R.I. Baker Middle School

schools

Coaldale, Alberta

The conceptual design of this middle school in Coaldale for the Palliser School Division, was derived from the desire to create a school that fosters community. The metaphor of a village was adopted and developed by creating a ‘Town Square’. This was achieved by bringing together the circulation space within the building to form a common central space. Off this Town Square the main buildings of the village were located, including the library, administration, drama room, canteen, washrooms, and gymnasium. From the Town Square two streets stem: one leading to the classroom wing and the other leading to science rooms and CTS spaces. One of two computer areas was centrally located so as to function as a drop-in work area from the classrooms that could be passively supervised.