Orcutt Winslow
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Learning Sanctuary

Desert Oasis Elementary School

Phoenix, AZ

Step into the vibrant heartbeat of Desert Oasis Elementary School, a 34,000 SF addition in an established Tolleson School District neighborhood. At its core, this structure isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s a living embodiment and commitment to cutting-edge education. Classrooms, meticulously crafted to embody the principles of 21C learning, create an environment where students are not merely spectators, but active participants in their own intellectual odysseys. Safety and comfort intertwine, nurturing a space where curiosity thrives and ideas flourish. But this isn’t just about walls and boards. No, the very spirit of the campus is encapsulated within these walls.

Designed as a bridge between past and present, the design seamlessly knits itself into the fabric of the existing landscape. Every line, every curve, whispers stories of unity; a testimony that progress need not come at the cost of the neighborhood’s heritage. Drawing inspiration from the very name, “Desert Oasis,” is meant to be an expedition, delving into the geological wonders of desolate terrains and metaphorical interpretations alike. The result? A harmonious marriage of nature’s splendor and human innovation. Practicality, too, finds its home here. A symphony of trees and shading structures line the landscape, orchestrated to tame the sun’s fervor and calm its blinding glare. The interior spaces intend to inspire innovation and spontaneous congregation.

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