Lincoln Elementary Atrium

The modernization of Lincoln Elementary presented several challenges. This school is located in a blighted area of Richmond, California. The district, faculty and parents were looking at this project as an opportunity to create an uplifting learning environment for the students and a cornerstone of rebirth to the economically impoverished surrounding neighborhood.

The campus consisted of two existing buildings and an asphalt playground. With a limited budget, the district requested solutions that maximized functionality by creating dual use spaces. As part of the campus modernization, a new wing was added to the featuring the Atrium “learning lobby”, 10 new classrooms, and administration.

The design of this Atrium provides creative solutions for the campus at minimal cost. The Atrium not only creates a welcoming interior lobby space but provides a new, secure and controlled entrance for the campus. It also establishes open circulation throughout the new wing. In addition, the Atrium was designed to provide spaces for break out teaching opportunities and group gatherings. Everything from large-scale art projects to small learning sessions are held in the space.

Flooding the atrium with natural light, through the strategic placement of windows, was a deliberate design feature to enhance the learning environment. The use of natural light has changed the interior ambiance of the school, offering a new, inspirational atmosphere for students and faculty. Access to the natural environment through exterior doors is another feature of the Atrium. The Atrium was deliberately positioned to connect to an exterior courtyard, extending the “learning lobby” outdoors.

The Atrium has created an iconic identity for the school campus. No longer is Lincoln Elementary an impoverished school in an inner-city neighborhood. The Atrium feature is now a landmark in the community and is used as a community resource as well as a learning environment for local children.