The News-Times of Danbury reported that architects credit the community for providing the "creativity, intelligence, compassion and diligence" that they adapted for designs. The project is not typical. The architects and officials have said the school ground must be treated with reverence to honor the memories of the 20 children and six educators who were fatally shot on Dec. 14, 2012.
The old Sandy Hook school was torn down following the shootings. A school will be built on the same property, described as a triangular parcel with wetlands and ball fields.
It will not be built on the footprint of the now-demolished school. Architects said they're designing a school that will be safe without feeling like a fortress.
New Haven-based Svigals + Partners is proposing a two-story building that will have wide, connecting "Main Street" boulevards inside, four "tree houses," footbridges and courtyards.
The building will be adjacent to woods and offer natural light through large windows to surround children with nature, the architects said.
Site commission chairman Robert Mitchell, an architect, said Newtown was not limited to the lowest bidder, but to the company believed to have the strongest credentials while able to meet the requirements of the state's $50 million construction award.
