From Open Plan to Modern Learning
Having gone more than five decades without significant renovation, Woodland Elementary was ready for a bold transformation. The goal was to reimagine the school as a modern, future-ready facility that prioritizes flexibility, innovation, collaboration, and safety.
Originally designed under the 1960s-era “open plan” concept–a layout that minimized walls and doors between instructional spaces–Woodland Elementary was considered innovative for the time. However, this design created significant challenges for today’s educational standards.
The renovation addresses long-standing building-wide issues while introducing innovative and flexible learning environments. A key design challenge was incorporating permanent walls without making spaces feel confined or disconnected.
Reimagining the Building Layout
The original classroom wings were connected only by two narrow corridors and centered around an underutilized courtyard. The renovation reorganized the layout into a Primary Wing (K–1) designed specifically for early learners, and an Intermediate Wing (Grades 2–5) tailored to upper elementary needs.
Each grade level also incorporates small group rooms, break-out spaces, and a version of their own flexible learning zone, which become an extension of their classroom and utilizes space that would traditionally serve as just a means to get from point A to B.
To maintain openness and collaboration, classrooms within each grade-level cluster were designed with direct connections to one another. Moveable walls also allow for learning to extend beyond individual classrooms. This approach balances structure with flexibility, supporting a variety of teaching styles and learning activities.
The design creates interconnected, collaborative classrooms, paying homage to the original open plan school but executing it in a functional 21st-century way.
Transforming the Courtyard into the Heart of the School
Though the exterior was initially planned to remain unchanged, the design team recognized that the underutilized courtyard could serve a greater purpose—especially during snowy Central New York winters.
The courtyard and connecting corridors were demolished to make way for a dramatic, double-height infill addition. This new space includes a modern and welcoming main entrance, secure vestibule, school store, and the large group gathering space coined the Collaborative Commons.
The Collaborative Commons now serves as the heart of the school, hosting a variety of student-centered activities and events.
A Centralized STEAM Hub
The new Collaborative Commons addition also establishes a dedicated STEAM core, bringing together the Library/Media Center, Maker Space, Art Room, Band and Music spaces. These interconnected spaces are also directly accessible from the Collaborative Commons, reinforcing the school’s commitment to collaboration and creativity.
Today, the redesigned building supports high-quality educational experiences and provides students and staff with a dynamic environment tailored to the evolving needs of 21st-century learning.
Built-in nooks in a variety of colors and shapes offer students a quiet, yet fun place to enjoy a book.
