ROGERS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Stamford, CT

Located less than one mile from coastal waters this urban elementary school serves 660 students in grades Pre K–8 with an environmental curriculum. The City wanted to transform a brownfield site into an inspiring educational facility. The resulting design creates a vibrant sense of place and demonstrates ecological stewardship through its four prominent environmental demonstration components: a large intensive green roof for educational use; a rain garden demonstrating the natural filtration process; a rain and stormwater collection system; and wind turbine demonstrating ‘free energy’. In addition to the demonstration components, environmental stewardship prompted several other elements: the salvaging and reuse of the structure and materials from the former pharmaceutical R&D facility on site; preservation of the topography, and the use of natural light throughout the building. Signage was designed and strategically located to educate occupants and visitors about the environment and school features.