PROJECTS — Jessica Ham

The Concept School

Thesis Project, Fall 2019

This thesis examines the pragmatic implementation of a concept school design that integrates contemporary views on learning and education. A common problem of schools is social isolation and this isolation occurs at the student, teacher and community levels. In order to mitigate these social isolation problems, a primary school is designed with three aims. First, the location of the school is proposed within an urban and vibrant area in downtown Silver Spring as opposed to schools commonly located in residential neighborhoods. Second, a curved building design is explored to connect schools with local businesses and to further develop shared spaces that can be used by students and the community. Third, the interior layout attempts to enhance experiential learning, social interactions and community integration. Through its architectural design, the Concept School, pursues to mitigate social isolation to design a school that creates lasting connections between children, teachers and the community.