Problem:

The Escambia County School District in Pensacola, Florida, developed the Vision 2020 Initiative with a focus on creating student-centered environments that prioritize safety, efficiency, health, and continuity. Key goals for Vision 2020 included protecting district resources and enhancing the safety of staff, students, parents, and visitors. The initiative also called for improvements in energy efficiency, increased opportunities for physical activity, and the development of state-of-the-art gyms, covered play areas, and multi-purpose spaces. With these goals in mind, the district sought to build a new middle school that would embody these principles while serving as a modern learning hub for the community.

Solution:

DAG Architects designed the first middle school under the Vision 2020 framework, a 204,200 square-foot facility that blends academic innovation with community integration. This new school serves 1,200 students in grades 6 through 8 and offers a wide range of core curriculum and vocational academy programs.

The design of the school emphasizes openness, natural light, and community connectivity. The main public areas are positioned along the school’s main road frontage, establishing a welcoming, approachable facade. This layout not only strengthens the connection between the school and the surrounding community, but also provides a natural security buffer between the public and private zones of the campus. Given that the site was formerly an airfield, the design capitalized on the linear qualities of the runway, aligning the school’s primary circulation path to create a cohesive flow through the building.

A central, secure entrance serves as the focal point of the campus, while two secondary entrances form a “spine” that runs through the heart of the school. This spine is highlighted by a striking two-story fin wall, which stretches from the exterior into the interior, symbolizing the school’s front door.

Inside, the school’s public spaces are designed to foster collaboration and engagement. Expansive windows flood these areas with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for both students and staff. Group learning spaces are strategically located throughout the building and extend beyond the walls of the school into outdoor courtyards, providing flexible areas for impromptu lessons and collaborative activities. These courtyards are carefully positioned between classroom wings, ensuring both security and ease of access.

The second-floor Innovation Center exemplifies the school’s focus on modern, collaborative learning. Its placement in a prominent corner of the building maximizes visibility and accessibility, while its large windows allow natural light to pour in, creating an inspiring environment for students. The space is designed to showcase new educational methodologies and offer an open, adaptable area for group learning.

Classrooms are organized in wings dedicated to each grade level, as well as a separate wing for vocational academies. While these areas are more private, they are still bathed in natural light thanks to the adjacent courtyards. Each pair of classrooms is grouped into a “pod” with shared teacher resource areas and student restrooms, promoting collaboration between faculty and creating a sense of community among students.

The school also prioritizes functional, flexible spaces such as the music and dining areas, which are designed with ample natural light and access to exterior courtyards. The Innovation Center, positioned at a key intersection of the second floor, serves as the heart of the school, with its modern design and dynamic ceiling treatments reflecting the movement of sound and activities within the space.

Drawing inspiration from outdoor parks as gathering spaces that enhance creativity and collaboration, the design integrates natural elements and open spaces throughout. The interior finishes, including ceiling treatments and acoustical design, reflect this theme, enhancing both the function and aesthetic of the building.