Finegold Alexander is working closely with the City of Cranston on the design of the new Gladstone Elementary School, to replace an existing 1950’s-era school. With an enrollment of 798 students serving grades K- through 5, the new facility will serve as the international school for the City of Cranston which includes the consolidation of both Gladstone and Arlington Elementary Schools. The design team is leveraging the existing site topography to create a compact building footprint, promoting energy efficiency. The school’s layout optimizes the building’s solar orientation to maximize natural daylight and views for both teachers and students.

Gladstone Elementary School will feature 3+ stories of teaching and learning, with a building design that is innovative when compared to most traditional classrooms. Instead of arranging classrooms along a central corridor, the six distinct Learning Communities are each designed as a single suite of interconnected rooms. Curiosity Centers with purpose-built music, art and maker spaces serve to connect the Learning Communities on each floor. Learning opportunities extend beyond the building proper to the larger site. Outdoor activities are encouraged with three outdoor learning areas, multiple playgrounds, and a community garden.

Click here to read more about Gladstone Elementary School in Boston Real Estate Times.