K-12 Education
DESIGN PRINCIPLES Our projects are created in light of six national design principles developed by the U.S. Department of Education and endorsed by the American Institute of Architects, Council of Educational Facility Planners International and others: 1. ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF ALL LEARNERS 2. MEET THE NEEDS OF THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY 3. DESIGNED FOR THE COMMUNITY BY THE COMMUNITY 4. PROVIDE A SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT 5. MAXIMIZE ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES 6. ACCOMMODATE THE UNKNOWN
On the cover: Graniteville Elementary School | Graniteville, SC Left: Central High School Courtyard | Lineville, AL Right: Clearview Elementary School Cafetera | LaGrange, GA
PROVEN OUTCOMES As a national leader in K-12 education design, GMC strives to deliver creative solutions to the complex challenges of today’s learning environment. Our methodology epitomizes expertise, innovation and passion for design with an unprecedented commitment to exemplary client satisfaction. The GMC Education Group specializes in knowing how to help school systems achieve the most productive, yet cost-effective learning environment for educators and students alike. Our team approaches each project individually and believes that architecture should reflect the values and character of the local community.
Right: Pelham Park Middle School Library | Pelham, AL
Left: Central High School of Clay County Courtyard | Lineville, AL Right: Park Crossing High School Media Center | Montgomery, AL
Our track record of repeat work with over 75 school systems proves our ability to deliver to the highest standards.
Left: Gideons Elementary School | Atlanta, GA Right: Brentwood High School STEM Building | Brentwood, TN
Left: Clay County High School | Ashland, AL Right: Pike Road K-8 Media Center | Pike Road, AL
We strive to understand the needs of each client and pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of service. Our guiding principle is simply this: Education is the driver of design.
Left: Tanglewood Middle School | Greenville, SC Right: Coppinville Junior High School | Enterprise, AL
Above: One of two open classrooms that feature collaborative stadium seating and function as stairs at Park Crossing High School | Montgomery, AL Right: Athens High School Library | Athens, AL
DESIGN APPROACH Today’s schools have evolved into more than a workplace for teachers or a second home for students. They are designed to foster an atmosphere that presents opportunities to learn everywhere, whether in a formal classroom setting or through interaction outside of these traditional spaces. As designers with not only experience, but a passion for K-12 education, our objective is to provide a flexible, adaptable and safe, 21st-century learning environment that inspires students and teachers alike.
As we delve further into the 21st century, many traditional design elements of educational facilities have become obsolete. Our methodology utilizes 21st century design best practices, which entails integrated philosophy and the idea of fostering a “Community of Learning.” This “Community of Learning” is a way of the future and incorporates several key components that contribute to its success, including: 1. C REATING SCHO OLS THAT FUNCTION AS NEIGHBORHO OD COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS 2. P ROVIDING FLEXIBLE ACADEMIC SPACES THAT SUPPORT 21ST CENTURY INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACHES 3. L EARNING HAPPENS EVERYWHERE/INCORPORATION OF OUTD O OR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS 4. T ECHNOLO GY THAT IS PERVASIVE THROUGHOUT THE ACADEMIC CAMPUS 5. INCORPORATING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN ELEMENTS
Right: Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3) | Hoover, AL
Left: Pelham Ridge Elementary School | Pelham, AL Right: Mill Creek Elementary and Middle School Atrium | Nolensville, TN
Left: Kimberly Hampton Primary School Commons | Ft. Bragg, NC Right: Elbert County High School Lobby | Elberton, GA
SUSTAINABILITY We believe sustainability is a crucial element, especially with regard to educational facilities. These practical design practices have the ability to initiate educational classroom discussion on their importance, enhance interior and exterior learning environments and reduce long-term utility and maintenance costs. Sustainable design benefits not only students, faculty and staff, but also the community as a whole.
Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is one of the
OFFICE LOCATIONS
region’s largest privately-held architecture
Alabama Andalusia Auburn Birmingham Daphne Eufaula Huntsville Mobile Montgomery Vernon
and engineering firms, with more than 450+ employees located in offices throughout the Southeast and projects spanning nationwide.
Florida Pensacola Sarasota Tampa
Georgia Atlanta Augusta Brunswick Savannah Louisiana New Orleans North Carolina Charlotte South Carolina Columbia Greenville Charleston Tennessee Franklin Nashville
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