A plaza adjacent to the main building entry shall be sized appropriately for the queuing of the entire student body. This space is to be a secure area for student gathering both before and after school. The main lobby and administrative spaces are to have clear visual and physical access to the space. The entry plaza shall be recognizable as the main entrance to the school through distinctive surface treatments, lighting, plantings, and signs. Raised planters and bollards to be used at the main entry to delineate the area as pedestrian zone and prevent vehicles from entering the plaza.
Paving
The plaza shall be preferably characterized with decorative paving to distinguish the main entry area from other entrances. Paving colors shall coordinate with the building façade. If limitations arise due to budget constraints, concrete or asphalt shall be used in lieu of decorative paving.
Refer to Volume 3 Section 1.6 Site Materials for paving types and applications.
Signs
Every Entry Plaza, at a minimum, shall provide signs that includes information on the name of the institution, street address, and how to properly enter the facility. Other building entrances shall provide signs to direct users towards the main entrance.
- School Name: Stainless steel lettering shall be pin-mounted on the building near the entrance horizontally, at a height that is not easily accessed. The typical material shall be aluminum.
- Street Address: Displayed at or near the main entry doors. Material and location of this information will be determined on an individual project basis by the designer, CPS, and the school administration. Once established, it shall also be coordinated with emergency services.
- Entrances: Provide one 18-inch tall by 18-inch wide sign identifying the nearest accessible entrance at each inaccessible entrance. Provide one 18-inch tall by 12-inch wide sign at each accessible entrance following all ADA guidelines for signs. Provide Main Accessible Entrance signs as well.
- Site Usage: Guidelines and rules signs to be provided for schoolyards, synthetic turf, hours of operation, dog policies, and any other school specific requirements regarding use of the site. CPS to provide signs templates for inclusion within site projects.
- ADA Way-Finding: Flat aluminum sheet and plate signs, unframed with etched letters, numbers, symbols, and other graphic devices into panels.
- Remote Parking Lot: Flat aluminum sheet and plate signs, unframed with etched letters, numbers, symbols, and other graphic devices into panels. Also see, 1.4 SITE PROGRAMMING.
Refer to Volume 3 Section 1.7.3 Signs for additional recommendations.
Flagpole
A minimum of one flagpole is required and shall be located near the CPS entry plaza, though specific needs will be handled on an individual project basis. Flagpoles shall be maintained and operated by the school. See site furnishing section for additional flagpole information.
Refer to Volume 3 Section 1.7.1 Site Furnishings for additional information.
Artwork
Some schools may incorporate murals, sculpture, or other forms of art to distinguish the main entrance or other areas of the school. These interventions are encouraged and will be discussed on an individual project basis with CPS, the school, and applicable stakeholders. Murals and Art Installations to follow the CPS Mural & Mosaic Fabrication and Installation Design Standards.