Memphis Teacher Residency, Memphis, Tennessee | Architect: archimania  | Photographer: archimania 

The Memphis Teacher Residency (MTR) is a teacher residency training program designed to address the educational inequality faced by children through the creation of the Christian Community Education teaching model. The model enables educators to earn a master’s degree and to practice in a classroom setting. As part of the central mission of the MTR, candidates vow to teach in the underserved areas of Memphis for three years following graduation.

MTR needed a location to conduct their teachers’ training program as they previously operated from the basement of a church. The organization wanted the new space to be conducive to teaching, learning, and most importantly, inviting to the surrounding community. Once an old Sears distribution center, their new home has since been converted to a brightly lit and welcoming environment with offices, large training rooms, and a private terrace.

The highly modern office combines industrial cement flooring with wood paneling and colorful accents, illuminated by Seem 4 Recessed and Suspended luminaires. The linear LED luminaires contribute to the organic flow of the long corridors and seamlessly integrate into the architecture to elevate the modern aesthetic. ID+ 3.5" round downlights were also used over the study tables and communal desks to provide additional task lighting while keeping a low profile.