North Canton City Schools strives to provide the best educational environments that “Ignite a passion for learning”. They underwent a master plan that outlined the need for new schools, starting with two elementaries. The new Intermediate consolidates two aging buildings, serving grades third through fifth, into one new building on an existing site. This school was designed to be adaptable to the changing needs for the different types of learning and collaboration, attempting to meet the needs of all students including those in the “middle”.

Two goals became apparent during our Educational Visioning Session with the District: the schools should foster differentiated/personalized learning and be light and playful.

1. The overall design organizes the educational wings into Collaborative Learning Areas with an intentional focus on inclusion for those needing additional support. The layout of the classrooms is arranged with teams sharing their own Collaborative Learning Area and having direct access to intervention rooms off the classroom. This enables kids to be supported alongside their classmates, keeping them in the classroom more. Inclusion…not separation.
2. The interior inspiration comes from nature and its ability to teach and help. Colors, patterns, textures, and materials with earthy tones found in nature have been strategically placed for all to experience. Elements such as wood and colors of sand dunes, pebbles or the ocean help make the space feel familiar, warmer and inviting…where kids want to be.

The site is the first level of safety in school design. Expansive views, clear visibility, and buffer zones create opportunities for visual surveillance to occur seamlessly throughout the day. This was specifically achieved at the outdoor learning areas with the challenge being how to keep kids safe while still providing everyday access to outdoor learning.

The exterior design creates a sense of place and belonging to this community of North Canton. Many other civic and institutional buildings in the area have a similar color pallet focusing on red brick and pitched roofs.

The new Intermediate is designed with a goal to achieve LEED v4.0 Silver Certification. Sustainability and wellness design were integrated throughout this building. From an interior perspective, no matter where you are in the building you have an opportunity to see and connect with the outdoors. Soft textures, calming colors and an overall feeling of comfort speak to how you feel in this school. This is also supported by a focus on noise control with carpeting, high NRC ceilings, and acoustic wall treatments.

Design: SōL Harris/Day Architecture
Design Team: Domenic Ferrante, Burt Marzley, Jordan Lewis, Carolina Silva, Jeff Hardy, Julie Ziga, Will Duncan
Photography: Todd Biss Productions