Our proposal integrates, interprets and preserves the remarkable landscapes and ecologies of the Front Range and recommends a design sensitive to the social contract of education in that context. Located at the northernmost edge of the District, and seen as a catalyst for planned residential, commercial and leisure activities, the new buildings consolidate their program areas in the interest of integration within the site.

The site marks the point where the suburban meets Plains grassland to the North. Preservation of the grasslands in its natural state is at the heart of our project. By folding playing field over building area, classroom over common facility, site occupation is limited to areas south and east of an existing ridge. This allows the north half of the site, an area we are calling the Preserve, to remain unbuilt as open plains grassland, montane shrubland, and a low land riparian ecosystem at the foot of the site. Importantly, site watersheds are managed by design resulting in 100% permeability and 0% discharge.

Stitched to the site by pedestrian path, bike and automobile access, the elementary, middle and high schools are joined along the southern edge of the site, offering protection from the elements while presenting a common fa?ade for the academic community. Joined by design, circulation and site economy, each school has a separate and distinct entry, dedicated "drop-off" areas, staff and visitor parking, and in the case of the High School, a student parking area.

Each drop off area is located in a unique courtyard, specifically linked to each school. Classrooms, outdoor and indoor recreational spaces, administrative offices and school facilities all open onto these courtyards, which, while protected from the elements, can be easily supervised and provide a local sense of community for each.

The building and outdoor recreational areas terrace down the site toward the West, linking all program elements together and to the important ground, the Preserve, at the North side of the site. The Preserve organizes the overall site and establishes its ecology. It is an educational, recreational and natural system integrally tied to the project's form and operation. By accommodating their arrangement and relationships to the existing topography, each building's form is shaped by site. The natural slope of the land encourages universal access throughout the building. By maximizing day lighting, encouraging cross-ventilation and using local materials, building systems and materials follow the direction established by site and context.