Bodies in Motion, Architecture in Action

Celebrating movement, curiosity, and student agency, this pioneering elementary school reimagines how space can support the way young learners engage and grow. As the first in a new series of elementary schools for Davis School District, the design centers around a vibrant central commons with two classroom wings — each featuring integrated collaboration spaces that support project-based learning and foster connection among students and teachers. Themed “Bodies in Motion,” the school’s identity is expressed in both form and material, with undulating metal panels along the exterior evoking the scaled fluidity of a fish in motion.

A catalyst for innovation within the district, the school introduced new spatial and pedagogical models that continue to influence subsequent campuses. Its flexible learning environments, open collaborative zones, and emphasis on sustainability have earned it widespread recognition, including 10 design awards and Utah’s first LEED Gold certification for a public school. As a Net-Zero Energy facility, Odyssey reflects the district’s commitment to stewardship and forward-thinking design — offering an environment where creativity, connection, and curiosity thrive.