The Urban School

San Francisco, California

Innovative and independent, the Urban School calls the bustling streets of San Francisco home. Its expanding student population and progressive educational mission make it an ideal study in education in the urban context.

Although internally designed as one facility, the Urban School comprises four visually distinct structures when viewed from the street. Realizing that expansion was necessary to continue its academic mission, the school acquired two residential buildings directly east of its library building and hired our team to design a 20,000 square foot addition to accommodate 130 additional students. This new classroom building features four state-of-the-art science labs and eight general-purpose classrooms as well as a much-needed student center. The building accommodates a gracious and accessible entry from Page Street and the overall design respects and responds to its context while providing a visual statement about the school's mission and celebrating its place in the city.

This new home boasts spaces and aesthetics that enhance the collaboration and creativity amongst the school's students and staff. Wired classrooms and active corridors are responsive to the 1:1 student laptop program and the richness of the school's block scheduling format.