Bristol Tennessee Middle School

Bristol, TN

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CTA’s facility assessment of the existing Vance Middle School determined it had too many deficiencies to accommodate the functional & spatial requirements of a new educational program.  After evaluation of numerous sites, the preferred option was to construct the new facility on the existing 12-acre site of the previous Vance Middle School, while maintaining school operations. With limited site area available for a new facility, track and soccer/football field, field house, staff and event parking, it was decided that a new three-story building design, with necessary support areas, would be needed. The phased schedule allowed this difficult challenge of the new school to be occupied before the existing building was demolished. This concept also included utilization of the existing 37,400 SF gymnasium. After the old school was demolished, a bus drive and 91 parking for staff and events were constructed in its place.

The design team’s goal was to create a place that facilitated learning, a place where children loved to come.  This goal was accomplished with a three-story facility tied together by a multi-level Main Street, connecting multiple areas and functions at one central spline. Designed as the hub of school activity, Main Street includes a Gathering Stair, Media Center, & Dining Hall. Educational space, recreational space, & ancillary space all radiate off the spline.  The main entry to the school is accessed through a secured Administration Suite with adjacent SRO Office. Near the entry lobby are the Clinic, Guidance Suite, CDC and Behavior Classrooms, and STEM Lab. Color is used throughout the facility both to enhance the overall appearance and to assist in wayfinding. Each grade level has its own color and you simply follow the color pattern in the floor to find your way.