Ames Middle School excites students by providing expanded exploratory learning opportunities in energizing spaces. The new 246,000 SF school fulfills the district's need to move into a three-year, grade 6-8 middle school program from a previous 7-8 configuration.
DLR Group's design uses a "V-wing" footprint to create distinct grade level areas. Administration sits at the crux of the V to provide clear visibility of students, and the academic wings reach out in a two-level sawtooth design to help harvest natural daylight into every classroom. Views from the building and outdoor learning spaces take advantage of the beautiful surrounding landscape and nearby creek and wooded areas.