School is Back in Session!

MEREDITH BEARDEN, LEED® AP
LAND PLANNER

The students and faculty of Moultrie Middle School (MMS) have officially arrived at the new and improved location situated between SW+A’s Town of Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market and Pocket Park. A project that was designed to LEED® certified standards, MMS is one of four new schools to open in the Charleston County School District for the 2009/2010 school year. While the two-story, 120,000 SF building (GBA) holds many green features, the site contains a variety of sustainable qualities as well.

First bell at the new Moultrie Middle School

With a plant palette containing mostly native plant species, the site includes the use of a central bioswale that catches drainage not only from the school site but also from the adjacent Farmer’s Market site. With the existing sandy soils, the bioswale provides infiltration for stormwater run-off without having to design multiple ponds on site. The bioswale also presents an aesthetic appeal and educational experience to students and faculty and also to parents as they circle it during the drop-off and pick-up of their children.

As a motive for alternative transportation, bike racks were provided, and the result exceeded everyone’s expectations. The racks, filled with several hundred bikes, certainly should be an inspiration to our communities and municipalities to evolve to a biker-friendly lifestyle. And speaking of creative influences, the east and west courtyards at MMS have great potential to be special gathering spaces that expand the children’s learning possibilities through sustainable materials and practices.

As reported by The Post & Courier, Jean Siewicki, Moultrie Middle School principal says that the new school is “the crown jewel of Coleman Boulevard.”