Brooks Global Studies is an elementary school magnet program focused on global themes of understanding, empathy, and addressing local and global issues. Shared global learning labs, indoor-outdoor integration centered on sustainability, and dedicated spaces for community outreach elevate future-focused education while anchoring the school within its community.
Facing a tight site less than half the traditional size, the two-story building navigates a 40-foot grade change by utilizing an integrated retaining wall for amphitheater seating. The school anchors its community through laundry services, a clothing and food pantry, and hot food distribution as well as a connection to the neighboring Greensboro Arboretum.
Supporting adaptable pedagogy, core learning spaces feature tech-equipped flexible environments with mobile monitors and collaborative global learning labs for project-based and student-led learning. The layout cultivates connection through a central courtyard and a technology wall that connects students with peers across the globe, while optimizing well-being with exposed wood structure and daylighting across 100% of learning spaces. A computationally-designed “DISCOVER” graphic featuring 13,000 icons doubles as an innovative solar shading device. Integration of photovoltaics, low-flow plumbing, xeriscaping, and above-code insulation, the project achieves a 46% EUI baseline reduction while tracking high performance standards.
