Richland School District Two
Forest Lake Elementary School
This new 152,000 SF elementary school is designed for 747 students in grades PreK-5th an accommodates the two (2) magnet programs: NASA Explorer and Elementary Learning Collaborative (ELC). Due to the low scale of the surrounding neighborhood, the 2-level school is designed to nestle into the natural topography of the site.
LOCATION: Columbia, SC
SIZE: 152,000 SF
COMPLETED: 2022
Designed for Exploration
The existing 1970’s Forest Lake Elementary School is located in a densely populated residential area of the District. With the need for an improved facility with room for expansion and a flexible learning environment, the District passed a Bond Referendum to build a new replacement school. The adjacent site, which consists of the old District office and abandoned play fields, was utilized to construct the new school while the existing school remained in operation.
Leading the Way
The upper level accommodates the highly visible main entry which incorporates a secure entry vestibule for visitors, as well as separate access for students. The reception area opens onto a welcoming rotunda with NASA inspired imagery, NASA and Project Lead the Way labs and upper level classrooms off double loaded corridors with areas for group collaboration. The lower level also accommodates more classrooms, as well as many of the core areas. A large, colorful, and open ramp creates a fun way to access the lower level. The ramp culminates into the entry to the Media Center that opens onto the central courtyard area envisioned for outdoor reading and other activities. The ramp also provides direct access to the large dining commons area with floor patterns and ceiling clouds recalling celestial imagery.
The school’s kid-friendly furnishings are unique within the school system, with pieces featuring wavy lines, rounded edges, bold colors, and writable surfaces. The furnishings were selected for maximum flexibility to support a 21st century learning environment and easily adapt to any task from individual study to collaborative, project-based activities.