MacArthur Elementary School is a relatively small elementary school with approximately 250 students that maintains a strong focus on Special Education programs, including gifted, as well as occupational and physical therapies.
The original building, designed by Architect Louis Hesselden (NM Registration No. 11) as a prototype building, was constructed in 1947. In 1951, an addition was completed. In 1964, additional classroom buildings and a cafeteria were constructed around an exterior courtyard at the back of the original classroom building. And in 1994, a stand-alone Mini-gymnasium building was added to the west of the classrooms and courtyard. Currently under construction, the new MacArthur Elementary School Kindergarten Addition by Wright and Hammer Architects is designed around an interior courtyard that acts as a major circulation element and common space for the Kindergarten Classrooms The interior courtyard becomes an intersection linking the original Classroom Building and its Addition to the exterior courtyard which is surrounded by the majority of classrooms, as well as to the future Administration Offices which will be re-located on the northwest area of the property with access from the north parking lot. The multi-leveled interior courtyard is designed as a streetscape with a sky- roof system to flood the space with filtered light, and streetlights, street signs, storefront canopies, park benches, a game table and large potted trees. The Multipurpose addition is designed to create a gathering / focal point within the existing exterior courtyard. The three-dimensional design highlights the performance aspect of this space and gives a public presence to the building by incorporating the image of a theater marquee that draws and attracts students and guests to the events occurring in and around this space. The multipurpose space relates to both the interior dining area and the exterior courtyard through the installation of a large glazed overhead door that can be opened to allow either the flow of circulation for events such as a school fair that might incorporate the interior serving of food with various exterior booth activities, or staged performances that can be viewed from interior or exterior seating areas. |
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