Phillips Fundamental Learning Center

Wichita, KS

Industry:   Education/Nonprofit
Account Manager:  Laura Tuttle
Interior Designer:  Jessica Voss
Architect:  Tessere Architecture | Craig Rhodes 
Contractor:  EBY Construction
Photographer:  Essential Images Photography | Milt Mounts

Goal:  After renovating its former shopping center location twice due to growth and then leasing a 10,000-square-foot building from the City of Wichita, the Phillips Fundamental Learning Center (PFLC), which provides research-based literacy programs for children with dyslexia, built its new 30,000-square-foot facility from the ground up. The most impressive part? Its construction was inspired by an original floor plan by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed a building for Wichita State University that was never constructed. PFLC’s Executive Director, Jeanine Phillips, found the plan, which had been stored in a drawer in the WSU maintenance building for over 38 years until this project was manifested. “This plan was meant to be because it matched our vision!” she stated.

The final, adapted layout of the facility was very intentional and similar to the original plan, from its circular layout to its beautiful, modern aesthetics. Jeanine also had very specific requirements for the administrative, teacher education, and laboratory school classroom wings so they would meet the center’s educational goals.  
  

Scope:  When it came to furnishings and decor, the team was challenged to select pieces for the administrative wing that emulated Frank Lloyd Wright’s design aesthetic: earthy tones, natural woods, and simple structures made of high-quality materials. From floor to ceiling, hours were spent choosing each element of the design.

The carpeting design and color scheme throughout this wing was inspired by the local Kaw Nation (also known as the Kanza Tribe), who explored the Kansas rivers and prairies on the exact grounds where the facility is located. This space includes private offices, open work areas, collaboration areas, conference and meeting rooms, as well as flexible training rooms for teachers.

The building’s entrance area, known as “The Hug,” emits a feeling of warmth and safety when guests enter the building (the previous facility had separate doors for each side), with naturally sourced limestone walls, a grand fireplace, and lounge seating. Banquette seating along the outside walls facilitates conversation and provides a place for guests to sit and enjoy the view. 

In the classroom wing, flexibility and cleanability were key. Furnishing aesthetics here are similar, yet different. Polished concrete floors and mobile furniture were incorporated to allow the staff to modify the layout within each classroom, the library, and the multipurpose room. Carpeted areas utilize carpet squares that can be easily replaced if needed.

All furniture was installed by John A. Marshall Co.’s professional, in-house team.

The new Phillips Fundamental Learning Center is a perfect example of what happens when beautiful architectural design meets education. 
 

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