Next Step in Field School Plans Moves Forward

In the next step to building a new Field School, the Weston school district has received approval from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to move onto the schematic design phase.

In light of that approval, architect Jonathan Levi, the School Committee and the Permanent Building Committee presented a preliminary design plan on Wednesday evening to a group of interested residents.

The plan, so-called “Option F,” calls for a one-story school with two parallel wings of classrooms, an open courtyard and a gym and cafetorium in a lower level. Because the ground slopes naturally downward toward Alphabet Lane, the gym and cafetorium would be more like a walkout basement than a windowless lower level, said Levi.

The building would be set somewhat perpendicular from the library to Alphabet Lane, facing northwest.

Large windows would be a staple feature of the building, letting in natural light.

“One of the purposes of our project is to make sure no child is in a space that has no light,” said Levi.

Much of the questions from the audience were dedicated to concerns about traffic, but Levi stressed that traffic considerations would be under a separate study.

"The District has selected a one-story new building option, Option F, as the preferred solution to proceed into schematic design. The District believes that Option F best meets the needs of the District’s educational program and proposes to produce an energy-efficient facility," said the MSBA in a press release.