Page 18 - Winter_2020

Renovated library in the historic building. Photo © Ken Wyner, Ken Wyner Photography

Murch Elementary: McGhee explained that the original circa-1930
Learning is Everywhere building was one of many “extensible” school buildings
constructed throughout Washington in the first half of the
“Fantastic—and the inside spaces are as great as 20th century. Often designed with T-shaped or U-shaped
the outside ones.” This was the comment from one wings, the extensible schools were built in sections as the
mother keeping track of her kids on the boisterous student population grew and funds became available.
playground of the Benjamin Murch Elementary School “Murch is one of the few remaining intact extensible
in Northwest Washington on a recent fall afternoon. school buildings in the city and the Historic Preservation
This Murch parent and resident of the neighborhood Office was clear it needed to be protected.”
gave full voice to her enthusiasm for the recently The school’s “Reggio Emilia” academic approach,
renovated and expanded school. And it’s not hard to named after the city in Italy where it was developed
see why. Even in the era of remote learning, the school and which stresses learn-by-doing, self-discovery,
remains an important neighborhood focal point and a respect for the natural world, and informal social
welcoming presence. collaboration, also influenced design choices. Paul
“This was a very engaged community well Lund, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, is a principal with Hord
before the school project even began,” said Ronnie Coplan Macht, a firm with a significant portfolio of
McGhee, FAIA, LEED AP, principal of R. McGhee & education projects across the country, and associate
Associates, a firm with extensive experience in historic architect on the Murch modernization. “We took every
preservation and school projects. “The neighbors were opportunity to make the spaces as flexible as possible.
well organized and knew what they wanted. They were Learning is everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Students
clear that the scale of the new construction should not and teachers can break out of classrooms and use
overwhelm the surrounding residential streets and corridors, niches, and gathering areas for small-group
they wanted us to retain the primacy of the historic learning. Unstructured space is key to the design.”
building on the site. And they definitely wanted the To accommodate a pre-K through 5th grade
playgrounds to remain a community amenity.” student population of 720 and provide flexible indoor/

16 SCHOOLS ON A MISSION