Landscape Architect

06-19-25 | Feature

Shaping an Innovative K-12 Campus

Agnews Campus' 'S.M.A.R.T.' Principles
by

Round forms found throughout Abraham Agnew Elementary School (AAES, foreground, 600 students) in San Jose, California contrast with elliptical forms at Dolores Huerta Middle School (DHMS, blue roofs, back left, 1,000 students) and angular forms at Kathleen MacDonald High School (KMHS, green roofs, back right, 1,600 students), symbolizing the evolution from childhood to adolescence and early adulthood. Comprising these three schools, the 55-acre Agnews K-12 Campus features harmonizing elements coordinated by multi-disciplinary firm LPA Design Studios, who provided landscape architecture, planning, architecture, engineering, and interior design services.
PHOTO CREDIT: ETHAN ROHLOFF

The middle school (DHMS) is characterized by various shades of blue found in site furnishings throughout the 103,000-square-foot section. Precast concrete tables, waste receptacles, benches, and other site amenities provide consistency across the three schools.
PHOTO CREDIT: JASON O'REAR

Yellow is the primary color at the elementary school (AAES), seen in the patterned "welcome mat" in front of the 57,000-square-foot section. Elevated crosswalks are made with colored pavement coatings. Each school has a unique pattern and color palette that refers to artistic historical tiles found in the former building on site. Vibrant hues and plant themes on the wayfinding signs emphasize the unique identity of each school.
PHOTO CREDIT: JASON O'REAR

At AAES, bright yellow walls define points of entry, with color-coordinated "grassland" plant material throughout. Shaded seating nooks give students access to fresh air as they work alone or in groups. Precast concrete elements delineate seating areas while ensuring aesthetic continuity between campuses.
PHOTO CREDIT: JASON O'REAR

This play area features a synthetic turf lawn, custom play structures, and a fabric lunch shelter, all with direct access to the kindergarten building. A pair of mature Cork Oaks (Quercus suber) near the entrance provide a natural buffer separating the drop-off loop from the campus.
PHOTO CREDIT: ETHAN ROHLOFF

The entrance of the high school (KMHS) introduces students to the spectrum of green found across ths 192,000-square-foot section. Directional signage integrates this school's forest theme into the graphic design. Bollards and pedestrian lighting is from Hess and ADA truncated dome pavers are from Wausau Tile.
PHOTO CREDIT: JASON O'REAR

Modeled after a forest, KMHS is angular and sculptural, mirroring the complexity and self-discovery involved in the high school experience. The quad offers terraced seating, mounded synthetic turf, shade canopies, and a full-size basketball court and tennis courts with hoops and nets from First Team Sports, Inc. Three seperate growing gardens (upper left) sit next to the school's Culinary Arts Lab.
Photo Credit: ETHAN ROHLOFF

With KMHS athletic facilities at the north end of the site, the academic cores of the three schools are situated near each other. A tree-lined promenade connects the major sports facilities, allowing easy access for athletes and spectators.
PHOTO CREDIT: ETHAN ROHLOFF

The DHMS amphitheater becomes an outdoor classroom shaded by a large, layered canopy. Each campus boasts a similar amphitheater.
PHOTO CREDIT: RITA FRINK, PLA, LPA DESIGN STUDIOS

Spanning 55 acres, Agnews K-12 Campus comprises Abraham Agnew Elementary School (top, right), Dolores Huerta Middle School (bottom, right), and Kathleen MacDonald High School (bottom, left).
Photo Credit: LPA

Functional fitness equipment is found at both DHMS and KMHS, extending physical education curriculum into the outdoors.
PHOTO CREDIT: RITA FRINK, PLA, LPA DESIGN STUDIOS

Stormwater is captured and filtered through landscaped basins that support native vegetation and are integrated into the layout of the outdoor spaces.
PHOTO CREDIT: RITA FRINK, PLA, LPA DESIGN STUDIOS

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Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Agnews Campus is a 55-acre educational hub built on the grounds of a residential mental health facility that closed in the early 2000s. Today, it stands as a model educational campus, incorporating sustainable design principles, historical preservation, and forward-thinking design. Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) acquired the property for expansion and envisioned three separate schools on the site: Abraham Agnew Elementary School (AAES), Dolores Huerta Middle School (DHMS), and Kathleen MacDonald High School (KMHS). National multi-disciplinary firm LPA Design Studios collaborated with SCUSD to establish goals and evaluate features of the historical site that could be retained or repurposed, giving students and faculty a connection to the location's past. Thoughtfully planned by LPA's Landscape Architects, the campus landscape provides an inviting and dynamic learning environment where nature and architecture combine to inspire students and educators.

A Bird's-Eye View
The campus is designed to foster growth, creativity, exploration, and collaboration, with tree-lined pathways, outdoor gathering areas, and low-maintenance open spaces. Sustainable features - including drought-tolerant plants, stormwater gardens, and energy-efficient lighting - enhance environmental stewardship as well as the visual and functional appeal of the campus. This commitment to sustainability reinforces SCUSD's broader environmental goals while creating a vibrant, welcoming space for students, faculty, and the wider community.

