"An
integrated process to manage design and construction needs
to be developed in order to translate innovative educational
designs into facilities. This process should include educators
in decisions at every step."
The Big Picture Company believes
that the physical design of a small school shapes the reform efforts
and learning that goes
on within that school. Big Picture carefully considers physical
environment, technological resources, and location to enhance
the learning of our students. It is the vision of The Big Picture
Company to create
physical spaces for Big Picture Schools that support our approach
to personalized, real-world education and family and community
engagement.
Big Picture School buildings
are intended to be a home base for students learning in the real
world. Our focus is on building relationships, and our physical
spaces must support this effort. All aspects of our buildings
play a role: from lighting, to furniture and technology, to productive
spaces for project and group work, to quiet, comfortable places
for individual focus and reflection.
The Big Picture Company has
developed designs appropriate for stand-alone
school buildings like the Peace Street building of The Met,
and for a
Small School Center,
like the design of the four-school campus of The Met at Public
Street and the
similarly designed University Preparatory Academy high school.