Vertical School: A New Typology for the City

Abstract

As Seattle continues to increase in density, so has the demand for schools. Traditionally designed in a horizontal, dispersed fashion, schools are meant to provide the space to promote learning and growth. However, as the population within the city increases, land becomes scarce, and fostering a learning environment becomes an ever increasing challenge. This thesis examines the current city density and explores the advantages of a downtown school. The Thesis is a proposal for a Vertical School, combining Elementary School, Middle School and High School to improve the existing school system within the greater Seattle to maximize the student’s’ experience at school.