Smothers Elementary School

4400 Brooks Street, NE
Washington DC 20019

A school that has housed many generations of residents of the Benning Road/Benning Heights neighborhood of the District of Columbia, Smothers Elementary School is a place of pride for the community. Weaving together became a common theme early in the process as the design team delved into this effort - weaving the old building with the new one, weaving school with the community, and weaving tradition with the future as it evolves over time.

This idea shows itself in how the historic building is inserted between two additions. Weaving is represented through a layering of façade materials and intertwining spaces within the school. Historic spaces are sensitively modernized, and interior materials are thoughtfully selected to connect old with new and create visual harmony.

A new main entry enlarges the building's original entrance and increases safety and visibility for administration, but it also welcomes parents into community-focused spaces. Given the site's small size, the design team makes good use of every space. For example, the rooftop and space below the building both double as a building area as well as a play space, maximizing wellness and connection to nature.