Learning and Community: Roberson Middle School
A primary design goal at Roberson Middle School was creating a dynamic and inclusive educational environment where students have the freedom to explore their interests within specialized learning communities while also benefiting from a sense of unity and shared purpose in the school.
Figure 1: Organization strategy of a central core, as the unified learning community, with shared services, surrounded by the four specialized learning communities.
Figure 2: Central Complex Core reviewing arrangement of a shared learning community with a series of adjacent program of spaces.
As a benefit to all students, Spring ISD provides students in the district with a range of choices and program opportunities, allowing them to decide where they want to attend school. Roberson Middle School is one such institution, catering to students in grades 6 to 8, offering programs that emphasize four distinct learning communities:
STEM Engineering
Law Enforcement
Performing Arts
Environmental/Agriculture
The school's design was carefully crafted to reflect these four programs prominently along the front face of the school. On this facade there is an architectural of two two-story academic houses, each level representing one of the four programs. Within each house, students have access to dedicated spaces for science, art, and technical labs, along with shared open learning areas that classrooms surround along the perimeter of each house.
Given the diversity of programs offered at the school, a primary goal was to foster a sense of community among these varied educational tracks. To create a space where a strong school community can flourish, a central complex within the school serves as its heart, promoting the sharing of collective knowledge. The four communities are organized around a centrally shared Learning Community. (See Figure 1)
The core of this central zone encompasses several key features; an open Library, an adjacent Maker Space, a Student Common/Dining Area with a nearby Servery, a shared performance stage, and a raised-tier Lecture space. (See Figure 2) These adaptable spaces were designed to facilitate collaboration and promote a shared learning community among all students. Simultaneously, this central complex serves as a platform for the four learning communities to showcase their talents through displays, performances, and events for the entire school community to experience.
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