Independent Schools

The Learning Center for the Deaf – Master Plan

Framingham, MA

In 2012, The Learning Center for the Deaf in Framingham, MA commissioned DRA to develop a campus master plan. The school has 210 students, who come from about 90 different communities, and over 300 staff, 40 percent of whom are deaf. Over 1,500 children and adults are provided comprehensive education and support services annually.

The campus is comprised of two schools – a comprehensive Parent/Infant through High School program; and Walden School, a therapeutic, education and residential, treatment program for deaf students facing severe emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges.

DRA worked with TLC to create a master plan for the 16 building, 14-acre campus. Our work included analysis of the school’s existing buildings and open space, projection of future space needs, and creation of a campus plan that includes recommended new buildings, renovations and re-programming of existing buildings and open space improvements. As part of the scope we reviewed existing data, verified known needs, identified of unknown needs, prioritized the needs and developed of a campus plan to align facilities with TLC’s mission, vision and strategic direction encompassing academic excellence, bilingual competence, life skills programming, commitment to community and incorporation of 21st century learning and technology.

DRA engaged the community through on-campus observations, meetings and interactive workshops (as pictured). All facility users are important, as such, we have met with school administration, trustees, students and alumni to hear the diverse and specialized needs of the community to compile information. The strength of our process and the resulting recommendations enable administration to make the most informed decisions.

Our assessment and recommendations covered all aspects of school and campus:

• Education needs for the 21st century
• Vehicular & pedestrian circulation
• Traffic & Parking
• Student pickup and drop off
• Accessibility
• Security
• Energy modeling
• Building envelope
• Site enhancement