Helman Elementary School Library
Helman Elementary School Library Addition
Ashland, OR
Designed in association with DLR Group Architects, the Architect of Record. At Helman Elementary School, the staff was committed to promoting a healthy environment for the development of students and the entire school community. However, the small, dark library room and cafeteria-turned-gym were not complimentary to the staff’s efforts. For the design and construction team, this proved to be a perfect opportunity to incorporate a “healthy building” philosophy into new library and gymnasium facilities. Both the gymnasium and library buildings were positioned on the site to facilitate a central courtyard that encourages interaction among students and a sense of community on campus. In addition, the siting of the library provides optimum day-lighting throughout the reading room with the use of clerestory windows and overhangs that compliment the sun’s seasonal path.
