Harding Academy

Harding Academy, an independent PreK-8 school, challenges and nurtures children at every grade level, embodying the school’s motto: “inspiring the mind, nurturing the spirit.” The new Early Education and Admissions building serves as a transitional element between the campus's traditional character and its future developments, architecturally reflecting the dynamic relationship between teacher and student.

This project started as a need for a new Fine Arts Facility, but through the masterplan development reimaging their campus, the need for a new early education and admissions was clear. A vital aspect of this long-term vision is Kever Park, a piece of property owned by Harding Academy that will now be shared with the entire neighborhood. This park symbolizes a new partnership between the school and the surrounding community, honoring the school's commitment to student-focused education while providing an inclusive space for the neighborhood to use.

Mixed within a neighborhood setting, the new 19,800 square foot facility acts as the face and identity of campus while embracing the adjacent community fabric. The traditional material palette blends with the existing campus connection and typology while being timeless, detail oriented, and forward looking in an exterior approach. Its design features the traditional material palette—brick, limestone, and dark bronze metals—but utilizes modern elements to create a seamless architectural environment. Internally, courtyard play, outdoor classroom, passive, and active security measures create a comfortable and safe space for students where Harding can inspire the mind and nurture the students' spirit.

The new building draws inspiration from the school's architectural heritage, incorporating elements like the limestone arches found in the original building, which is now the new library. These arches have been reimagined in the entryway tower, linking the past to the present. A key component of the renovation is a new balcony that allows students to ring the bell in the tower on their birthdays, enhancing their long-standing tradition by making it a participatory experience for everyone entering the campus.

Security is also a critical aspect of the design, with both passive and active measures carefully integrated throughout the building. Active measures include key fob systems, door locking mechanisms, security cameras, ballistic films on all first-floor windows and doors, and tornado shelters. Passive strategies, derived from studies of educational facilities, include thoughtful classroom layouts that minimize exposure to the building's exterior and the incorporation of hard corners.

Though nestled into the campus master plan, the new Harding Academy building stands as a new beacon and the front door to the school. Beyond serving as a classroom space, the building also houses the school’s admissions office, reinforcing its role as the gateway to the institution. The proximity to the road and the reconfiguration of traffic patterns were significant considerations in the design, ensuring safety and accessibility. The secured courtyard includes an outdoor classroom that accommodates 60 students, designed for both learning and play, with natural play structures that enhance the connection between the courtyard and the classroom.