Milwaukee Montessori Fieldhouse

Location: Milwaukee, WI
Type: Education

Milwaukee Montessori School is a kindergarten through 8th grade school in Milwaukee that has an excellent reputation for teaching children how to be self-motivated, curious and an advocate for their learning experiences - skills that they will use throughout their life.  Their commitment to providing a holistic education that believes a healthy active child is motivated to succeed in the classroom was the genesis of the design of the new fieldhouse building on their campus.  This fieldhouse will house their award-winning sports programs, will provide a larger space for their gym classes, and also provide space for concert recitals and all school presentations.  A new dance studio will add to their co-curricular activities by providing a place for dance, yoga, and other smaller group activities.

The design places the fieldhouse in a place that creates a dialogue between the entrance of the school and the new fieldhouse.  A large canopy at the front entrance provides spaces for students to be protected and also mediates the size of the gym providing a human scaled element in front of the larger mass of the gym.  The materials used include precast panels that mimic the limestone of the existing building, and wood slats at the main entrance provide a welcoming environment while giving the school a campus like feel.