Hector Garcia Middle School: A School's Design Aspires to Live Up to Its Name

N

6

School Buildings; Veterans; Citizenship Education; Case Studies; Educational Environment; Educational Facilities Design; Mexican Americans; Physical Environment; Social Environment; Middle Schools; Minority Groups; Racial Segregation; Civil Rights; School Community Relationship; Educational Principles

Brown discusses the history of Hector Garcia, a Mexican immigrant who, as U.S. Army captain, worked diligently to assist minority servicemen in navigating the Veterans Administration, and found the GI Forum. Dr. Garcia's activism, through the Forum, was instrumental in desegregating hospitals, swimming pools, schools and cemeteries. Brown's case study on the school that will bear Garcia's name asks how a design team could relate civic virtues to future generations of young people. A number of features are highlighted, including: (1) Colorful classroom facades suggesting lively and diverse activities behind the walls; (2) Media center extending over the plaza, welcoming inquisitive minds into the school; (3) Compact, dynamic lobby serving as the social heart of the school; (4) Prominently-placed portrait of Hector Garcia; and (5) Expansive windows opening onto the city of Dallas. As organized, the school's planning responds both to the social organization of the educational program and naturally to the site's climate, demonstrating leadership in creating sustainable environments. It was the inspiration of Hector Garcia, writes Brown, that challenged the project team to consider this investment in a school building as a greater investment to galvanize neighborhoods with community and, economic development, and to inspire young people to think broadly about their future.

ERIC

2007

ED497669