Music Licensed via The Music Bed: Joplin Schools | Irving Elementary School www.sdaarchitects.com On May 22, 2011, one of the nation's most destructive tornados tore through Joplin, Missouri, destroying two elementary schools, one middle school, and the high school. Irving Elementary and Emerson Elementary were among the destroyed schools. The new elementary school combines both Irving and Emerson into one new 21st Century Elementary School. Safety First: The idea was not to just build back, but to build back stronger. Irving Elementary features two integrated FEMA safe rooms that will provide near absolute protection during an EF5 tornado. These FEMA safe rooms can house the school's whole student population and over 1000 people from the surrounding community, while serving a duel purpose as specialized classroom spaces and the school's main gymnasium. 21st Century Learning: The school features adaptive learning spaces that promote collaboration and flexibility. The collaborative learning spaces or "learning parks" at Irving are wide hallways that help teachers to share resources or teach in large groups. Each learning park is themed, with lots of color and natural light to enhance the overall learning experience. Environmental Health: - Large windows and skylights capture daylight to minimize artificial lighting - A building management system controls fresh air, temperature and lighting - Strong thermal envelope reduces heating and cooling cost - Low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption and waste - Recycling stations and water bottle refill stations decrease waste and teach students responsibility - 70% of the materials are regional or Joplin specific

Comments

1. This is beautiful! It's so bright and cheerful. I love the colors and design. Congratulations! #joplinmo
2. It's beautiful! Congratulations and God bless.
3. Joplin Missouri's Newest Elementary School is now open! #joplinmo   #schools   #architecture