2021 A4LE John Shaw Award Recipient

Driving up to the building, you immediately feel the sense of space and pride created by Walden Middle School. Exterior signage and artwork can be illuminated with interchangeable colors to celebrate special occasions and holidays. The space was designed and built to give students access to outside daylight, while also ensuring safety and security as well as the durability of the building. This feeling of openness and transparent connectivity has attributed to the lack of bullying, according to the principal. Lockdown features also can be activated at the push of a button, securing 75 percent of the building.

In addition, the three academic wings are flexible and include operable walls, allowing for customization and collaboration throughout. The wings are connected by the gallery-like commons, where students’ work can be showcased, as well as the media center. The green building is the first LEED V4 certified school building in the region and demonstrates how the design played a crucial role in extending the building’s life cycle while incorporating impactful and sustainable features.