East Facade with main entry of the Terminal Park Elementary School in Auburn, Washington. Here we carefully included people to provide “activation", which transforms architectural photography from static images of buildings into dynamic portrayals of spaces that serve people.
The City of Auburn has a new shining star in its educational landscape: Terminal Park Elementary School.
This state-of-the-art facility, a collaborative effort between Skanska and NAC Architecture, is not just a building; it's a testament to the community's commitment to fostering young minds.
Terminal Park Elementary, designed by NAC Architecture, echoes the aesthetic of a classic train station, a nod to its namesake and the neighborhood's railway heritage. The school's red brick exterior and the library's soaring, box-beam ceiling are prime examples of this design motif.
Coughlin Porter Lundeen's structural engineering expertise ensured the building's structural integrity and functionality, while also contributing to its sustainable design.
Large historical train images grace the open corridor giving context to the history of the region. Here a student provides a clear sense of scale, helping viewers understand the size and proportions of the building.
“Working on Terminal Park Elementary has been an incredibly rewarding experience, especially as it marks the culmination of our series of four elementary schools for the Auburn School District. The photoshoot process was thoughtful and took a creative approach to capturing the essence of our design, from the intricacies of the interior spaces to the stunning exterior shots. The team was highly collaborative and inclusive of our feedback, ensuring that every angle reflected our vision. The final set of photos beautifully showcases the project’s unique character, drawing from the railroad terminal design vernacular, and I’m thrilled with how they bring the school’s story to life. It’s been an honor to contribute to a project that will serve the community for generations to come, and these images perfectly encapsulate that legacy.”
Built by Skanska, Terminal Park Elementary boasts modern classrooms, cutting-edge technology, and spacious common areas. The school is more than just a place for learning; it's a community hub designed to foster interaction and engagement.
Open and airy pathways greet students as they move between classes.
Terminal Elementary boasts a variety of classrooms, including specialized learning spaces. The school also features a music room, gymnasium, kitchen, library, and a covered outdoor play area. Administrative offices are located on-site.
South East Corner, showing library and East facade with main entry. The interaction of people with the space reveals spatial relationships and how the architecture enhances human activity.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather, with the beautiful blue skies adding a perfect touch. The student models were outstanding, and the final collection of images showcases the project brilliantly. I’m extremely happy with how everything came together. Thank you for your exceptional work and attention to detail.”
The library features stunning large windows and a box-beam ceiling providing a bright and airy environment to explore and learn.
“Our team is honored to have contributed to the Terminal Park Elementary School project, which celebrates Auburn’s history while providing a state-of-the-art learning environment for the future leaders of tomorrow. The final set of photos have masterfully showcased several of the projects design elements while capturing the high-quality workmanship that helped bring this project to life.”
From the inviting playground to the state-of-the-art library, every space is designed to inspire and enrich the lives of students and the community.
Kids enjoying the gym bathed in soft afternoon light.
One of the classrooms on the 2nd floor bathed in soft light.
“As an architectural photographer, my constant focus is on translating your building’s design into a compelling story. Harnessing a deep understanding of architectural principles, I leverage lighting and composition into images that not only showcase the structure but also convey its intended atmosphere and functionality.”
This project is the fourth and final school funded from the 2016 Building for Learning bond.
Terminal Park Elementary is a testament to the Auburn School District's commitment to educational excellence. This new school not only provides students with an exceptional learning environment but also enhances the overall quality of life in the community.
Architectural photographers are essential partners for architects in bringing their designs to life. Their role extends beyond simply taking pictures of buildings. They serve as visual storytellers, translating the architect's design into captivating images that resonate with clients, the public, and the industry.
