Dakota Prairie elementary

Project Overview

Prairie-inspired education design

Situated on the southern outskirts of Brookings, Dakota Prairie Elementary stands on repurposed agricultural land. Because of its strategic location and strong architectural presence, it serves as an important part of the city’s future growth plans. The conceptual design was a collaborative effort between our firm, Cannon Moss Brygger Architects of Sioux City, and members of the school district. In addition, teachers actively participated throughout the process. As a result, the team created a building that met all required standards while also incorporating the features most important to the school community.

The layout of Dakota Prairie Elementary features separate learning pods connected by expansive outdoor classroom spaces. Throughout the campus, native prairie grasses, rolling hills, and shelterbelt trees reinforce its Dakota Prairie identity. Furthermore, the building’s intentionally irregular footprint creates unique opportunities for landscaping and outdoor learning areas. Consequently, the site promotes creativity while strengthening the connection between students and the natural environment. Overall, the design reflects the community’s forward-thinking approach to both education and sustainability.