Tenderloin Community School

A symbol of the neighborhood’s diverse cultures, the Tenderloin Community School serves as a safe haven in a historically underserved district of San Franciso. Guided by visioning workshops with teachers, parents, children, and community members, the design uses a tight site creatively, accommodating a medical and dental clinic, counseling rooms, adult education classrooms, parent resource center, community kitchen, community garden, and play yards, in addition to the elementary school. Color is used as an orientation device, and the layout integrates school and community functions for maximum interaction. Large, north-facing windows bring daylight into each classroom, where intimate learning spaces are tucked into bay windows.