Ocean View Elementary School

This new facility construction and modernization was funded by bond measures to replace an outdated and seismically-deficient set of buildings. The design was guided by the goal of providing a strong sense of belonging for its families, many of whom hail from international backgrounds and reside in the adjacent UC Village. The school population is highly transitional with many students entering mid-year, making it important to signal welcoming throughout the campus.

The centerpiece of the new design is the vibrant new International Courtyard that provides a welcoming and nurturing entry experience. It features plants from each continent to represent its diverse student population. A new library and maker space with shaded outdoor porch is situated within the courtyard, supporting hands-on learning and providing space for after-hours community meetings. The library creates an inviting shared resources hub that the classroom, administration and kindergarten wings are organized around, forming the campus “heart” and inspiring a maker ethos throughout the school. The project was designed with sustainability in mind, with a range of passive, active and landscape strategies that work together. It is Net Zero Ready.