At a Glance
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76.6K
Square Feet
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LEED
Silver Certified
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$36M
Project Value
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Offices
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Client
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Austin Independent School District
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Awards
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TASA, Stars of Distinction in Wellness, Community, Planning & Transformation, 2024
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AIA Austin, Design Awards, Design Award Commendation: Humancentric Design, 2023
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Urban Land Institute (ULI) Austin, Impact Award, Finalist Most Influential Award, 2023
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Offices
- Client
-
- Austin Independent School District
- Awards
- TASA, Stars of Distinction in Wellness, Community, Planning & Transformation, 2024
- AIA Austin, Design Awards, Design Award Commendation: Humancentric Design, 2023
- Urban Land Institute (ULI) Austin, Impact Award, Finalist Most Influential Award, 2023
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Rosedale School - Design and Buildings Engineering
The Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) wanted to establish a new school dedicated to serving learners with diverse and significant special needs. The school required specialized spaces for medically fragile students, students with social and behavioral disorders, and those participating in the Transition to Life in the Community (TLC) program. Austin ISD engaged our team of architects, designers, and buildings engineers to help.
Our "School Within a Park" design fosters health, wellness, and connection to nature. Adaptable spaces—including sensory rooms, therapeutic gardens, and fully accessible playgrounds—encourage interaction and inclusivity. Shared spaces like the "Living Room" provide areas for connection, reinforcing community.
Rooted in the principles of universal design, the school prioritizes accessibility, sensory-responsive elements, and thoughtful spatial organization. Learning neighborhoods extend outward from the hub, creating a safe and intuitive flow for students and staff. The integrated medical clinic, while maintaining secure access, allows students who are also patients to experience continuity of care within a familiar environment.
As with all learning environments—but especially for Rosedale students with unique visual, auditory, or cognitive abilities—the sensory experience was a primary design consideration. We incorporated a variety of textures and colors; carefully designed acoustics, including sound isolation; controlled daylighting and lighting systems; and aromatic materials and landscaping.
A model of universal design and inclusivity, Rosedale School demonstrates how innovative, research-driven design transforms special education and sets a new benchmark for learning environments.
At a Glance
-
76.6K
Square Feet
-
LEED
Silver Certified
-
$36M
Project Value
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
Austin Independent School District
-
-
Awards
-
TASA, Stars of Distinction in Wellness, Community, Planning & Transformation, 2024
-
-
AIA Austin, Design Awards, Design Award Commendation: Humancentric Design, 2023
-
-
Urban Land Institute (ULI) Austin, Impact Award, Finalist Most Influential Award, 2023
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Offices
- Client
-
- Austin Independent School District
- Awards
- TASA, Stars of Distinction in Wellness, Community, Planning & Transformation, 2024
- AIA Austin, Design Awards, Design Award Commendation: Humancentric Design, 2023
- Urban Land Institute (ULI) Austin, Impact Award, Finalist Most Influential Award, 2023
Share
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