Behind the core design concept for the new $25.8M Hawthorne Elementary School, Dallas ISD sought to provide next-generational and interactive learning opportunities for its elementary school students by creating a “hive” of student connectivity, visual curiosity and learning interaction. The highly innovative facility reconnects the campus by providing safe and collaborative interior student-centered spaces that are open and welcoming, while strengthening the union of students, parents and teachers. Designed to accommodate 650 students, the new 82,000sf replacement school for Dallas ISD significantly improves site logistics with three entry points; main entry for visitors, a secure after-hour entry for community events and a third entry dedicated for faculty. Administration is located adjacent to the main entry along with greeting students with glimpses of indoor and outdoor active learning. The Multi-Purpose Gymnasium and Cafeteria are located at opposite ends of the facility providing two main areas for community gatherings and student performances. A student-centered outdoor learning courtyard is located in the heart of the new facility with access from flanking academic corridors, ground level Art, Music and Cafeteria spaces along with an upper level interactive Media Center and Maker Space. Academic houses flank the student outdoor space providing visual protection while also creating a residential scale to the outside neighborhood. Small learning terraces among the academic houses provide focused outdoor learning opportunities while allowing daylight to fill the academic corridors. A small network of collaboration pods are scattered along both academic corridor levels encouraging open collaboration for students. The solid | void configuration of the collaboration pods punctuate the school’s brand inspiring the next generation of Hawthorne Hornets.