Schools

Mason Architects' design of schools and child development centers focuses on the creation of small, friendly spaces that are scaled to children. To them, the world is big already, so grand spaces are less important than open access to outdoor play spaces. Low windows, stimulating colors and textures at their level, no sharp corners, and quiet -- good sound absorption -- contribute to a child-friendly atmosphere. To promote the children's health, spaces are easy to clean. To ensure the children's safety and security, teachers and staff have visual control of all spaces at all times, and the perimeters of the site are protected.

Schofield Barracks Child Development Center for Ages 6-10
This 25,000 s.f. building on 4.2 acres accommodates up to 195 children, ages 6-10 years, and a staff of 25 adults. It contains an atrium, activity rooms, a computer lab, and its own kitchen and laundry as well as outdoor play areas. The design/build team of Mason Architects/Nan, Inc. built the Center to meet the Army's programming require- ments, National After-school Alliance accreditation, and LEED Silver certification.

Academy of the Pacific Master Plan
The conceptual master plan improves the functionality of the school's 4-acre campus yet retains the random arrangement and comfortable ambiance of its thirteen buildings, many of them former residences, in an Alewa Heights neighborhood overlooking the city.

Punahou School Design Guidelines
As subcontractor to PBR Hawaii, Mason Architects prepared the architectural design elements of the guidelines, which ensure that the campus fulfills the academic requirements of the various age-levels of students yet remains cohesive, visually unified, and respectful of the school's historic traditions.