Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Gwendolyn Brooks And Percy Julian Middle Schools
Oak Park, Illinois
INTEGRATED SERVICES
Architecture,
Engineering,
Interior Design and
Planning
project size
2 new schools
175,000 SF each
Completion
2002
The existing schools, serving grades 7-8, were sitting on tight urban sites. Thus, when the District decided to build new schools reconfigured for grades 6-8 on the same sites, the design solution required creative plans and phased construction.
OWP/P designed a “kit of parts” solution for both schools that meets the educational philosophy for grades 6-8. It is equitable in programs, yet can be varied to meet the specific needs of each site. The buildings are organized around a main circulation spine that connects team areas with shared exploratory and public spaces.