AFRICENTRIC EARLY COLLEGE
Columbus, Ohio
CHALLENGE
To design a school building that celebrates African American heritage through its architecture while providing modern learning spaces that support the school's community-centered approach to education.
SOLUTION
Our design team developed an architectural language that meaningfully incorporates elements of diverse African cultural traditions throughout the 163,000-square-foot K-12 facility. Distinctive design features — including masonry patterns inspired by kente cloth textiles and Egyptian-influenced columns in communal dining spaces — transform cultural references into integral architectural elements rather than superficial decorative treatments.
The spatial organization embodies Africentric educational principles by creating a series of community-centered environments. Grade-level areas are structured around shared central spaces that foster intergenerational learning and mentorship, while specialty facilities including a theater and field house support holistic development through arts and athletics. These programmatic elements are arranged to create natural gathering points that encourage spontaneous interaction and community building.
Throughout the design process, sustainability was approached as both an environmental responsibility and an educational opportunity. The LEED Gold registered facility incorporates visible green building strategies that become teaching tools about environmental stewardship and responsibility. Material choices and construction techniques reflect both cultural references and environmental consciousness, demonstrating how tradition and innovation can support each other.
IMPACT
Opened in January 2017, the new Columbus Africentric Early College has transformed the educational experience for students and faculty by providing a physical environment that authentically reflects and reinforces the school's unique educational philosophy. The building itself has become an active participant in learning — its spaces and features providing daily affirmation of African American cultural heritage and community values.
The facility's flexible design has expanded programmatic possibilities both during and after school hours, strengthening the institution's role as a community anchor. By creating environments where community engagement is a central driver of educational outcomes, the architecture actively supports the school's mission to develop students who understand their cultural heritage and are prepared to be leaders in diverse contexts.
