood, Louisiana

Since the turn of the century, educational facility designers have continued to develop and expand the role of the learning environment in the delivery of education.  Changes in 21st-century learning models have put increased pressure on the design of learning environments to meet not only the needs of evolving pedagogy, but also the increased demand for technologically hot facilities.   Designers know that opportunities for learning can occur throughout the school campus.  One approach used to reinforce the expanded learning environment is to organize the design of the school around a consistent, place-based theme.  Theme topics can vary widely from inspirational, to pride of place, or to themes which raise awareness of regional, environmental or global concerns. 

One such themed example, Endeavour Elementary School in Kaysville, UT, was built in 2010 and named after the Endeavour Space Shuttle. The school’s website notes that “Endeavour Elementary is a modern-day research vessel with a mission to teach students to explore new worlds through science, space, and technology.”  Throughout the school, you will find planets, galaxies, nebulas, and constellations - - children are surrounded by space and science. Each year, they host a SPACE day to reacquaint their students with the many space features their school offers.  Endeavour is a Utah State STEM Designated School.

Examples

Celebration of Community 

At O.W. Dillon Elementary, the theme of “Leadership” was selected by the school administration and the community.  During concept development, H/S Architects recognized, through discussions with the Tangipahoa Parish School System Administration, that the socioeconomic character of the community created issues of low self-esteem and low motivation among students. Recognizing this issue, H/S recommended the school be themed in a manner that would help address these issues. After brainstorming with administrators and the community, the theme of “Leadership” emerged. Sections of the school were then segmented into four Leadership sub-themes, which were:

Within those sub-themes, the community was engaged to find ‘heroes” at the international, national, regional, and local levels that represented to them leadership in those categories. Along with that challenge, local high school students submitted quotes from leaders that aligned with this theme. The result of this community engagement manifested in posting these messages on the walls, in the entrance lobbies, and at entrances to classrooms where students were exposed to them every day and would be inspired by the wise words.

Quotes and leaders are displayed in large lettering throughout the corridors at O.W. Dillon Elementary School. 

To reinforce the theme, each of the four wings was given a color that corresponded to its sub-theme of leadership.  The sub-themes were aligned as follows:

The school was organized and color coded for each area of Leadership. 

Looking back

It has been seven years since the school opened.  The inaugural kindergarten class of 2013 has now completed 6th grade and moved on.  It seemed a good time to look back and evaluate how the school theme has impacted the students and influenced education.  We were pleased to receive some very positive feedback. 

• Integration: Many of the teachers reported that they have been discussing the quotes and leaders in their learning units, as well as teachable moments, to help build character.  Many students were inspired to choose leaders for research assignments after seeing them on the walls.  Other teachers noted that students see the leader’s name on the walls and windows and recognize them from their lessons. 
• Discovery: If they are not familiar with a leader, but like the quote, the teachers say that they are often inspired to find out more.  One teacher said that she was particularly drawn to a quote by Simone Weil, “I can, therefore I am.”  She noted that quotes such as this, “…. give a person the inspiration and motivation to lead and to do it with confidence and the ability to move others in a direction that can give them a higher purpose.” 
• Inspiration: Additionally, teachers even cited instances of their own motivation: The quote by Ronald Reagan – “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”  She said, “… it reminds me that selfishness is not the way to live because one day we may all need help.”  The same teacher went on to say that “the quotes placed throughout the school are very inspirational and inspiring to see it all coming from diverse people with different backgrounds.”

Conclusion

The extent to which a theme is incorporated into the learning environment can vary widely.  The simple use of applied vinyl letters to glass windows and painted walls (i.e. O.W. Dillon Elementary) can be highly effective when coupled with the collaboration and support from teachers, administrators, and the local community.  The results can help instill meaningful memories, motivation, and learning opportunities for young minds that can be carried forward.

Each classroom at O.W. Dillon Elementary School is named after a specific leader and a quote from that leader is displayed on glass looking into the classroom. 

H/S EXPERIENCE

As human beings, we spend our personal and professional time within the built environment. As Architects, we are privileged to create spaces where people can gather, live, learn, work, eat, sleep and worship. Therefore, it is incumbent that we design spaces that enhance the quality of life and nurtures a greater passion for living. Our design approach is influenced by the environment, culture and community in which architecture exists. To take it further... We Design for Life.