The Kwiyagat Community Academy is more than just a K-5 school; it’s a living expression of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s commitment to its culture and the future of its children. Located in Towaoc, Colorado, this project represents a significant milestone as the first public charter school on tribal land in the state. Our role in designing this educational space was to create an environment that not only meets the highest standards of architectural performance but also serves as a true extension of the Ute community, weaving together tradition, education, and belonging.
The design process was deeply collaborative, ensuring the school’s physical form supports its core mission: to integrate Nuchu culture into the curriculum in a way that preserves customs while preparing students for a broad educational journey.
Designed for Performance
The Kwiyagat Community Academy is designed to foster a healthy, supportive, and inspiring educational environment. It is designed to achieve Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) certification, a framework that aligns with our own values for creating buildings that feel good to be in. Key design features include:
Abundant daylight and views to connect students with the natural world.
Strong acoustic performance to create calm, focused learning spaces.
Intuitive and culturally supportive wayfinding to help students and staff navigate the building with ease.
Trauma-informed design, creating a safe and welcoming space that supports the well-being of every student.
At the center of our design for the Kwiyagat Community Academy is a circular learning courtyard. Grounded in Ute culture and tradition, and inspired by ancient canyons, it provides a protected space for outdoor learning and play, allowing students to explore, connect with nature, and engage in hands-on activities. This central space is the heart of the school, fostering a sense of belonging for every student.
Additionally, our design is rooted in a deep respect for the surrounding landscape. By proposing the use of local, natural materials like mass timber and stone, the building itself becomes a carbon sink and a seamless part of its environment. This approach not only results in an environmentally sustainable structure but also creates an authentic and inviting space that honors the land and its history.
Related Links:
Video: The Story of the Kwiyagat Community Academy
Kwiyagat Community Academy
Designing the Future – Design Approval Announcement
