Orchid The newly opened elementary school nestled within the Civita community of Mission Valley has been named Nipaquay, an indigenous word meaning “Our Other Home.” The school design evokes this feeling of home away from home with elements that intentionally emphasize connection in multiple forms, including social connection, connection to nature, and connection through education and exploration. Each classroom opens to an adjacent exterior classroom/shared workspace where students and teachers can collaborate in hands-on lab explorations. Intended as a hub for the community’s youth, the design blends directly into Civita Park, offering safe walking and bicycling access directly to the site.
Alongside its educational facilities, a new “maker space” and a library and media center offer students additional creative outlets. The campus hosts three vibrant playgrounds to accommodate an array of age groups. A built-in climbing wall in the central courtyard provides a unique exploratory challenge as children navigate its façade. The outdoor cafeteria and welcoming plaza continue the play spaces’ vibrant, colorful motif. Educational signage located throughout the school integrates learning into every aspect of the campus experience.