Page 23 - Fall_2021

Classroom entrance.

Arlington County Expands

Its Civic Amenities by Celia Carnes
Main corridor.
and community members, who together produced a visual were cleverly reworked to feel custom. Expensive-looking
vocabulary to guide the project. Keywords like “light, bright, details were achieved economically through creative use of
fun, and enriching” helped shape the final design concept. materials, like colored film used between panes to create a
The resulting space is open, welcoming, flexible, and infused colorful stained-glass appearance. The palette and personality
with sunlight. “The design scale and the feeling of height and of the space are reinforced through additional touches like a
proportion I’m really proud of,” said Gregory. “The circulation is playhouse-shaped doorway, circular acoustical ceiling pads, and
wide—it allows more children to flow freely and creates a feel of wayfinding graphics winding along floors and walls.
a special space.” Gregory credits the project’s success to the enthusiastic
Aspire fundraised all construction costs for this project, collaboration between the design team, Arlington County, and
and the organization’s mission—and its tight budget—were Aspire!’s community of staff and students. The joyful space
kept top of mind throughout the design and construction demonstrates the team’s commitment to the project’s mission: to
process. “We’re mindful of the materials we use, and that we’re provide children with space for physical and mental growth and
being economically good stewards of the budget to maximize access to support enabling them to succeed as learners and grow
the effect of design in a meaningful, mindful way,” Gregory as citizens.
added. Sealed concrete floors were chosen to be both budget-
and kid-friendly, while donated carpets, doors, and millwork

BUILDING COMMUNITY 21