Powhatan Middle School

When students, teachers, and community members gathered to share ideas for their middle school's future, they envisioned spaces that would adapt to changing needs, invite collaboration, and connect learning to real-world skills. Today, Powhatan Middle School reflects these aspirations through spaces designed for both learning and community use.

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Initial Assessment

A facilities study by Moseley evaluated the building's condition and educational effectiveness. While much of the existing structure remained sound, the school needed updates to accommodate growing enrollment and support current teaching methods. The design team proposed several options, ultimately preserving the gymnasium and career and technology education wing while creating a two-story addition between them.

Community-Driven Planning Process

Design workshops captured ideas from across the school community. Teachers, librarians, administrators, students, parents, and staff members contributed specific suggestions that shaped classroom layouts, common areas, and specialized learning spaces. Their input emphasized the need for flexible spaces, collaborative environments, and technology integration.

Layout and Security

A main corridor divides public and academic areas in the floor plan. Separate entrances to public spaces and positioned interior doors allow community activities after hours while securing the rest of the building.

Existing Site Plan

Demolition Site Plan

Completed Site Plan

Learning Spaces That Work

The career and technology education (CTE) wing emphasizes hands-on learning. The agriculture laboratory contains hydroponic growing stations for sustainable agriculture studies. The technology classroom features a sound room for audio and news production. These areas connect to a maker space with 3D printers and access to outdoor learning areas. Large windows illuminate the spaces and allow passing students to observe ongoing projects.

Media Center

The media center breaks from traditional library design. Drawing inspiration from coffee shops and bookstores, it features mobile furniture for both group and individual study. The two-story space creates sightlines from upper-level hallways, while built-in charging stations support digital work. A specialized area houses gaming consoles and board games, encouraging students to explore digital animation and game design.

Multipurpose Spaces

The dining area serves many functions through practical design elements. Located beside the gymnasium, it includes a stage and retractable seating for events. Wood finishes and acoustic panels improve sound quality for both performances and daily use. The music department—with dedicated band, ensemble, and choral spaces—connects directly to the stage via a ramped entrance that simplifies equipment transport.

Science and Collaboration

The second floor houses a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) laboratory divided into three zones. The first zone offers soft seating and gliding marker boards for brainstorming. The second accommodates group planning with mobile tables and chairs. The third provides sturdy workspaces, sinks, and power supplies for hands-on projects. The lab extends over the courtyard, visible from the main entrance and throughout the building.

Preserving School Heritage

Before renovation began, residents photographed and toured the original building. The Parent Teacher Association collaborated with designers to create commemorative bricks, now set in the courtyard. A fitness studio connected to the gymnasium provides dedicated access for Powhatan Parks and Recreation programs, expanding the school's role beyond traditional hours.

The redesigned Powhatan Middle School combines educational functionality with community engagement, creating an environment that serves students, teachers, and residents throughout each day.