Wilmington, DE — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Delaware Chapter recently presented Becker Morgan Group with a Merit Award in the Built Category for William F. Cooke, Jr. Elementary School. The awards program recognizes significant achievements in planning, design, and execution of architectural projects and honors were presented at the AIA Design Ball in Wilmington, DE.
An independent jury noted “they went for it with a forward thinking aesthetic, full building approach, highly technical but still feels like a school. Thoughtful design. This is a joyous building, a wonderful place for children to go and learn. The bus tank is cool!”
The 600 student William F. Cooke, Jr. Elementary School is Red Clay Consolidated School District’s first new school in over 10 years. The design was developed through an intensely collaborative effort with the Design Committee composed of teachers, staff, and public participants over several months beginning with Educational Specifications and culminating in the design process. The main entry provides cross thru access, allowing for bus and vehicular separation while creating a central entry feature highlighted with the “Bust Tank” aquarium and a “Lego Wall”. The “Bus Tank” was created using a bus salvaged from Hurricane Sandy flood waters.
Becker Morgan Group also received an Honor Award for Lewes Public Library.