VMDO Architects

The Greenbrier Elementary School Modernization is the fourth in a series of small renovation projects at each public elementary school in Charlottesville. Conceived as an opportunity to create 21st-century learning environments on a small scale, these projects make a tangible improvement for the school community on a modest budget.

Through a series of programming meetings, a committee of teachers and school administrators agreed to focus the design on a space that would serve all the “Reading Stars” of Greenbrier. They eventually chose the library as the subject of this design intervention.

Originally constructed in 1962, the library is located at the heart of the school directly adjacent to the main entrance and administrative suite. New portal elements with increased glazing at the entrances improve the presence of the library along the main corridor. Underutilized office and storage spaces in the library suite were demolished to create more space for distinct areas in the library: stacks space, a conference room, book storage, a story time area, and a maker zone.

The re-positioned circulation desk promotes better visibility of the library, and a new ramp provides ADA access to the existing sunken story well and adjacent exterior courtyard. New mobile shelving units and technology improve the flexibility of the space. A school-wide environmental graphics package inspired by local nature improves building navigation and adds another thread to unite the school community.