Skip Main Links
K-12 Education

BOLD Services

  • James L. Capps Middle School

A Neighborhood Park Setting Holds a Future-Ready School

View Project
Capps Middle School viewed from above. A round driveway leads to front entrance. A long windowed hall connects 2 buildings

James L. Capps Middle School in Warr Acres, OK, is the benchmark set by Putnam City Schools to measure the impact of future-ready learning environments.

Capps Middle School front entry with angled black shelter over double height glass lobby. Stone benches. Orange wrap facade

The campus design is rooted in nature. Terra cotta fiber cement draws from the iron-rich soil in Oklahoma, while the buff color of the brick harks back to vegetation in the winter months.

Grey and blue hallway with large flexible walls. Black ceiling with acoustical panels and beam lights

Learning areas, or neighborhoods, are defined by operable partitions that facilitate small groups to whole classes.

Bridge over stream with double height windows surrounded by trees. Blue tinted glass on orange building

Our design preserves an existing creek by incorporating a 250-foot bridge that serves as the school’s media hub. It includes maker spaces, AV/recording studios, and a genius bar.

Double height seating area with mural reading I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees -Henry David Toreau

Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s words, “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees,” our design program re-imagines a neighborhood park plan.​

James L. Capps Middle School exterior with angled black shelter brick building, orange wrap facade over double height glass

Beautiful views in every direction visually connect learners to their natural surroundings and offer the community a glimpse into the daily activities within the school.

13

The Latest

Teaching and Learning

three students at a workshop for community engagement; student engagement and student-led design

idea

Vision to Reality: BOLD Transforms Learning

BOLD drives change by aligning systems, empowering educators, and transforming spaces for deeper learning.

Read More
a group of adults huddled around a corporate office kitchen collaborating with paper cards and a full page spread

idea

Designing for an Unknown Future: Lessons from Designers, Researchers, and Educators

Researchers, educators, and designers from around the world converged in the DLR Group Dallas office to discuss the impact research has on the learning environment.

Read More
Boys Town Education Center exterior wall; red-tan stone with slated windows; shaded green space and walk paths in front of the wall; Stone structure with a mural light with phrase the history of tomorrow

idea

Wellbeing by Design: Empowering Every Learner

Boys Town students designed their new school through a hands-on activity that also introduced them to the power of architecture.

Read More
A colorful, modern classroom with children engaging with interactive furniture and books.

idea

The Future of Education Rooted in the Applied Learning Process

Education design that engages younger students in the applied learning process prepares them to navigate their future educational journey and career path.

Read More
Common area of Compton High School; blue and white graphic design feature wall with "Compton" highlighted; community based-design seating

press
LA Times

Are Teachers Embracing "Learning Studios" as the New Classroom?

Compton High School is charting a new academic standard. Learn how this future-ready design leverages space to support teaching and learning outcomes for Compton Unified School District.

Read More
Workplace breakroom filled with tables and chairs with natural wood cabinets lining a back wall and floor to ceiling windows on the far wall

idea

5 Design Elements that Support Teacher Well-being

Adaptive workplaces provide teachers with the wellness spaces they deserve. They also positively impact the student experience.

Read More

idea

Inquiry and Wonder Supported Through the Built Environment

Flexible, adaptable learning environments are important in supporting inquiry-based learning. Our BOLD™ process helps educators build future-ready spaces.

Read More
fourth grade students at Crestview Elementary School posed and facing the camera outside the school playground; modern tan building in the background

idea

Student Architects in Action

Crestview students designed their new school through a hands-on activity that also introduced them to the power of architecture.

Read More
Aviation lab with helicopter, small plane, and displayed engine, mural at back with planes and pilots, american flag, right

idea

CTE Facilities Design: The Future of Education

Career and Technical Education facilities are the catalyst for our future workforce. At DLR Group, we’re connecting the built environment to special tailored curriculum and providing access to students to career pathways never thought imaginable before.

Read More
Dr. Tim Shimp

idea

From Client to Educational Learning Designer: Q&A with Dr. Tim Shimp

Having worked in nearly every facet of the K-12 education system, Dr. Tim Shimp is using his practical experience to revolutionize the learning experience.

Read More
13

Featured Work

Dr. Rhodes, Superintendent of Putnam City Schools about the Bold Advantages.

“Through our BOLD services, we helped educators develop and implement a clear vision for the future that empowers them to fully leverage the new James L. Capps Middle School in Warr Acres, Okla. To ensure a successful transition to inquiry-based learning, we guided campus staff through a series of activities and workshops to learn the inquiry cycle and develop a new curriculum to support it.”

Marilyn Denison
To connect with an expert, please contact: Dr. Marilyn Denison, Educational Learning Designer
Email 214-452-1209

Explore More

Sector

Higher Education

Promoting academic learning and social development in the campus environment.

A three-story gantry crane with 30,000 SF of outdoor learning space enables movement of materials throughout the facility for unified connection between multiple pathways.
Pima Community College

New CTE Building Pride of the Community

The Center of Excellence for Applied Technology is two state-of-the-art academic and technical buildings offering students degree and certificate program opportunities.

Contact Us

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.