Insights

CGS Architects had the distinct privilege of designing the Crossroads Building at Langley School, a space that serves not only as a functional academic building but also as a central hub for the entire school community. Officially opened in September 2022, the Crossroads Building is the culmination of CGS' comprehensive campus master plan—a final piece that ties together the school’s vision for innovative learning, community engagement, and student well-being.

This 40,000 square-foot building is home to Langley’s Primary School and fifth-grade programs, as well as a state-of-the-art library, an innovation lab, a multipurpose space, and the after-school program, Club E.D. Beyond its function as a learning space, it has quickly become a beacon of connection—a physical crossroads where students, teachers, and the greater community come together to share ideas, celebrate accomplishments, and build relationships.

Designing for Movement, Exploration, and Expression

From the outset, the design brief was clear: create a space that would inspire curiosity, foster collaboration, and support a dynamic, hands-on curriculum for the students. We were tasked with crafting a building that would serve the needs of young learners in a way that was both practical and imaginative. The Crossroads Building was designed to be a flexible, adaptive space that encourages movement, exploration, and creativity—hallmarks of Langley’s educational philosophy.

In the Primary School and fifth-grade classrooms, this vision has come to life. Open, flowing spaces with abundant natural light invite students to engage actively with their environment. The classrooms are designed to be modular and adaptable, allowing for a variety of learning styles and activities, from individual work to group projects. The large windows that stretch across much of the building provide views into the landscape, reinforcing the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Head of Primary School Anna Shiroma reflects, “The Crossroads Building has been truly transformational for our Primary School division. Students and teachers are engaging in our curriculum in even more intentional ways as we use large spaces that were specifically designed for young children. Our inquiry essential practices come alive in a building that allows for movement, exploration, and student expression.”

These elements were key to our design approach. The classrooms and common areas are arranged to promote interaction and fluidity between different learning spaces. This is especially important for Langley’s youngest learners, who thrive in environments that allow them to move, explore, and experiment.

Building a Strong Sense of Community

In addition to supporting individual learning, the Crossroads Building was designed with community at its heart. We wanted to create a space that would not only serve the academic needs of students but also become a gathering point for the Langley community. The building is strategically located at the intersection of several key campus pathways, physically and symbolically placing it at the “crossroads” of the school.

This location ensures that the Crossroads Building is not just a place for isolated learning but a focal point for broader community engagement. It hosts a variety of events, from assemblies and receptions to guest author visits and the Book Fair. This ability to bring together students, teachers, and parents for shared experiences was a vital part of our vision.

“Our goal was to thoughtfully design a building that would support student learning and promote an inviting campus community,” says Head of School Michele Claeys. “It’s clear we achieved that goal. The Crossroads Building is truly ‘at the crossroads’ of our campus and has already had a tremendous impact on our teaching and learning in the few short months since it opened.”

Indeed, the building’s expansive, light-filled hallways and flexible multipurpose spaces have quickly become the backdrop for many school-wide events, celebrations, and collaborative projects.

Supporting Leadership and Growth

One of the building’s most notable features is its ability to support Langley’s commitment to developing leadership skills in students, particularly during the crucial fifth-grade year. The Crossroads Building houses the fifth-grade classrooms and provides a dedicated space where these students can engage with both their peers and the broader school community.

As Head of Lower School/Assistant Head for Programs Sarah Beck notes, “It’s incredibly meaningful to have a physical manifestation of the leadership that has long characterized the fifth-grade capstone year of Lower School. Having their own space in the heart of the campus has given fifth-graders a sense of just how important they are as leaders of the Lower School, preparing to start their Middle School journey.” The building not only accommodates their academic needs but also helps them develop a deeper understanding of their role within the broader Langley community.

Transforming the Campus Environment

The Crossroads Building has also played a pivotal role in transforming the physical environment of the Langley campus. The grassy courtyard in front of the building, created by the demolition of the former library and Arts and Science buildings, has dramatically improved the overall flow and openness of the campus. This outdoor space, now a central gathering point, invites students and faculty to step outside and engage with one another in a more open, relaxed setting.

The courtyard is also an important transition zone between the various divisions and buildings on campus, symbolizing the seamless integration of different educational stages—from Primary School to Middle School. The openness of the space encourages interaction across grade levels, reinforcing Langley’s sense of community.

Furthermore, the Crossroads Building has provided the opportunity to repurpose the old Primary School space into Pirro Studios, a new home for Langley’s expanding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs. The new art classrooms and fabrication lab have already become an integral part of the school’s innovative curriculum, enabling students to explore their creativity and technical skills in ways that were previously not possible.

A Lasting Legacy

The Crossroads Building is more than just a new academic building—it is a lasting legacy that reflects Langley’s commitment to educational excellence, community, and innovation. We are proud to have been a part of this project, working closely with Langley’s leadership, faculty, and staff to create a space that supports the school’s mission and values.

As the building continues to serve as a center for learning, collaboration, and community-building, we are excited to see how it evolves and how future generations of Langley students will make the most of this remarkable space. The Crossroads Building has truly become a place where students and educators meet, grow, and create together—a physical manifestation of Langley’s forward-thinking approach to education.

In the words of Michele Claeys, “This beautiful building is truly ‘at the crossroads’ of our campus and is already having a tremendous impact on our teaching and learning.” It has been an honor to contribute to this vision, helping to shape a space that will continue to inspire and support the Langley community for years to come.