Student Walk Campus Redesign

After working through multiple options, the DRAW team developed a re-configured student walk concept that included a new drop-off area, new play spaces on the campus, and a re-configuration of other commonly used spaces. The new concept incorporated site improvements on about half of the campus as well as a re-configured access route that improved safety and efficiency. A key element of the re-configured student walk concept was to shift one of the main entries to a campus building to the student walk side of the building. Shifting this entry presented the opportunity to create a new entry sequence to the building and to improve the experience of deaf users.

Because deaf users often communicate using sign language as they walk, the walking route to the building was widened and routed without sharp bends or turns. Since visual signaling and sign language is essential to allow deaf users to communicate across the entry space, landscaping and other potential visual impediments were kept low.

By working with the school to rethink key aspects of their campus, the DRAW team developed a student walk that solves practical arrival and pickup needs while also creating a space that enhances the daily experience for the deaf students using the space.