Kansas School for the Blind (KSSB) Breezeway

Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) is an agency that is constantly evolving and growing to meet the needs of students who are blind/visually impaired in Kansas. We see ourselves as a “network of services” that includes both a robust Field Services (outreach) team to serve students across the state as well as a campus that offers intensive, short-term services for students.

Our school prides itself on offering students and their families a nurturing environment which challenges all of our children to do their very best work and to learn and practice the importance of being a responsible and respectful person.

– John Harding, Superintendent

As some may know, Kansas has unpredictable weather. We can go from sunny skies to pouring rain in a matter of minutes. Now, imagine children running from building to building to attend class, and being visually impaired. It left a lot of safety concerns for the staff and students.
The school was in desperate need of a way to keep everyone out of the elements. The idea then sparked to create a breezeway! This added component allowed for a covered foyer between the Edlund Dormitory and Johnson Education Building, permitting students and faculty passage between the two in a temperature-controlled environment.

This special project will not only provide a way for everyone to pass through, but the foyer will also have a coffee bar and seating area available for use during school functions!

As with any project, there has been a few hurdles, such as equipment delays and the COVID-19 pandemic, yet has maintained progress. This project has presented unique challenges to the architectural design process due to its focus on vision impaired students and faculty, yet the outcome is promising.

The completion of the breezeway is estimated for September 2023, and the satisfaction of seeing the project come together as planned is a reward for all involved. The recognition from the client of a job well done is an added bonus.

SCOPE: Addition

SQUARE FEET: 2,650

LOCATION: Kansas City, KS