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283 Franklin St., 6th Fl.
Boston, MA 02110

sector focus

defense

Saam’s K-12 design team brings extensive experience managing complex school projects, with innovative approaches that deliver cost-effective, educationally appropriate solutions. Our approach to educational design is based upon three concepts: Biophilic Design, which aligns visual connections to nature with the tenets of Social Emotional Learning; spatial Porosity and Permeability as a means of interconnecting interior and exterior spaces; and Safety, Security, and Inclusion, which compliment the other two concepts. This approach leads to a secure, safe, and equitable school that offers a rich diversity of space types and rational planning of learning communities.

We emphasize biophilic design principles, which promote wellness and social-emotional learning through a connection to nature, and we focus on creating transparent, interconnected spaces that enhance collaboration, safety, security, and equity. This approach ensures model for 21st-century learning environments.

project types

  • Elementary schools
  • High schools
  • Comprehensive high schools
  • Core teaching and learning spaces/classrooms
  • Career Technical Education spaces (CTEs)
  • STEAM spaces, classrooms, and labs
  • Teacher planning centers
  • Office + administrative areas
  • Auditorium, theater, music, and drama spaces
  • Athletic, P.E., and fitness centers
  • Media centers and learning commons
  • Food service and dining commons
  • Extended and outdoor learning

services

  • New construction
  • Renovations and expansions
  • Feasibility studies
  • Visioning and community engagement
  • Programming and educational planning
  • Test fits
  • Conceptual building design
  • Conceptual site design
  • Program, product, and design research
  • Facility assessments
  • Visualization renderings and animations
  • Interior design and FF&E
  • Environmental graphics and wayfinding
  • Sustainable design
  • Graphic design and branding

clients

  • Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
  • Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE)
  • Warwick Public Schools, RI
  • City of Boston, MA
  • City of Fitchburg, MA
  • East Bridgewater Public School District, MA
  • Notre Dame Academy, Worcester, MA
  • Diocese of Worcester, MA

selected work

Crocker Elementary School

In collaboration with the City of Fitchburg and the MSBA, Saam has designed the new Crocker Elementary School, a 116,000-gross-square-foot building that will house grades one through five, with an estimated 845 students. The new two-story building meets all of the City’s educational delivery objectives, space requirements and established budget. Saam’s approach focuses on providing an equitable design that supports the academic and emotional needs of the students. Biophilic design principles are integrated throughout, providing building occupants with a strong connection to nature.  Read more →

location

Fitchburg, MA

completion

2025 (est.)

size

116,000 sf

selected work

Pilgrim Comprehensive High School

Following our work on the Warwick High School master planning process, Saam developed the design of Pilgrim Comprehensive High school based upon 21st-century learning goals. Large common spaces, such as the Dining and Learning Commons, are designed to be multifunctional spaces, and connect various activities both visually and physically, reducing circulation and achieving a low grossing factor. The transparent school is designed to unify students, provide extended learning areas, and display diverse activities occurring in and around the building.  Read more →

location

Warwick, RI

completion

2027 (est.)

size

204,000 sf

core team