LITTLE HORIZON ACADEMY, GARLAND, TX
Multiple Award Winner: 2024 Dallas Design Ovation Awards, Commercial Corporate - 1st Place, 2024 Celebrating Design Texas, Commercial Corporate - 2nd Place
This project involved a huge remodel where a dreary and neglected school building had to be reimagined into a bright and inviting environment that would inspire learning. Upon client request an astronomy theme was integrated in the school design, which then transports the child to a world that stimulates curiosity and encourages exploration.
Inherent old building challenges were embraced and in turn converted to opportunity for a creative solution. The large column found in the entrance lobby became a main feature of the project - a rocket sculpture that introduces visitors and students to the school. Area carved around this column with a space mural stretching on its wall and ceiling, forms the waiting area, creating an illusion of sitting under the stars. Drop ceiling with cove light frames the reception while theme based wood cutouts create a textural background. A small area to take pictures of students was also seamlessly incorporated in this space.
The heart of the building, the restored multipurpose room with very tall ceiling, presented an opportunity to create a composition of planets in an attempt to display the solar system in turn making the space more relatable to a child. Use of rhythmic scalloped wood panels painted in ombre effect to represent clouds extend and blend into the astronomy mural from wall to ceiling in the process creating a versatile stage backdrop.
The theme further subtly extends into the classroom with a small central circular ceiling housing the respective classroom planet in its unique color. The classroom furniture coordinates with the respective planet color; this accent color also carries in the restroom accent tile. Other details like a custom rocket shape framing the restroom observation window further complement the theme.