DESIGNWORKS 2019

Hammond School Science & Innovation Center

Columbia, SC

Garvin Design Group

Scott Garvin (Principal in Charge), Becky Brantley (Project Manager), Megan Newbold (Project Architect), Kim Bendillo (Interior Designer), Hammond School (Owner)

The new 30,000 SF Science and Innovation Center at Hammond School in Columbia, SC is designed to prepare K-12 students through engaged, hands-on learning. With unique features like a 24-ft SciDome and a saltwater aquarium, the facility is “a building that teaches.” The building’s interior design serves not just as a backdrop for education but is instead an integral component of Hammond’s immersive, experience-based curriculum. High visibility throughout the building encourages users to share projects with the greater Hammond community, sparking conversation and creativity. “The Nest,” a 3,000 SF open space, serves as a commons area with natural daylight and connection to the outside. Glass bays above offer glimpses into classrooms, while the first-floor features transparent collaboration rooms dedicated to small group learning. Overlooking the nest is an assembly stair ideal for spontaneous interactions, lectures, and even choral performances, optimized by acoustic treatments on the walls and ceiling. An engraved metal wall along the assembly stair provides an attractive donor display. Color-coded piping in the 1,500 SF maker space provides both flexible power to accommodate multiple projects and a visual learning tool for students. A sliding glass wall in the second-floor STEAM lab creates flexibility for a variety of purposes. Hammond School’s signature red and blue colors are incorporated in terrazzo and marble flooring, carpeting, furniture, and wall surfaces. Semicircular couches in the lobby encourage student collaboration and interaction. Flexible and adaptive, interiors honor Hammond School’s identity and allow users to adapt the space to suit their ever-evolving needs.