Santa Monica’s new Science Education & Research Facility at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences is the exciting new home to Middle and Upper School students. Envisioned to be a center for collaboration and discovery, the facility will encourage students to become leaders in science and technology, as well as live responsibly with nature.
The three-story, 25,000 square foot building consists of twelve open classrooms, designed for flexible teaching methods. Faculty preparation spaces are linked to the classrooms, promoting collaboration among teaching staff. The unique 12-sided Special Projects Pavilion is connected by bridges at each level and will be used for both experiments and independent research. Crossroads students played a role in the exterior design, incorporating multi-colored shotcrete walls with decorative strips of aggregate and natural artifacts to both simulate the earth’s layers and stimulate young minds.
An outdoor living laboratory allows students to study ecosystems, vegetation and nature. A wind and gravity-activated kinetic sculpture, designed by world-renowned artist Ned Kahn, represents the interconnection of art and science. A monarch butterfly garden will aim in helping reverse the decline of this endangered species.
Sustainable elements include a polished glass curtainwall façade that allows natural light to penetrate the building. The façade incorporates photovoltaic panels as part of the goal in achieving LEED Gold certification.
Designed by Frederick Fisher and Partners Architects, the new Science Education & Research Facility is now open for the 2015-2016 school year.
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