Thinking S.M.A.R.T.
The Agnews Campus design was guided by five design principles that were shaped by input from over 200 stakeholders, ensuring that the campus meets the diverse needs of the student body and faculty. The resulting S.M.A.R.T. acronym stands for: Sustainable, Mindful, Adaptable, Resilient, and Transformational.

Sustainability is at the core of the campus plan, with flexible, energy-efficient buildings and outdoor spaces designed for long-term viability. As such, durable materials like concrete were incorporated to reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. On the recreational fields, synthetic turf was utilized as a consistent, low-maintenance surface that remains usable year-round, regardless of weather conditions.

Adaptable learning environments - featuring flexible classrooms and multi-use areas - allow the campus to evolve in response to future educational needs. The transformational design extends beyond traditional classrooms, incorporating collaborative indoor and outdoor spaces that encourage formal and informal learning in addition to a sense of community. Integrating trees and shade structures provides comfort throughout the day, mitigating heat and encouraging prolonged use of these learning spaces. Equipping outdoor areas with utilities like power and Wi-Fi supports diverse activities and ensures the area remains functional as technological needs evolve.

Three In One
During the planning phases, the design team employed an integrated approach that engaged SCUSD, Landscape Architects, architects, interior designers, and engineers. Rather than treating the site as three separate schools, LPA developed a cohesive design language, maintaining a unified aesthetic while using color, shapes, and materials to differentiate each school.

Site organization was carefully considered, with high-voltage power line restrictions along the west edge influencing the placement of parking and vehicular circulation. As such, the west and south sides serve as the campus's public-facing entrances, while the north and east sides are designated for deliveries, staff, and maintenance.

A key design strategy was maximizing indoor-outdoor connections to enhance learning opportunities. At the heart of the campus, a tree-lined central spine holds all three schools together. Individual quads serve as focal points, with classrooms and common spaces lining the perimeter. Breezeways and outdoor portals link the main entries to learning and recreational spaces, creating a fluid and engaging environment. Play areas and sports fields are strategically placed for direct access from gyms and multi-purpose rooms, with high school athletic facilities positioned at the north end so the central arrangement of classrooms can strengthen connections between students of all grade levels.

In all, the design is intended to promote a smooth, continuous educational experience as students progress from elementary school to high school. By fostering a sense of continuity and connection, the campus supports academic achievement while nurturing personal growth.

Unified Functions
Taking advantage of Silicon Valley's favorable climate, the design prioritizes outdoor learning and recreation, incorporating spaces that support diverse learning styles and age-appropriate activities. Each school features small amphitheaters, outdoor classrooms, and collaborative gathering spaces alongside specialized outdoor maker labs that encourage hands-on exploration and creativity.

Athletic and play areas evolve with students' developmental needs. Playfields, hardcourts, and structured play equipment provide opportunities for imaginative play and early physical development at AAES. Sports facilities at DHMS accommodate soccer, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, while a large, open lawn fosters informal recreation and social interaction. At KMHS, a full-sized basketball court anchors the quad, offering a space for pickup games and social engagement during breaks. These spaces promote physical activity, creativity, and social connection, supporting holistic student development.

Distinct Identities
A core objective was establishing a distinct-yet-interconnected identity for each school that aligns with the developmental stages of the three student groups. As such, the schools feature a unique entrance crosswalk inspired by the colors and patterns on three sets of decorative tiles found in the original Agnew Developmental Center. Combined, the age-specific branding and historical connection create an intentional space for students to inhabit.

The design of AAES is inspired by open grasslands, featuring soft, rounded forms symbolizing potential and opportunities for growth. Its crosswalk contains golden yellows and soft blues that evoke a sense of joy with an undercurrent of trust. Reflecting woodland growth, DHMS's site incorporates elongated ellipses, representing the transition from childhood to adolescence as students stretch and evolve. The bright blue and orange of the middle school crosswalk convey focus and optimism. Finally, KMHS is modeled after a mature forest, with more angular and sculptural components that mirror the complexity, individuality, and self-discovery of the high school experience. Here, a crosswalk of deep greens and blues instill confidence and inspire natural growth.

This intentional use of form and symbolism strengthens the sense of place and belonging at each stage of a student's educational journey.

Sustainability At All Levels
Aligned with the district's sustainability goals, the Agnew Campus integrates numerous environmentally responsible features. The first involved preserving mature Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) and California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) trees from the original Agnews site, providing natural shade, biodiversity, and historical continuity. As the campus sits in drought-prone California, native and adaptive plant species were also included to reduce water consumption and create habitats for local wildlife. To take advantage of what water does come, bio-retention basins were strategically placed around quads and athletic fields to filter stormwater before it enters the municipal drainage system. In addition to the planting, LED site lighting was specified to minimize energy use while ensuring safety and visibility after dark. These efforts reduce the campus's ecological footprint and serve as a living learning atmosphere that teaches students the importance of environmental stewardship.

Lifelong Legacy
A blend of historical roots and forward-thinking innovation, this institution stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design. As a model for urban educational spaces, the Agnews Campus does more than meet student needs - it enriches the broader community, creating a legacy of learning, sustainability, and connection for generations to come.