In Seattle, the Giddens School and Lake Washington Girls Middle School (LWGMS) complex stands out as a contemporary educational facility, bridging the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and the Central District. Designed by Graham Baba Architects, this dynamic urban campus caters to two private, independent schools that share a commitment to innovative education and community connection.
The co-location of Giddens School and LWGMS enables both institutions to enhance their educational offerings while fostering a collaborative environment that benefits the community. Each school retains its unique identity, yet they share a vision for building spaces that encourage interaction and support learning.
Spanning 52,500 square feet, the complex features a variety of program spaces, including general and specialty classrooms, communal areas, administrative support zones, and dedicated gathering spaces. The design prioritizes flexibility and innovation, catering to the diverse curricula offered by both schools.
Classrooms within the complex are adaptable for various age groups and subjects. Multipurpose areas, such as the gym/performance hall and dining commons, serve as central hubs for both Giddens and LWGMS, facilitating a wide range of functions and activities. With a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education, classroom designs encourage student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Each school has its distinct entrance, with Giddens featuring 12 classrooms, an early childhood and elementary playground, and a specialized maker space for science, art, and social studies. The pre-K classrooms are strategically located near the entrance, while the elementary classrooms are organized on two levels, oriented from east to west, accommodating around 240 students.
For LWGMS, serving grades six through eight, the design incorporates classrooms and administrative spaces that are vertically stacked and oriented from north to south. This middle school accommodates approximately 110 students, and both educational communities converge in shared program spaces at the center of the complex.
The main level hosts essential facilities such as performing arts spaces, a gym, a library, and commons—all designed to have a fluid relationship with outdoor play and gathering areas. An exterior covered walkway seamlessly connects the two schools at ground level, allowing for easy movement between shared resources.
Up on the third level, Giddens occupies the west side of the floor, while LWGMS has direct access to a secure rooftop playfield, maximizing the utilization of outdoor space.
The building’s L-shape configuration opens to the south, enabling it to create a welcoming outdoor play area that benefits from abundant sunlight exposure. This intentional design not only enhances the educational experience but also integrates harmoniously with the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Central to the design philosophy is the commitment to creating a healthy learning environment. The use of non-toxic and durable materials, along with an abundance of natural daylight, contributes to the overall well-being of students.
Sustainability is a core value reflected in the project, with various features employed as educational tools. For instance, a rain gauge is installed on the cistern, which collects rainwater for toilet flushing, while solar panels are thoughtfully integrated, also serving as Giddens’ entry canopy.
The upper roof of the building is outfitted with a solar panel array, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the complex. Bio-retention gardens distributed throughout the site facilitate onsite rainwater filtration, enhancing the environmental impact of the educational facility.
Parking is ingeniously located on the north side of the site, partially situated beneath the building’s main level, capitalizing on the significant elevation change of 25 feet from one corner to another.
The Giddens School and Lake Washington Girls Middle School complex reflects a forward-thinking educational strategy that prioritizes connection, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. The project serves as a testament to how contemporary architecture can inspire and support vibrant learning environments.
Crucially, this innovative campus is supported by a dedicated team of consultants, including Anjali Grant Design, landscape architects, structural engineers, and mechanical specialists, all contributing to the realization of this inspiring educational project.
Together, Giddens School and Lake Washington Girls Middle School serve as a beacon of modern education, dedicated to fostering a love of learning and building a sense of community among students and their families in the heart of Seattle.
image source from：https://www.e-architect.com/seattle/giddens-and-lake-washington-girls-middle-school-seattle
