On January 21, 2011, Clovis Unified School District broke ground on Roger S. Oraze Elementary School in Clovis, Calif. This 54,500-SF campus, designed by HMC Architects, contains six buildings: administration/library media center (LMC); multipurpose building for group and community functions; three classroom wings housing 26 classrooms; and a two-classroom kindergarten building. Space has also been allocated for five relocatable classrooms that may be installed in the future.
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“The groundbreaking of this school is underscored by a strong commitment to children,” stated David Cash, Ed.D., Superintendent of Clovis USD. “A commitment that was promised to this community more than five decades ago; Clovis USD puts students first.”
Suzi Erickson has been named principal of Roger S. Oraze Elementary School, and expressed her excitement and connection to the new school, “Mr. Oraze taught mathematics at Clovis High School during my own high school years, so it is especially meaningful to lead this new school. Opening a new school has given me time to think about the rich Clovis culture and how I will best carry that out to the Oraze student and parent community.”
Led by HMC Architects’ Scott Griffith, AIA, Principal, the design features a corner entry open to the community, planted with a vestigial orchard of flowering trees as a reference to its history as an agricultural community. Flanking this entry are the multipurpose and administration/LMC, which together with its central plaza form the community space of the school. Adjacent to the plaza and outdoor stage is a large, grassy amphitheater for school gatherings. Classroom and kindergarten buildings encircle the amphitheater, creating both a simple, secure campus organization and strong sight lines from the principal’s office, including a view of the play court.
Daylighting inspired the imagery of the buildings. A simple barn form, with its high central clerestory spine, brings light deep into each classroom. This same imagery of the barn, reflecting the Clovis community’s strong agricultural heritage, extends to the larger buildings as well, including a “story silo” in the LMC. Broad porches for shade and shelter add the welcoming appeal of a “Western town” so valued by the community.
Construction on Roger S. Oraze Elementary School is expected to be completed in the fall to serve students in the district’s southeast section for the 2011-12 school year.
