Colorful California Elementary School Sets 50% of Its Classes Outside!

A boring monochromatic classroom is hardly the ideal environment for inspring young minds, but the Redding School of Arts in California is breathing new life into education with a bold and spectacular new building. Designed by <a href="http://trilogyarch.com.s72730.gridserver.com/2010/01/redding-school-of-the-arts/">Trilogy Architecture</a> and funded by a private investor, the school took a decidedly different approach to education by insisting on colorful, non-rectilinear classrooms and a heavy emphasis on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outdoor_education">outdoor learning</a>. The project was also designed to be as eco-conscious as possible.

The Redding School of Arts has taken a much more colorful approach to education!

Sweeping view of the campus at dusk withthe building's exterior surfaces and the interior space illuminated. Driveway in the forground, curving east towards the play yard.

From the North gallery, looking Southwest towards the seating area and the three stages at dusk

The Eastern Breezeway on the 1st Floor has a climate control ventilation duct

This classroom overlooks the park and natural daylight floods the room

Messanine looking Northeast, early morning light, looking towards classrooms with the play yard and walkway below.

South Gallery looking East with adjacent classrooms. The library is in the background with students lounging and playing instruments. Exterior climate control system

The Redding School of the Arts Amphitheater seating area loking North

Energy efficient LEDs have been used throughout the interior

The amphitheater center stage with models (released) on stage at dusk using exisitng and augmented lighting.

This is the Arts Western Lobby and entrance.

This is the Art Room with a view of the trees and play yard.

This is the Kindergarten Room - looking towards the entry