"The architectural treatment of the Sherman School transforms the traditional imagery of the red brick school house into a late 20th century aesthetic."

 

- Jury Comments, AIA Washington Council 2000 Civic Design Awards

 

Sherman Elementary School

Tacoma School District

 

Tacoma, Washington

 

Sherman is a new 60,000 square foot school in an urban, residential neighborhood. The Southeast corner of the site opens up to views of Mt. Rainier and Tacoma's North end neighborhoods beyond. In response to a restricted budget, the design solution is fundamentally a simple repetitive structure with an exceptional moment at each end. A steel, mast and cable structure serves as a covered play area during the day while its open, minimal structure eliminates hiding spots at night. The academic wing's Eastern end is a faceted glass curtain wall, which turns the corner opening the library up to views of Mt. Rainier and the neighborhoods beyond, while advertising Sherman to its neighborhood.