Wilson Middle School

The new Wilson replacement campus was designed as a “Community based School” that addresses the needs of San Diego Mid City underserved neighborhoods. RNT was selected by the School District and by the community with a previous history of planning projects in this urban part of San Diego. The project features collaborative spaces and outdoor learning venues rather than indoor circulation corridors. Outdoor project and maker spaces, a science garden, and socialization porches are adjacent to the main campus circulation paths. Arts and Music Programs are accommodated with unique spaces. A large covered outdoor student commons area at the main entry is also used as an informal lunch area. Outdoor lecture venues, outdoor “movie days” are accommodated with seating areas integrated into the landscape plan. Sustainability elements are expressed throughout the campus including PV panels for solar power, shaded areas and canopies sheltering and shading the outdoor spaces and the building walls, a “thermal chimney” system that promotes natural ventilation in each classroom and many water conserving elements. The campus has after-hours community serving programs, along with a community joint use soccer field that play as a cultural / recreational center of the Mid City community.