Berliner Architects recently competed in a design-build competition for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians East Reservation School. We developed a schematic design for a new school for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized tribe of Serrano people in San Bernardino County, with Oltmans Construction. The design was inspired by desert landscapes and features a central classroom “canyon”, playfield “meadow”, and a gathering space with an amphitheater.
Starting at the school entry, one would arrive at a welcoming plaza in front of the administration building, where students would be welcomed by their teachers and brought through the portal into the protected courtyards and classroom canyons that gently slope higher and higher up the hill.
The MPR is on the right, a large outdoor amphitheater straight ahead, and the view of the valley and mountains beyond are to the left. Surrounded by native landscape, seating, and spaces to hang out, play, and learn, the MPR faces the views to the west with a deep sheltering canopy and operable glass walls that join the inside and outside.
Moving past the outdoor amphitheater, you reach the kindergarten play yard that is outside the first of three classroom buildings. All the classrooms are built with colorful rammed earth walls with deep openings for doors and windows and a green roof that blends into the surrounding hillsides. Moving up through the classroom canyon, outdoor learning spaces lead into each classroom with an operable glass wall that can be used on nice days to optimize the connection to the natural environment.
At the top of the classroom canyon is the older kids’ playground with equipment integrated into the landscape such as the slide that parallels the hillside. As you rise out of the classroom canyon, you reach a verdant green field that overlooks the school and valley beyond. The experience of entering the secure courtyard and rising through the classroom canyons provides a safe and engaging learning environment that immerses students and teachers in the natural world - a proven way to better learning and retention.