Tri-Valley High School

Tri-Valley CUSD #3 | Downs, Illinois

Faced with outdated high school facilities, an extensive community engagement planning process identified and assisted in prioritizing needs; ensuring a successful plan. After passing a referendum with more than 80% approval, the project took aim at providing a learning environment fit for a future-focused education.

The reimagined environment creates a perimeter of learning spaces, exposing students to day-lit rooms with clear and easy access to support spaces. The organization of these areas, around a triad of break out spaces and a heart of shared learning spaces, supports the desire of students to collaborate and move. The collaboration hubs create a series of social and learning opportunities in a variety of scales and environments, giving students the spaces they need to succeed.

Environmental graphics reinforce the school brand and motto for students creating an exciting and engaging space for learning.

Features
  • 500 Seat Auditorium
  • New Secondary Multipurpose Practice Gym
  • Secure Main Entry
  • Clear, inviting and flexible event entry
  • Environmental Branding to engage students
The Challenge

Imagine a learning space with dim artificial lighting controlled by distant switches, minimal natural illumination, and cramped corridors prone to bottlenecks – these were the challenges of the outdated 1970s high school building.

The Solution

The media center, dining commons, and collaboration area now serve as the heart of the facility which connects the academic, wellness, and arts into a bright and welcoming supportive space for students and the community.

The design completely re-imagined the existing floor plan with 21st century learning environments, collaborative spaces, centralized spaces for technology and STEM, with a new focus on student interaction.