The architectural characteristics and the educational program of a new open plan Sri Lanka school are the subjects of this case study. The school is open both to the pupils as well as to the rest of the community, a departure from the traditional Sri Lanka school building. The study begins with a discussion of scope and objectives followed by a general background of the open plan school project and the various stages of its development. Next the implementation of the national curriculum and the implications for physical arrangements are discussed. Findings from a survey of 74 households in the area are summarized. The survey was aimed at establishing the socioeconomic status of the community members, their educational background, and their educational and vocational training needs and aspirations. Based on these findings are recommendations for possible areas of community participation in the school and organizational and planning strategies. The appendixes contain the survey form and a users' manual for the new school. (Author/MLF)