Thornton Replacement Elementary School, Arlington ISD

A school designed virtually to bring a community together. 

When the pandemic prevented in-person visioning for a replacement for Arlington ISD’s Thornton Elementary School, Corgan adapted the process to a virtual platform and was able to engage a broader group of students, parents, teachers, and community members through interactive exercises and user surveys. This gave the team clear data that informed a solution centered on community.

The design focus was to create welcoming spaces to gather, both during and after school hours. A mature live oak and perforated canopy will anchor the entry plaza and filter light to the landscape and seat walls below. Rich colors, patterns and textures draw inspiration from the school’s Ballet Folklorico program, flowing through the interior to a secure student learning courtyard framed by collaboration-centered academic wings.