Susitna Valley School Library

Students and teachers were unequivocal in demanding that the new school be a lively exciting expression of the community values. They wanted curves, stimulating colors, sunlight, natural materials and opportunities for students to leave something behind when they graduated. The building plan organizes programs to optimize important relationships between spaces creating an efficient and effective learning environment. At the same time it creates dynamic social spaces to foster meaningful interaction between students, staff, teachers, parents and community members. A dramatically curved Library sets a welcoming tone as you enter the school with sunlight penetrating from overhead clerestory windows. Local stone and wood are featured materials set in an Alaska based color scheme.