Neurodiversity-Focused School Design: A Look at Westmark School's Lower Campus by NBBJ

Neurodiversity-focused school design is an emerging field that aims to create educational environments tailored to the varied ways in which people think, learn, and process the world. The Lower School Campus of Westmark School, designed by NBBJ, stands as a pioneering example of this approach, catering specifically to students with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

Architectural Vision Meets Specialized Education

Project Overview

Located in Encino, CA, the project, completed in 2023, encapsulates an area of 1200.0 m². Under the leadership of Eric LeVine and the design expertise of Stacey Hooper and Alden (Bill) Glauch, the team brought to life a space that harmonizes with the specialized educational model of Westmark School.

The Importance of Inclusive Design

One in five children face learning differences that traditional school environments often do not accommodate. The Lower School Campus addresses this gap by integrating an inclusive, nature-infused environment using mass timber and other natural materials. Centered around a grand California Sycamore tree, its design promotes a net-zero goal, embodying the vision for a sustainable and inclusive educational space.

Supporting Neurodiverse Students Through Design

Acoustical Comfort and Ambient Sound Management

The school’s architecture, featuring staggered volumes, minimizes sound transfer between classrooms, while specific areas like the quiet room within the occupational therapy space offer a calming refuge for students more sensitive to ambient noises.

Enhancing Focused Learning with Muted Colors and Natural Light

Attention to detail ensures that potential distractions are minimized. Muted colors, dimmable lights, and the use of natural materials like exposed wood create a learning environment conducive to focus and concentration.

Nature as a Calming Influence

With every space situated no more than 50 feet from the outdoors, nature is woven into the fabric of the school’s learning experience. This proximity to nature aids in reducing anxiety and stress, providing a serene backdrop for both education and play.

Creating Choice-Driven Learning Environments

The layout of the school offers students and teachers a variety of paths, nooks, and hubs, catering to individual needs for respite and connection. Indoor and outdoor classrooms mimic garden-like environments, serving as oases of calm that support both teaching and learning.

Sustainability and Environmental Education

Sustainable Goals and Features

Aiming for ILFI Zero Carbon design and tracking LEED Gold certification, the Lower School Campus incorporates sustainable features like rooftop gardens and solar panels. These elements not only reduce the school's carbon footprint but also serve as practical tools for environmental education.

Educational Opportunities Through Sustainability

Efficient landscape and plumbing fixtures, alongside the metered display of the school’s energy and water savings, provide students with tangible insights into sustainability practices. This aligns with Westmark School's mission to nurture future leaders who are stewards of our world.

The Future of School Design

The Lower School Campus of Westmark School by NBBJ is more than an architectural achievement; it is a testament to the potential of neurodiversity-focused school design to transform educational environments. Through thoughtful design and sustainable practices, it offers a model for how schools can accommodate and celebrate the diverse ways in which students learn and interact with the world around them.

All photographs are work of Ty Cole