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John G. Crowe Associates, Inc. has completed over 100 educational facilities, including elementary, middle and high schools, vocational schools, independent schools, and college facilities. Our approach to site design of these facilities focuses on several key items. We work closely with the Architect and the Client from the initial planning stages to integrate the internal functions of the building with the external functions of the site. This interrelationship is critical in developing an overall site plan. Access, student safety, and security of the site are prime concerns underlying the design, particularly when it comes to separating bus, car, and pedestrian circulation, and relating these to building entries.
An important design criterion in most of our projects is the need to blend educational curriculum programs with after school community activities, such as adult education and youth recreation programs. In all of our projects, the outdoor spaces are designed for multiple uses, such as playing fields that can accommodate the educational curriculum as well as town and regional sports events.
Sensitivity to the effects schools have on surrounding neighborhoods and access from the neighborhoods are also important design concerns, particularly the impacts traffic and noise can have on local environments and pedestrian safety. Early in the process, we evaluate alternative access points, circulation patterns, locations of buildings and playing fields, as well as retention of natural buffer zones wherever possible.
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