Bishop Nevins: Florida’s First Monolithic Dome School

Nightime Glow — Those sparkling structures are the four domes at Bishop Nevins Academy in Sarasota, Florida.

Nightime Glow — Those sparkling structures are the four domes at Bishop Nevins Academy in Sarasota, Florida.

A first! — Bishop Nevins Academy is the first Monolithic Dome School in Florida.

A first! — Bishop Nevins Academy is the first Monolithic Dome School in Florida.

Roundabouts with vertical walls — Designed by Architect Rafael Moreu, each of the domes is a two-story roundabout with a stem wall.

Roundabouts with vertical walls — Designed by Architect Rafael Moreu, each of the domes is a two-story roundabout with a stem wall.

Easy access — The mall area provides access to many classrooms and offices.

Easy access — The mall area provides access to many classrooms and offices.

Typical classroom — Overhead lighting secured from the dome shell helps to create a comfortable learning environment.

Typical classroom — Overhead lighting secured from the dome shell helps to create a comfortable learning environment.

Beanbag anyone? — Colorful beanbags provide student seating in the commons area of the “Dreams are Free” facility.

Beanbag anyone? — Colorful beanbags provide student seating in the commons area of the “Dreams are Free” facility.

Computer Technology Lab — Students enjoy learning and working in this well appointed classroom.

Computer Technology Lab — Students enjoy learning and working in this well appointed classroom.

Bright and cheerful — Colorful clown faces hover over the work tables in this kindergarten.

Bright and cheerful — Colorful clown faces hover over the work tables in this kindergarten.

Play time — The Academy’s campus includes a well equipped, safe playground.

Play time — The Academy’s campus includes a well equipped, safe playground.

Let there be light! — The dome shell has inset skylights and hanging light fixtures.

Let there be light! — The dome shell has inset skylights and hanging light fixtures.

Skylight — It allows light to enter the chapel.

Skylight — It allows light to enter the chapel.

Chapel — Religious art, wood and ceramic tile enhance the school chapel.

Chapel — Religious art, wood and ceramic tile enhance the school chapel.

Roomy comfort — Windows, lighting and plenty of space make the domes functional and enjoyable.

Roomy comfort — Windows, lighting and plenty of space make the domes functional and enjoyable.

Bishop Nevins Academy — Approximately 500 students attend this beautiful Monolithic Dome facility.

Bishop Nevins Academy — Approximately 500 students attend this beautiful Monolithic Dome facility.