It is time to head back to school and for the students at Riverside Magnet School in East Hartford, Connecticut the setting alone is stimulating.

Opened in 2013 with an expansion that soon followed, Riverside Magnet is a combination of modern design and whimsy. The main buildings rise gently, as if out of a valley; the landscaping is extensive and softens the environment; and the metal work ornamentation adds beauty and wonder to what in most ordinary schools might be the drudgery of daily classes.

Riverside Magnet was designed by the New Haven firm of Svigals + Partners Architects.

The building was constructed to face the outdoors and compliment the Reggio Emilia learning model which emphasizes student inspired projects as a core principle.

The design goal was to create "an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere highlighting the beauty of the natural world,” according to Svigals’ portfolio.

The pre-Kindergarten through grade five school is part of Goodwin University and serves an important role in Goodwin’s early childhood education programs. Goodwin students take part in and observe teaching at the school as part of their own learning journey.

I have always believed good architecture is one of the primary factors when it comes to personal decisions about whether we like a place or not. Architecture is a big reason we are attracted to certain cities, shopping districts, and workplaces.

The same is true for schools, whether they are college campuses or elementary schools. There is no doubt the energy created by the architecture of this project has a positive influence on teachers, staff, and students.