Becker Morgan Group is honored that the new William F. Cooke, Jr. Elementary School was selected for Engineering News Record (ENR) MidAtlantic’s Best Projects 2016 as the Best K-12 Education Project winner. This marks the second year in a row Becker Morgan Group is being recognized in the region for top achievements in design and construction. The jury focused on projects that overcame significant challenges; adopted innovative approaches; executed exceptional design and craftsmanship; and maintained safe sites. Winning projects will be featured in the October 24th issue of ENR Mid-Atlantic and recognized at an awards ceremony on November 1st in Baltimore, MD. “It’s an honor to have William F. Cooke, Jr. Elementary School be selected for this year’s ENR Best Project Awards as they are not only highly competitive in nature, but also recognize the entire process from design through construction, including teamwork, safety, overcoming challenges, innovation and quality,” said Brad A. Hastings, AIA, LEED AP, Principal of Becker Morgan Group.
The 600 student William F. Cooke, Jr. Elementary School is Red Clay Consolidated School District’s first new school in over 10 years. The design was developed through an intensely collaborative effort with the Design Committee composed of teachers, staff, and public participants over several months beginning with the Educational Specifications and culminating in the design process. The Main entry provides cross thru access, allowing for bus and vehicular separation while creating a central entry feature highlighted with the “Bus Tank” aquarium and a “Lego Wall”. The “Bus Tank” was created using a bus salvaged from Hurricane Sandy flood waters. Centrally located Administration, Media Center, and Community Room areas are directly accessible from the main entry. The Main Stair acts as a beacon of activity during the day and glows at night. Bright colors serve as a wayfinding device and enliven the student experience both inside and outside the school.
Becker Morgan Group provides Architecture and Engineering services with offices in Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.beckermorgan.com.
