Canales Elementary

Square Footage:             32,000 sq.ft
Location:                          Brownsville, Texas
Grade Level:                    Pre-K thru 3rd
Architect in Charge:      Hector Garcia

This twenty-four classroom addition to an existing school is actually the first phase of a master plan that will transform the entire campus. The design of the addition was heavily influenced by both a limited site, and an even more limited budget. Seeking to minimize exterior wall area, a consolidated floor plan was used, which resulted in half of the classrooms not having exterior windows. I used translucent panel skylights to let in daylight and promote a healthier, happier atmosphere. The classrooms that do have exterior windows utilize a functional box window, which can be used for classroom projects. The buildings exterior takes familiar forms from around the city, which have been located to express important areas and entrances.