Rocketship is pioneering blended learning methodology and creating flexible spaces where teachers leverage tools—tutors, online learning programs and their peers—to engage kids in a truly personalized learning experience; and as architects, we strive to design to the same level of excellence and innovation, and to create flexible, healthy and sustainable schools that are tools for teaching and better learning.

The 24,356 sf, two-story building is located at the front of the 1.7-acre site, leaving the back and side areas open for continuous play space, including a play structure, soccer field and basketball court, lunch shelter, and learning garden boxes and tree grove. The site and landscape design strategies center around coordinating bioswales of drought-tolerant and native species to treat stormwater runoff, creating a space open to the community. The best schools inspire their students and teachers to excel and bring together their community.  

The goal of the project design is to use the building as a teaching tool, providing instructional opportunities that are combined with a physical learning environment. The use of long-span steel structures and flexible classroom configurations facilitate a variety of spaces, yet remain adaptable to future changes in program, size, pedagogy, technology, and operations. Much of the building systems are left exposed which can easily be incorporated into their science curriculum.

Steel was chosen as the primary building material also for its high recycled content, and potential for future recycling. By building economically and sustainably, we are demonstrating what it means to design and construct a healthy, high-performing school, all while conserving resources, pushing toward a greener economy, and educating stewards of our environment.

The design draws from early Californian history, with a modern and innovative architectural interpretation of Spanish mission elements. Historical influences are visible in various details, colors, and finishes. Design elements are carried inside, with an arched corridor, accented alcoves featuring traditional Spanish ceramic tiles, and the custom ceramic tile-clad reception desk. The arches in the perforated metal solar screen to the wood-clad balcony projections, and the highlights of color on structural expressions demonstrate the interplay between historical influences, new interpretations, and innovative design.  

Through a practice that combines architecture, art and making, we strive to create work that exhibits a playful interplay of material exploration, technological sophistication, narrative storytelling, and DIY inventiveness.   As such, our team designed and installed the ceramic tile reception desk from the design and fabrication of the plaster molds to casting, firing and glazing over150+ pieces of the triangular shaped tiles.