O.W. Dillon Elementary

Location

Kentwood, Louisiana

Owner

Tangipahoa Parish School System

Completion Date

2013

The New Elementary School for O.W Dillon Elementary will provide learning facilities for approximately 500 students in grades pre-k through 6th. The layout of the plan is separated into three wings, each of which is anchored by a large programmatic function; administration, media center, and cafetorium. Because of the significantly contoured site, the three wings are incrementally stepped down a hill.

The wings are connected with transparent ramped corridors. Each of these helps to create a courtyard space which is used as an outdoor hard surface play area. The center wing, which is anchored at the front by the media center, is focused on a large retention pond and outdoor classroom. This pond helps to separate the car and bus drop site access. The classrooms are particularly special because of their “fat-L” configuration. This layout allows for flexibility in learning environments and various activity areas. The corridors are widened periodically to allow for “out of class” activity space and display area.

The exterior design capitalizes on expressive qualities of brick detailing as Kentwood is widely known for is brick production industry.