Kankakee High School Renovation Phase 1

The District was shifting teaching and learning at the Secondary level to a Reggio Emilia inspired approach. The team recognized the environment plays a significant role in creating a successful Reggio-inspired program. A major goal for the Renovations at Kankakee High School was to create an array of environments better aligned with this new approach.

The resulting design creates an array of common learning spaces that radiate from Learning Hubs. Educators are provided the flexibility to be responsive to the needs and interests of the students and community. The educators can create experiences that allow learning to happen on a deeper level.

Even the cafeteria is a learning space. It was transformed into a commons area and is now also the school’s main corridor.

In both the Learning Hubs and the Commons area, learning is on display. Students can see their peers working together or independently. Technology is available in these areas to enhance how students can research and collaborate.

Activator Space: Students can see into the Activator Spaces exposing them to adults working together. The glass wall opens for even more accessibility.
The roof was raised and clerestories bring in natural light. The space facilitates peer-to-peer learning as students demonstrate knowledge and skills.
The Hubs are common spaces designed to spark creativity, collaboration and other 21st Century Learning and Thinking Components.
Brainstorming areas with digital connectivity for real-time investigation or collaboration to provide a modern, flexible space.
Inspired by an “atelier,” the place where artists found inspiration and answers to their questions and created their works.
The Hubs are common spaces designed to spark creativity, collaboration and other 21st Century Learning and Thinking Components.
Educators, known as “Activators of Learning,” do not “own” a classroom. Activator Spaces offer a “home” and are adjacent hubs.

Angled and curved hard surfaces at different projections plus a variety of soft surfaces all work together to keep noise problems at bay.
Wood accents express the variation of nature and provide a sense of the warmth and intrigue that outdoor landscapes can induce.

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Kankakee High School Renovation, Kankakee, IL
Kankakee High School Renovation, Kankakee, IL
Renovation Phase 1 of Kankakee High School, Kankakee, IL
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