University Park Arts Magnet Elementary School
Charlotte, North Carolina

The facility is designed as a K-5 elementary arts magnet institution for 800 students. The major objective was to provide facility needs for enhanced visual and performing arts education while satisfying core elementary requirements. A feasibility study for the project site was conducted as a first step in the programming phase. Adopting the 'Architectural Recycling' concept, the design approach focused on rehabilitating and reusing the existing elementary school in order to maximize cost effectiveness while providing new space for arts centered programs. A new addition was designed to include performing arts center, dance studio, music rehearsal area, visual arts instructional area, and community gallery.