From Fragments to the Forefront

A phased renovation facilitates 21st Century learning spaces.

Aiming to embody the pedagogical change already happening in its school district, the charge for this high school design was to revive an outdated and crumbling building for transformation into an innovative instrument for 21st century learning. GMB worked through an extensive design process that engaged faculty, staff, students, administration, the board of education, and community members. Over 85% of the existing building was removed and replaced, including every classroom, over the course of the three years of construction. The large scope of this renovation challenged GMB to formulate a design that accomplished the initial goals, created a new building that blended seamlessly with the existing, and kept the building fully operational during the course of construction. The result is a complete transformation of a fragmented building into a flexible, cohesive, student-focused environment. The renovated high school showcases learning, provides a warm and safe community atmosphere, and pushes the boundaries of the traditional definition of learning.