A space utilization study of the existing 1922 high school revealed that 60% of the existing high school was not used, rarely used, or used under capacity.
The new high school addition provides spaces that are flexible and have more than one function. Moveable walls, reconfigurable furniture, shared faculty offices, and multi-functional spaces create a 21st century learning environment in a smaller footprint.
Collaboration and coming together was a major focus in the arrangement of the educational spaces. The learning environments extend out of the classrooms and into the lobby and corridor providing a full complement of learning settings, establishing a student-centered learning environment.
- 15% Less Space to Maintain over Lifetime
- Student-Centered Learning Environment
- Multi-Functional Spaces
- Moveable Walls, Reconfigurable Furniture
- Access to Technology Throughout Space
How do we reimagine an inefficient, non-accessible, aging facility to support a technology-driven curriculum for Delavan SD?
With the new, smaller footprint building placed in front of the original high school building, the district was able to create flexible spaces, and focus on student-centered learning experience, while operating during construction.
Implementing technologies throughout the facility eliminated the need for several computer labs while allowing access to technology at all levels of learning environment.
Shared faculty offices were included to create the ability to expand the student population by 25% and the faculty population by 15% without adding additional space in the future.
Spaces allow the basic educational suite to be used every period instead of 80% of the periods.
The building was designed to replace several small, aging elementary schools with one larger facility that accommodates small learning communities and future education changes through its unique modular design.
The Community Engagement Planning Process with Meridian CUSD #15 resulted in a clear direction, to reduce the number of campuses from four to two and concentrate resources to make these remaining two campuses healthy, safe, and educationally relevant.
Through the BOLD Facilities Plan, Decatur Public Schools is working to ensure student-focused learning environments with spaces that expand learning beyond traditional expectations to further engage students. To help accomplish this goal, a reimagined, new facility replaced an outdated structure which was located on the highest elevation point in Decatur, Johns Hill.