- Karner Blue Education Center
- Warren and Donna Beck Academic Hall
- Eagle Brook Church
- Lawson Commons
- Maple Grove Hospital
Karner Blue Education Center
“…When they walk through those doors, even just approaching this school, they’re going to get that sense of, ‘I’m going to be OK here. I’m going to be safe.’” – Val Rae Boe, principal, Karner Blue Education Center
With that purpose, Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 sought to create a new school specifically designed for students who live with severe autism and emotional-behavioral disorders. As there were no known precedents nationally for such a school, officials went into the project with no preconceived notions of what the final school should be. Beginning with a homework assignment to find images that reflect the kind of environments staff would want for the children and would be conducive to both healing and learning, the design team dreamed with teachers and officials on possibilities that would be warm, safe, engaging, and flexible.
To create a primary education center that would be conducive to learning and healing for children with severe autism and emotional-behavioral disorders, including varied and flexible areas for intervention during deregulating events, sensory rooms and play areas to engage the senses, and decompression areas for staff. Warm and inviting, the center also needed to be safe for staff and secure for students – a healing learning environment.
A balance between an elementary school and a behavioral health hospital, the final solution is designed around separate communities for specific disorders. Karner Blue features four distinct pods with common areas, classrooms, and breakout rooms. Hallways are curved to reduce sightlines and eliminate the invitation that light at the end of long hallways creates for children who want to run. Multiple entrances reduce the crush of crowds and fear associated with the start of school, while conventional walls with wood wainscot create a warm and comfortable environment.
State-of-the-art mechanicals and lighting are used to mitigate noise and smells that may affect highly sensitive students. Skylights and strategically placed windows flood rooms with light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Flexible seating provide choices, especially for those who benefit from movement, and also afford students personal time when needed. Safe and secure elements such as two-way door hinges, push-pull door handles, and electronically controlled latches are discreetly incorporated throughout.