FORMA

Olympic View K-8 School

Completed on budget and on schedule, this new two-story K-8 school–a replacement of the original campus–was envisioned as a multicultural hub to meet the individual learning needs of each scholar and support their families. With that objective in mind, the new community-focused school features a Family Connection Center, Discovery Lab, and Community Pavilion; in addition to high-quality, advanced and adaptable teaching environments providing opportunities for personalized learning, innovation, and exploration.

Preconstruction began in the midst of worldwide pandemic supply chain and cost escalation challenges. Recognizing that these market pressures would put us behind, our GC/CM team adopted an approach to carefully manage the design development phase–analyzing every decision with an eye for innovation and efficiency. We assessed, for example, the cost difference between steel joists and wide flange beams for the roof structure while collecting real time cost feedback and lead time estimates from joist suppliers. When joists were determined to be the most cost-effective solution, we created an early procurement bid package in order ensure on-schedule delivery–even given their 12-14 month lead time. 

Among the unique and inspiring community amenities at OVK-8 is a new soccer mini pitch. Part of the school grounds but also open to neighborhood use–free of charge, after hours–the new place space was donated by FORMA Construction and incorporated into the project in collaboration with Black Players for Change, the Seattle Sounders, and the Rave Foundation.

Project of the Year – CMAA, 2024

Grand Prize Award, New Construction – Learning by Design, 2024