work > Barack H. Obama Magnet University School
Barack H. Obama Magnet University school, the three-storey brick-clad building New Haven, Connecticut.
©Robert Benson Photography
Barack H. Obama Magnet University school, with adequate greenery in New Haven, Connecticut.
©Robert Benson Photography
Children in welcoming classroom of Barack H. Obama Magnet University school with glass frame walls in New Haven, Connecticut.
©Robert Benson Photography
Outside the glass frame walls of Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Exterior view of the playground behind the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Children playing outside of their classroom at Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut
©Robert Benson Photography
Barack H. Obama Magnet University school gymnasium where children include play in New Haven, Connecticut
©Robert Benson Photography
Interior design of the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Cafeteria at the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Colorfully designed interiors of the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Interior designs of Barack H. Obama Magnet University school with glass frame walls in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Kindergarden classroom where children can view East Rock, from the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, CT
©Robert Benson Photography
A view through the glass frame window in Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
A view through the glass frame walls in Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Classrooms at the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Next generation classroom at Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
 
Children exploring in class with open views to outside in Barack H. Obama Magnet University school
©Robert Benson Photography
Barack H. Obama Magnet University school serving the children of New Haven, Connecticut.
©Robert Benson Photography
Parents picking up their children from the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut
©Robert Benson Photography
Children at play outside of their classroom at Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut
©Robert Benson Photography
Barack H. Obama Magnet University school, the three-storey brick-clad building New Haven, Connecticut.
Barack H. Obama Magnet University school, with adequate greenery in New Haven, Connecticut.
Children in welcoming classroom of Barack H. Obama Magnet University school with glass frame walls in New Haven, Connecticut.
Outside the glass frame walls of Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
Exterior view of the playground behind the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
Children playing outside of their classroom at Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut
Barack H. Obama Magnet University school gymnasium where children include play in New Haven, Connecticut
Interior design of the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
Cafeteria at the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
Colorfully designed interiors of the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
Interior designs of Barack H. Obama Magnet University school with glass frame walls in New Haven, Connecticut.
Kindergarden classroom where children can view East Rock, from the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, CT
A view through the glass frame window in Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
A view through the glass frame walls in Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
Classrooms at the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
Next generation classroom at Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut.
Children exploring in class with open views to outside in Barack H. Obama Magnet University school
Barack H. Obama Magnet University school serving the children of New Haven, Connecticut.
Parents picking up their children from the Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut
Children at play outside of their classroom at Barack H. Obama Magnet University school in New Haven, Connecticut
> Project Info

Barack H. Obama Magnet University School

Located on the campus of SCSU, the Barack H. Obama Magnet University School is a New Haven Public School for 490 Pre-K through fourth-grade students. It serves SCSU’s School of Education as a “laboratory school” for students preparing to be teachers. The design captures daylight and views to create positive learning environments; embraces the forest to engage students with nature; respects its neighborhood; and synergizes with SCSU.

The three-story brick-clad building embraces an open courtyard. The main portion contains the entrance, administration, and primary classrooms. The two eastern wings with the special classrooms define the open courtyard and play areas. At the heart of the building, the Cafetorium and Gymnasium offer visual connections to the courtyard, the main entry and classroom corridors. 

The massing provides all classrooms with exposure to natural light and scenic views. The courtyard’s southeast orientation allows it to be sunlit throughout the day. The Farnham Avenue façade is respectful of the SCSU campus material palette, with color and wood accents for the young students. The building’s east side is composed of more playful sculptural volumes.