concordia is a community based planning and design team with a collective passion for the principles of concord. We implement our work through an integrative and participatory process that addresses physical, cultural, social, educational, organizational and economic assets and needs.
Campus Master Plan for New Orleans Charter Middle School
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The Campus Master Plan for New Orleans Charter Middle School (NOCMS) was created to help guide the institution in the development of facilities and open space for the future. The plan was designed to be a guide, specific enough to provide direction, yet flexible enough to meet the changing needs of the institution in years to come. Most immediately, the plan addressed the school’s need to find a resolution between its space limitations and student enrollment growth possibilities, while maintaining the flexibility inherent in its innovative educational approach. The school’s long-term goal was to create an educational environment that, through its facilities and open spaces, enhanced the teaching and learning opportunities available to staff and students.
Through a series of meetings with faculty and staff, Concordia facilitated the process of achieving a collaborative plan to help determine future options for development of the school campus based on different scenarios for growth in student enrollment. In the planning process, prominence was given to the school’s increased focus on art, dance, and music and developing more appropriate space for these activities. The result of the planning process was a series of four flexible options, allowing the school to expand its operations either by continuing to serve 300-360 middle school students in grades 6 – 8, expand its enrollment to 550-600 middle school students, or by converting to an elementary/middle school (i.e., grades K – 8) with 550-600 students. The plan also includes central green space, a multi-use play field, a safe bus route, and improved parking.
Overall, the flexibility inherent in the Campus Master Plan, accommodated current needs, and reflected an evolving vision of the school held by its staff and board of directors.