Barack H. Obama Magnet and University Lab School

Barack H. Obama Magnet and University Lab School is a PreK–4 school built around an exploratory, play-based and project-based approach to learning that encourages students to explore, experiment, discover and solve problems in imaginative ways. Designed to foster curiosity, creativity and collaboration, the school provides young learners with an engaging environment where exploration becomes an integral part of the educational experience.

Located on the eastern edge of Southern Connecticut State University’s (SCSU) campus, Obama also serves as an extended laboratory for students from the University’s School of Education. SCSU students participate in classroom experiences under the guidance of school and university faculty, transforming academic preparation into authentic teaching experience through daily engagement with Obama School students.

Using the City of New Haven’s educational program requirements and design guidelines as a foundation, JCJ led a collaborative visioning and planning process involving school leadership, university representatives, educators and community stakeholders. Through six interactive planning workshops, a wide range of goals, aspirations and ideas were brought together and synthesized into a powerful unifying concept that participants named Cariñosa—”the big hug.” More than a building form, Cariñosa reflects a shared commitment to creating a welcoming, collaborative and caring environment that supports children, educators, families and university students.

The shared vision developed during programming carried through every aspect of planning and design. The building preserves the site’s mature trees and frames views to New Haven’s West Rock; the design respects the surrounding neighborhood, extends the character of the SCSU campus and creates an environment scaled to young learners. The U-shaped building is organized around a central courtyard where the sloped site is utilized to create a multi-level play area. Classrooms connect to breakout spaces through transparent walls, flexible furnishings and integrated technology, creating an adaptable learning environment that supports collaboration, creativity and discovery. The learning environment balances the warmth and playfulness of an elementary school with the functionality needed to support an active university laboratory program.

The Obama School is an optimistic place where the active partnerships between students, educators and future teachers are seamlessly supported. The project demonstrates how a shared vision, clearly defined through planning, becomes the foundation for design decisions at every scale.

The project reflects a design partnership between JCJ and Pickard Chilton Architects.

Awards

2020 AIA Connecticut Design Merit Award