Fun and Inviting Spaces for the Littlest of Learners
The first stop for students in East Syracuse Minoa CSD, Park Hill School is dedicated entirely to the district’s Universal Pre-K program. Located in East Syracuse, NY the existing 2-story brick building was originally constructed in 1930, and while it received a sizeable one-story addition in the 1960s, both the interior and exterior had remained largely unchanged since.
Creating a modern learning environment
As part of the district’s most recent capital improvement project, reimagining Park Hill was the final piece of the puzzle to ensure continuity of instructional experience for all students from pre-k through graduation.
To reach this goal and transform the school into a modern 21st century learning environment, Park Hill underwent 16,000 sf of renovations within the 1960s addition to provide new and improved learning spaces, increased student safety and security, and upgrades to technology and building infrastructure.
Prior to the renovations, Park Hill’s pre-k program operated primarily out of the 1960s wing; however, other important programmatic elements like the main office, principal’s office, and the main entrance to the school were still located in the adjacent 1930s building. This created a disconnect between administrators and teachers, as well as made for a challenging journey for little legs to navigate stairs and long corridors to get to their classrooms.
Aesthetically, the building was also extremely dated in terms of materials and finishes, lacked natural light in areas, and was missing elements of playfulness and excitement throughout—all important factors when trying to develop, grow, and inspire young minds.
The design process
The design team addressed these issues by first reorganizing, reducing, or removing existing program to not only increase the size and functionality of the classrooms, but also add new elements such as corridor break out spaces, small group rooms, a new secure entry vestibule, and relocate the main office, principal’s office, and main entrance all to the 1960s wing.
The result is a new fully accessible main entrance featuring a welcoming canopy constructed from vibrant, primary colored metal panels. These same panels continue around the perimeter of the pre-k wing, replacing outdated limestone panels previously above and below the existing windows.
A new paved riding track provides a place for students to run and ride tricycles, and a new fence was installed around the entire playground, greatly improving student safety and security.
Use of color
Once inside, the abundance of bright, fun colors continues throughout the hallways and classrooms and can be seen in everything from wall paint and flooring to tackable surfaces and furniture.
Colors have been carefully coordinated throughout to provide a cohesive look, but also help to define different programmatic functions within a space and assist young learners with wayfinding.
First impressions are everything, and with this being the first stop for students in the ESM district, the design team’s goal was to create fun and inviting spaces to welcome the littlest of learners each day.
