Virginia Elementary
The context of the New Virginia Elementary differs from its counterparts on the southern edge of town. Where the High School and Eveleth-Gilbert Elementary are surrounded by natural landscape, Virginia Elementary sits in the heart of Virginia. The location creates an opportunity to become a community resource for the downtown neighborhood and local business district. A space that serves as a transformative educational environment during the day, and opportunity for extended play and community gathering in the evenings and weekends. Bringing an element of the school forest landscape to downtown Virginia.
BNDRY Studio Roles:
Scott Krenner - Lead Project Designer
Services Provided by BNDRY Studio Team Members:
Pre-Referendum Planning, Programming, Master Planning, Project Concept and Design
Location: Virginia, Minnesota
Client: Rock Ridge Public Schools
Type: New Construction
Size: 66,500 square feet
Completion: Fall 2023
Architect of Record: Cuningham
Partner Firm: Architectural Resources Inc
Design Partner: BNDRY Studio
Context
The site of the New Virginia Elementary sits on the border between the neighborhood to the south and the business to the north. Positioned to take advantage of the adjacent resources as community partnerships and serves as a public green space.
Educational Model
The concept of the Learning Neighborhood model breaks down the school into smaller learning hubs. The Learning at Virginia Elementary embraces a more open and connected concept, that fosters a strong sense of active and project based learning.