Trapolinpeer logo
Studio Team Work Journal Contact
Back

James M. Singleton Head Start Center

Community services and early-childhood education find a sustainably-designed home at TCA's Head Start Center in Littlewoods, Louisiana.

Category Community
Education
New Build
Interiors

Size 13,000 SF

Location New Orleans, LA

Year 2013

Opportunity

The James M. Singleton Head Start Center provides support to the low-income families of Littlewoods in New Orleans East. Founded by Total Community Action, the center offers early childhood education, social services, and resources for differently abled children. The modern facility was designed to create a sense of community while respecting the residential scale and fabric.

Strategy

Integrating progressive building systems and sustainable materials throughout the facility provides lower operating costs and improved educational experiences. Orienting the classrooms toward the northern exposure maximizes natural light, but also minimizes solar gain. Materials were chosen with an environmental conscience and include recycled rain-screen panels and a high albedo roof membrane. Other exterior materials have been designed to resemble lap siding and wood fencing found throughout the single-family residences in the community.

Program requirements are organized on either side of a central corridor. The classrooms face north and are retained with a central vision of the surrounding wooded natural environment. This focused visual connection supports concentration and inspires creativity.

Outcome

The design of the James M. Singleton Head Start Center prioritizes sustainable, efficient, and community-centered spaces that serve a diverse set of needs. By thoughtfully organizing classrooms around a natural landscape and integrating sustainable materials, the facility supports lower operational costs for the client while enhancing the quality of early childhood education through improved lighting and environmentally conscious materials. The inclusion of adaptable storage walls and multi-functional support spaces allows for flexible use, fostering an inclusive environment where families and community members can gather, learn, and collaborate.

The design also strengthens the community fabric by reflecting the scale and aesthetic of local residences, fostering a familiar sense of belonging. Outdoor learning spaces that seamlessly connect to indoor play areas blur the lines between structured learning and free play, supporting holistic development for children. The facility’s emphasis on open, shared spaces for parent and community meetings reinforces its role as a communal hub. By blending educational, social, and environmental goals, the James M. Singleton Center serves as an enduring resource that actively uplifts and connects the Littlewoods neighborhood.


Awards

AIA LouisianaAward of Honor, 2013

AIA Gulf StatesAward of Merit, 2013

AIA New OrleansAward of Merit, 2013

The Team

Peter Trapolin

Related Projects

YWCA of Greater New Orleans

Son of a Saint

Edna Karr High School

  • Project Index
  • Journal
  • Team
  • Studio
  • Careers
  • Contact
850 Tchoupitoulas Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
info@trapolinpeer.com
Trapolinpeer ornament logo
Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest