Master Facilities Plan and Capital Improvements at the Joseph Sears School
Client:
Kenilworth School District 38
DLA Architects has been Architect of Record for Kenilworth School District since 2015. Beginning in late 2019, a Master Facilities Plan was developed through extensive collaboration between DLA Architects, Ltd., New Vista Design, and Kenilworth School District 38 stakeholders. Various opportunities allowed participation from the faculty, staff, administrators, student representatives, parents, and the Board of Education. The District engaged the Kenilworth Community at large through Visioning Sessions and Community Conversations with community residents, the Kenilworth Park District, and Village of Kenilworth representatives and police officials. The process included school tours, focus groups, workshops, surveys, and feedback sessions. These activities were accomplished in-person and virtually. In all, there were hundreds of hours of meetings between stakeholders and the architect, no small feat considering it kicked off less than a month before the Covid-19 pandemic brought in-person meetings to a halt.
This collaborative effort and the various groups’ valued opinions have contributed to a comprehensive Master Facilities Plan that looks at the existing campus and facilities’ condition and establishes a framework to determine maintenance and future improvement projects. The Master Facilities Plan served as a planning tool, aiding in fiscal forecasting, and identifying potential expenditures over the next ten years. The Plan enabled Kenilworth School District 38 to establish construction/maintenance budgets and foresee conflicts between construction and the curriculum delivery process.
As a result of this stakeholder input and in consultation with DLA Architects, the District undertook a multi-phased capital project to be concluded in four distinct phases. The phases were designed to be completed over several years to minimize the impact on school programming.
The proposed plan design detailed schoolhouse additions and renovations to meet the Educational Program and provide a safe school community environment. The flexibility of spaces allows the opportunity to adapt to changing educational needs in the future. A continuation of the school’s award-winning sustainability efforts, every aspect of the design boosts the school’s efficiency, comfort, and wellness. This USGBC-registered project is aiming for LEED Certification. The building also serves as an environmental education tool. For instance, once the geothermal system is operational, students will view performance metrics, fostering an understanding of sustainable practices.
Nature is woven into the learning environment through biophilic design and features like the Live Wall. Learning extends beyond traditional classrooms to the Outdoor Classroom/Garden, the Gathering Space—which doubles as a secondary Learning Stair—and the Green Roof’s Outdoor Classroom. These exterior areas foster interaction with the natural environment, promote social engagement, and support passive recreation and physical activities.
The Plan preserved the traditional Abbotsford Road facade and Auditorium, yet transformed the schoolhouse into a modern, open learning center that will support the District’s students as they progress through the various grade bands. Phase 1 involved remodeling the Junior Kindergarten classroom and a Kindergarten classroom and creating a new Learning Hub for these early learners. Phase 2 included an addition to create a new Student Commons and a distinctive gathering zone featuring a Learning Stair with access to a new, centrally located Library Technology Center (LTC). A new Multipurpose Room and Warming Kitchen provide an inviting space for lunch that offers outdoor eating options, is flexible, and incorporates safety considerations for after-school community use. Additionally, the design allows for expanded collaboration with the Kenilworth Park District, strongly reinforcing the schoolhouse as a centerpiece in Kenilworth Community life. Phase 3, which was divided into two summers of work, remodeled the historic Sears building incorporating the 21st century learning goals into the oldest part of the building.
The redesigned facility effectively meets 21st-century educational environmental needs by embracing a multifaceted approach to learning that accommodates various pedagogical strategies. Features such as the Outdoor Classroom/Garden support the incorporation of Project-Based Learning (PBL), allowing students to engage in real-world projects that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With dedicated Learning Hubs and collaborative student and office spaces, students can work in teams, promoting social interaction and collective knowledge-building.
An integrated curriculum is supported through the flexible classroom layouts that cater to diverse learning styles and multiple intelligences. By providing a variety of seating arrangements and collaborative spaces, the facility allows for both individual and group learning experiences, ensuring that every student’s unique abilities are recognized and nurtured. The seamless integration of technology, highlighted by movable video screens and access to digital resources, enriches the educational experience, enabling students to connect their learning to the world around them.
These design choices enhance academic performance and prepare students for the demands of an ever-evolving workforce by fostering adaptability, creativity, and collaboration. In this modern environment, educators can deliver instruction that aligns with 21st-century learning principles, equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the future.
Improvements are ongoing.
NOTE: Renderings do not accurately reflect changes or considerations for the Kenilworth Park District property, visit www.kenilworthparkdistrict.org for more details.
During planning DLA provide the Joseph Sears School an idea of what the school could look like. Fifteen different positions provide 360-degree immersion into key locations of the school. Click on the links to access the views either on the computer or with your phone for an even more interactive experience. These are not final views, but give a draft view of the possibilities.
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Community-Centric School Renovations & Addition
Dr. Genevra A. Walters K Community Center at Kankakee High School
Client:
Kankakee School District 111 [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1727799273512{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}"]Recent upgrades to Kankakee High School have brought much of the building up to modern standards for teaching and learning. However, the school still lacked a fieldhouse. With over 400 athletes and 2,000 students across the junior high and high school, the district-wide need for athletic space was pressing. Compounding this, data showed a significant rise in gun violence affecting local youth during COVID, highlighting the need for enhanced social-emotional support for families. This led the District to the innovative idea of a Community Center at the high school.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][visual_portfolio id="14258"][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="5/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1727799262670{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Innovative Features and Athletic Space Solutions
DLA Architects designed a state-of-the-art facility that would serve as both an athletic and community hub. The facility not only provides for Kays athletics but also supports extracurricular programs like the Robotics team and JROTC. Additionally, it will house the Youth Empowerment Program, offering a vital resource for community engagement and support. An 82,147-square-foot addition includes four basketball/volleyball courts, a 200-meter track, two long-jump pits, and a pole vault, with two courts also lined for indoor tennis. Perimeter and Court Divider curtains provide flexible separation; batting cages drop over the track. The retractable bleachers seat over 750 for an event. The project also involved renovating 17,706 square feet of the existing high school, including the conversion of the old gym into a cutting-edge indoor practice room with batting cages and synthetic turf.Community and Educational Support Services
The second floor of the fieldhouse features new offices for the athletic department and Youth Empowerment Program, as well as a community room for events. A unique feature that also meets community needs is the Daycare classroom. Students taking Child Development courses will have experiential learning in their career pathway with infants and young children. There is a separate entrance for children in the program and a dedicated playground for 3- to 5-year-olds. As a community center, the $26.5 million facility was constructed using $10 million in federal ESSER funds (COVID-19 relief funds for schools) secured by the District.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1e73be"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][visual_portfolio id="14162"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Educating the Future Manufacturing and Technology Workforce
Elgin Community College's Manufacturing and Technology Center
Client:
Elgin Community College[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1727290356812{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}"]The Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC) at Elgin Community College (ECC) is a state-of-the-art facility tailored to support programs in maintenance technology, industrial manufacturing, HVAC-R, energy management, and welding. Spanning 150,000 square feet, this new center will also provide the space needed to introduce and enhance robotics, renewable energy, pipe welding, industrial process control programs, and more. The first floor will feature labs and communal spaces, while the second floor will be dedicated to administrative and student areas. Transparency both inside and out allows for learning environments to be on display as well as flooding them with natural light. Strategically located at the campus's main entrance, the building stands as a beacon for the community. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][visual_portfolio id="14210"][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="5/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1727289029121{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Advanced and Innovative Learning Environments
- Meeting Workforce Demands: The demand for a skilled manufacturing workforce has been significant for years, and this trend is expected to continue into the future. The school has experienced a surge in students seeking training for manufacturing careers, resulting in a waiting list for classes. The MTC will offer expanded space and learning environments tailored for specialized programs such as maintenance technology, industrial manufacturing, HVAC-R, energy management, and welding. In these settings, students will cultivate skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to their respective industries.
- Emerging Technologies: ECC is committed to integrating emerging technologies such as automation, digitization, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence into its curriculum. The new building will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories designed to facilitate these innovative programs, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of today’s workforce.
- Robust Facilities: The facility features cutting-edge amenities, such as sophisticated ventilation systems and integrated robotics, which significantly enhance both learning experiences and operational efficiency. In specific lab areas, floor slabs are reinforced to support the heavy equipment necessary for the innovative programs.
- Showcasing CTE Learning: The architecture is thoughtfully designed to promote connections among students while offering the public a unique view into the inner workings of the CTE programs. The building features brick masonry accented by metal panels and expansive windows that invite passersby on McLean and Spartan to glimpse inside.
Grant-Funded Innovations
- Solar Racking System: The Energy Management Program will feature a solar racking system funded by a grant from the Illinois Green Economy Network. This initiative not only supports sustainability but also offers students hands-on experience in renewable energy technology. The building itself is designed to be solar panel ready.
Collaborative and Supportive Spaces
- Student Activities and Lounges: Designed to foster a supportive learning environment, the MTC includes ample spaces for student activities and relaxation, promoting a sense of community and collaboration. Open and collaborative spaces promote hands-on learning and interaction between students and industry professionals, setting a benchmark for community colleges nationwide.
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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][visual_portfolio id="14162"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Inclusive Adaptive Reuse
Client:
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1718206809657{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Transition Program Facility Renovations
District 95 Young Adult Center
Inclusive Design for Special Education Needs
An existing office building was redesigned to provide a specialized and more positive social-emotional environment for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) who’ve completed graduation requirements and are eligible for post-secondary transition services. The programming at the new building will concentrate on three key areas for post-secondary preparation: employment, education/training, and independent living. This facility is tailored to provide valuable experience in each program area for individuals aged 18-22 with special education requirements.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][rev_slider slidertitle="LZ Transition before /after" alias="lz-transition-before-after"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1718206777555{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Vocational and Lifestyle Learning Spaces
The ground level holds a kitchen for hands-on learning, while the commons area is designed to enhance tech literacy and social skills. Upstairs, a classroom and living skills room are complemented by administrative offices. The lower level features a vocational classroom, laundry facilities, and a workout space. These dedicated areas provide practical experience. This center fosters a supportive social-emotional setting, promoting social engagement and recreational pursuits. To ensure accessibility for all, a new addition to the remodeled office building was required to accommodate an elevator and its pit. This addition not only emphasizes inclusive design throughout the facility but also enhances circulation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1718312121914{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="14004" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="14001" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="none" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1718312310539{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="14007" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="14003" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1718312091334{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="13999" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" el_id="leftphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="14000" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1718311635592{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="leftphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="14006" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="14008" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1718227162017{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="dlaleftphoto"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="14005" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="14002" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1718311692228{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="blue" border_width="3"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
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Client:
Farmington Central CUSD #265
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1714681783092{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Farmington Central Elementary School Library Renovation
The Farmington Central Elementary School needed a library and computer lab renovation to bring their facilities into the 21st century. The school wanted to update their outdated spaces into an exciting hub for students to read, explore, research, create, and connect. During planning for the Library, the school began “low to no-cost” improvements by rebranding classroom entry portals with inspiring, age-appropriate colors. This set the tone for the joyful, inviting atmosphere that extended to the Library renovation.Library Renovations Make Way For New Makerspace
The focus of the renovation was the Library and an abandoned Computer Lab. By opening up the walls, more natural light flooded in from a nearby courtyard. A dedicated Makerspace was also created for hands-on learning, incorporating elements that showcased the rural community’s rich local history.Designed For Many Learning Styles
The new Library and Makerspace facilitate many modes of learning, including small group collaboration, project-based learning, STEM education, art and design, play-based learning, and student presentations. Technology was seamlessly integrated throughout for easy-access to resources. The stack area of the Library supports independent study, small group work, one-on-one learning with teachers, mobile computer use, social-emotional learning, and storytelling. The Large Group Presentation Area enables small group work, lectures, team teaching, and learning. The Learning Stair is designed for student presentations, community-based learning, and storytelling. An outdoor Courtyard connected to the space supports small group work, naturalist and outdoor learning, and social-emotional development.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13767" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css=".vc_custom_1714509530624{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="dlaleftphoto"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13756" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13763" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Connecting To The Community
The space was designed to inspire students and highlight the local culture. Graphics reflecting the history of coal mining and agriculture in the area educate students about their community’s past. By honoring local history and culture, the new spaces help students understand their place in the world and become future-ready citizens. The Makerspace features a sliding glass wall to put student work on display. Repurposed wood doors and abundant natural light from a courtyard help make the new space energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Varied and flexible seating options accommodate different learning and reading positions.Mindful Design To Promote Health And Wellness
The new library and maker space were designed with student wellness in mind. Teachers wanted an open, light-filled space to reduce disruptive behavior. Research shows the benefits of color, natural light, views of nature, and flexible spaces for learning, health, and wellness. The renovated space supports movement and different modes of learning to benefit students’ development and daily experience at school. The new library helps students understand their place in the world and become future-ready citizens by honoring the local history and culture.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1714685823803{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="13830" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1714685865413{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13832" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1714512807064{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13833" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1714512830415{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1714685671283{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13795" img_size="Full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css=".vc_custom_1714683754709{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="dlaleftphoto"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13764" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css=".vc_custom_1714509503129{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="dlaleftphoto"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13760" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css=".vc_custom_1714509524509{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="dlaleftphoto"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13755" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css=".vc_custom_1714509513785{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="dlaleftphoto"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13798" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css=".vc_custom_1714509519556{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="dlaleftphoto"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13799" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13800" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1714748814669{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13876" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css=".vc_custom_1714747442251{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13839" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css=".vc_custom_1714685875830{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13837" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css=".vc_custom_1714685882845{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1e73be"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
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Client:
Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1696367817714{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Net Zero Science Addition and Renovations at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School
The Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School Net Zero Science Addition and Renovation project is driven by a bold ambition: to generate as much energy as it consumes. This cutting-edge STEM facility will embody the H-F commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering an ethos of environmental responsibility. With an existing LEED Gold facility on campus, H-F's school leaders aimed to further enhance efforts in educating, serving, and engaging students, staff, and the community in sustainable energy education. They know from experience the bottom-line benefits an energy-efficient facility offers. This new building is designed to be certified as a Zero Energy Building by the International Living Future Institute. The primary objective of this project is to create an inspirational and functional environment that promotes STEM and sustainability education at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. By achieving net-zero energy in a large facility housing science and engineering classrooms, H-F establishes itself as an educational leader, not only through its curriculum but also through real-life experiences. The addition will consist of approximately 42,000 SF of new space and 12,000 SF of renovated space, designed to meet the evolving needs of students, educators, and the wider community. The building will provide state-of-the-art learning spaces that will inspire innovation, creativity, and collaboration. One of the major components of the new Science Addition is the integration of sustainable design principles. The building will be designed to be Net Zero, which means that it will produce all the energy it needs. Achieving this will be made possible through an energy-efficient enhanced building envelope paired with a combination of geothermal and solar technologies. This will help reduce the school's carbon footprint and inspire students to think about the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility. The building itself will be a model for sustainable and energy-efficient building design for the staff, students, and greater community. The building will also incorporate biophilic design principles, which seek to create connections between people and nature, helping to improve student well-being and productivity. For example, the use of natural light, outdoor learning spaces, and native plant gardens will create an environment that fosters curiosity and creativity, while also enhancing the overall learning experience.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13191" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="3/6" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="13207" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696872375910{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="13193" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13192" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696867654067{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13211" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="dlarightphoto" css=".vc_custom_1696868856497{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1702915679765{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]In addition to its focus on sustainability and biophilic design, the Science Addition will provide a range of new and updated learning spaces that will be used for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The project will include 15 Science Labs, each with adjoining Prep Rooms and Break-Out Rooms, as well as a central Chemical Lab on the second floor. