When this community voted with a resounding YES to replace four aging elementary schools, designers were tasked with creating equal educational appropriateness and amenities within the buildings. To maintain this equity, a “Kit of Parts” was developed to define and standardize program ingredients. The next task involved manipulating the kit of parts at each school to design similar learning environments while preserving the unique character and personality of each school.

These replacement schools helped to redefine Birmingham Schools’ elementary program. The final products are four distinct elementary buildings that have equitable ingredients and educational features, all with distinct personalities that reinforce the legacy and traditions of the original schools.