Bowden Elementary

The first of two projects completed by our design team for SAISD under their Bond Program. The bond planners had indicated a new classroom wing to be located adjacent to the existing structure, limiting the site for other activities. Our design concept was to locate the new Classroom addition under the suspended existing 1970s elementary school, thus saving a “land lock” campus form losing playground area. The new 10,719 SF addition included new Classrooms and a new 3500 sq. ft. library which became the standard within the District for all further Library designs.

The new Library incorporated computer stations, study, reading and stack areas, all with direct supervision from the circulation desk. Low stacks backing a curving bench create an oval reading/story telling area. As a relief to the unbroken masonry surfaces of the existing building, the library’s entire east elevation is a glass wall with Mondrian-like framing. Located within a depressed community of the East Side of San Antonio, the finished School has become the Jewel of the East Side.