Horace Mann Elementary School is located in the northwest section of Washington, D.C. in an entire block bordered by Newark, New Mexico, 45th, and Macomb Streets. Marshall Moya Design’s plan for Horace Mann Elementary focused on creating a high-functioning academic environment that would support the Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy. The vision is to unite indoor and outdoor instructional spaces, making the whole building a setting for inspiration and learning. The heart of the school contains green spaces that foster sustainable urban gardening. Communal spaces such as the art room, science gallery, and multi-purpose room are flexible spaces that can open into outdoor garden and learning spaces. A rooftop pavilion with photovoltaic cells allows classes to take place in open-air rooms.

The project included a 17,000 sq. ft. modernization and 33,000 sq. ft. addition with high involvement of the design team working closely with DGS, NCPS, CFA, and HPO to design a space that would serve both the staff and students. MMD also collaborated with the school’s SIT committee members, constantly addressing their needs and requirements. The project is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification and will serve as a signature project for both MMD and DGS.