The new Robert Smalls International Academy replaces an existing school that was built in 1965. Logistics of construction were carefully planned out and considered as the existing school will be occupied throughout construction. The history of the school and its namesake, student demographics, and site constraints have guided the team towards a design that is ‘grounded in the past, and reaching towards the future’. The design focuses on layering history, program and playfulness to create a contemporary and welcoming building for students, staff, faculty and visitors.