Cranston, RI – Finegold Alexander Architects announced it is working closely with the City of Cranston and Cranston Public Schools on the design of the new Gladstone Elementary School, to replace an existing 1950s-era school.
Finegold Alexander is leveraging the existing site topography to create a compact building footprint, promoting energy efficiency. The school’s layout optimizes the building’s solar orientation to maximize natural daylight and views for both teachers and students.
The new facility will serve as the international school for the City of Cranston which includes the consolidation of both Gladstone and Arlington Elementary Schools, serving roughly 798 students in grades K-5. The new 100,000sf, 3+ story building features an innovative building design. Instead of arranging classrooms along a central corridor, the six distinct Learning Communities are each designed as a single suite of interconnected rooms. Curiosity Centers with purpose-built music, art and maker spaces serve to connect the Learning Communities on each floor. The project includes three outdoor learning areas, multiple playgrounds, and a community garden.
Regan Shields Ives, Finegold Alexander principal, said, “The design is focused on fostering interaction, communication, and creativity while giving the school the ability to adapt as their needs change over the decades.”
The social heart and cafetorium will be located on the first floor, bolstering the intention as a safe and secure space for the community. Gathering stairs will be located within the building to offer opportunities for informal seating and social interactions for students, teachers, and parents. The project is currently in design development phase with a projected completion date of summer 2025.
