A Modern Hub for Athletics and Learning
For more than five decades, Bowditch Middle School served the Foster City community as a center for academic and extracurricular life. Yet its original 1968 campus lacked the facilities to support the energy and potential of its students. The San Mateo–Foster City School District sought to change that, envisioning a modern gymnasium and athletic complex that could bring renewed vitality to the campus while continuing operations without disruption. HED responded with a design that does more than add space; it transforms how students, staff, and families experience community and learning.
As part of a broader master plan and campus modernization, the new gymnasium introduces light, transparency, and purpose to the site. The building’s architecture complements the existing campus fabric while signaling a forward-looking identity. Ample glazing floods the gym with natural daylight, creating an inviting environment that supports physical education during the school day and community use after hours. The facility houses a regulation-size basketball court, locker rooms, and support spaces designed for efficiency, safety, and comfort, all within a compact footprint that maximizes limited site area.
A central feature of the project is the dual-purpose lobby, conceived as both a welcoming entry for spectators and a functional extension of the physical education program. When not serving athletic events, the space transforms into a fitness classroom, offering flexibility that reflects the district’s commitment to adaptable, student-focused learning environments. Clear visibility between the coach’s office and locker areas provides a secure, well-supervised setting, reinforcing the school’s emphasis on safety and inclusion.
Beyond the walls of the gym, HED’s scope included revitalized outdoor athletic areas, giving the campus a cohesive network of indoor and outdoor spaces for exercise, play, and competition. Each design decision: material selection, orientation, and circulation, supports long-term durability and easy maintenance, aligning with the district’s investment in sustainable, cost-effective improvements.
Delivered on a fully active campus, the project demanded thoughtful coordination among architects, engineers, and builders. Through close collaboration and an integrated design process, the team maintained construction progress while keeping the school community engaged and operational. The result is a facility that feels both new and familiar, anchored in the legacy of Bowditch Middle School yet equipped for the future of student life in Foster City.