Faced with outdated high school facilities, an extensive community engagement planning process identified and assisted in prioritizing needs; ensuring a successful plan.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.
- 500 Seat Auditorium
- New Secondary Multipurpose Practice Gym
- Secure Main Entry
- Clear, inviting and flexible event entry
- Environmental Branding to engage students
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switches, minimal natural illumination, and cramped corridors prone to bottlenecks – these were the challenges of the outdated 1970s high school building.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 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.
A competition gym addition, with secure entry and office suite, increases health and wellness opportunities for students and staff, while addressing the district-wide space shortage for student activities. The addition serves as a new front door for visitors, creating a positive first impression for Heyworth CUSD #4.
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.
This renovation and new addition project turned into an opportunity to not only unify an outdated and disconnected school building, but also bring unification to a student body and community.