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Breath of Fresh Air
Breath of Fresh Air

Powell Elementary Exemplifies

Cutting-Edge Approaches to

School Design

by Steven K. Dickens, AIA, LEED AP

Powell Elementary School draws its diverse student
body from the surrounding neighborhoods of Sixteenth
Street Heights, Petworth, Park View, and Columbia
Heights. Following recent renovations and additions by
ISTUDIO Architects, it now comprises four major
wings, each readily identifiable both inside and out. The
complex has four solar chimneys and four rooftop
“learning spaces.” It was not entirely surprising, then,
when Rick Harlan Schneider, AIA, APA, LEED AP, a
principal at ISTUDIO, listed four major concepts that
underlie the design: Differentiated Learning, Outdoor
Program, Daylighting, and Fresh Air.

The new south wing of Powell Elementary
School, containing the cafeteria on the
ground floor and the library on the upper
level. Vertical louvers on the west-facing
façade filter strong afternoon sun.

Photo © Dan Snook Photography

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