The John C. Daniels School provides Pre-K through 8th grade students with a new school building in an area of New Haven that has a diverse mix of institutional, commercial and residential use. A key goal in the design of the school was to provide a secure yet child-friendly environment for the students in the midst of its urban setting.

Designed to provide for 650 students, the building rises two stories and includes classrooms, a library, a full size gymnasium, as well as specialty art and science facilities. A large cafeteria / choral space includes a moveable wall, providing the ability to create two separate rooms when needed. This flexible space is available for use by the surrounding community for large gatherings and functions.

The building’s siting along the east/west axis minimizes solar heat gain via overhangs and treated glass, as well as maximizes light into classrooms and corridors. The protective masonry façade wraps around an interior glass-enclosed courtyard, the visual and acting “focal point” of the school that serves both educational and recreational activities.

This courtyard is the “village square” of the school and includes an amphitheater and stage, a Percent for Art program with multi-colored rubber playspaces and standard reading areas.