Gateway Montessori School

The Montessori approach to education emphasizes a dynamic relationship between children and their environment. This project for the Gateway Montessori School on Chicago's northwest side begins with the premise that the child's environment is their first teacher. In 2005, we converted half of a commercial building into classrooms, office space, kitchen and restrooms. Two years later the school had quickly outgrown its space and the director invited us back to complete the renovation of the first floor with two additional classrooms and restrooms. The work was carefully phased and organized to accommodate the school's budget and schedule. The project is a collaboration of Studio Talo Architecture and Built Light.