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and abundant resources, these modern labs meet the practical needs of science education while also inspiring students, fostering their curiosity and passion for learning. By incorporating functional and aesthetically pleasing design elements, the Science Addition creates a welcoming and stimulating atmosphere. Connecting the Addition to the existing building will be a large Learning Commons with a Learning Stair, a Maker Space, and a College Engineering Lab. The Learning Stair will serve as a gathering space for students and teachers, while the maker space will provide a flexible environment for hands-on experimentation and prototyping. To encourage interdisciplinary connections and collaboration, the project will also provide several gathering zones strategically placed throughout the building. These zones will serve as showcases for the benefits of inter-departmental and inter-disciplinary collaboration, highlighting the work accomplished by College Engineering, PLTW Engineering, and CTE courses. They will demonstrate how the skills acquired across these courses can be applied in real-world scenarios. Another important aspect of the Science Addition is its use as a teaching tool. The addition will include a range of graphic or interactive displays and exhibits that will help educate students and the wider community about the principles of net-zero design and the integration of science into that process in an engaging and informative manner. By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for science, the Science Addition paves the way for a new generation of innovators. Overall, the Homewood-Flossmoor Science Addition represents a major investment in the future of STEM education at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. As a demonstration lab for sustainability, biophilic design, and interdisciplinary connections, the project will help prepare students with the skills and mindset needed to tackle the challenges of the future and inspire them to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13194" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696867764714{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13200" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696868173364{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13203" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696868350179{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13214" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696869041271{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13213" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696869006808{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13205" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696868443499{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13196" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1696867828572{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13197" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13201" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13204" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13199" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696868092995{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13202" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696868303194{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13198" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1696868026191{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13209" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1696868663708{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]Revitalizing Creativity: Culinary and Fashion Interior Renovations to Empower Next-Gen Innovators
Client:
Homewood Flossmoor Community High School District 233
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1697477643417{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Culinary and Fashion (Apparel & Textiles) Interior Renovations at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School
The Interior Design Renovations in the Family & Consumer Science department will modernize the facilities of two of H-F's most creative disciplines, creating industry-standard spaces that promote innovation and cultivate talent. This initiative aims to alleviate space constraints and reduce waiting lists for culinary courses while equipping students with valuable skills and industry-recognized credentials.
The revamped culinary arts space will feature a professional-grade kitchen equipped with modern appliances and technologies, replicating the setting of a professional restaurant kitchen. This allows culinary students to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a real-world context. Moreover, the addition of a commercial kitchen opens doors for students to pursue restaurant management certification and earn dual credit, further enhancing their career prospects.
The Fashion Design department will relocate to a new space just across the hall. This new location will provide students with enhanced classroom and lab facilities, specifically tailored to support their career interests in the fashion industry. The upgraded space will include state-of-the-art sewing equipment and ample workspace, enabling students to excel in their studies and pursue their passion for fashion design. These renovations will enhance access to sought-after programs, equipping students with the essential tools and experience to excel in their chosen fields and stand out in the competitive marketplace.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13247" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="3/6" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="13246" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="dlarightphoto" css=".vc_custom_1697476319583{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="13251" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1697476407376{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13252" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1697476465541{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13256" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1697476554366{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13260" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1697476644510{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13262" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1697476698605{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13253" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1697476447914{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13254" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13258" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13255" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1697476498001{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13259" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1697476625503{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="13261" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1697476663551{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]Developing Career Skills in a Future-Ready Learning Environment
Client:
Harlem School District 122
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1692394759816{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Harlem High School Career and Technical Education Program | Cutting-Edge Technology to Prepare Students for Realistic Challenges
Harlem High School aimed to modernize and expand its Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program, offering comprehensive courses in Welding/Metal Fabrication, Automotive, Manufacturing, Construction Trades, Culinary, and Child Development. The school also sought to include an onsite health clinic for the Harlem School District 122 staff. Our task was to bring all off-site CTE instruction under a single roof, thereby enhancing student accessibility and instructional time. We collaborated closely with the district to craft a design that incorporated the newest trends in K-12 education, ultimately creating a learning environment that mirrored real-world work settings. The resulting project, which includes a 27,000-square-foot addition to the southeast side of the high school, ensures seamless integration with the existing structure while enhancing accessibility and instructional time for students. This strategic location will allow us to optimize space, natural light, and provide dedicated classrooms, labs, and support spaces. The roughly $13.5 million expansion will allow students to have more time in the classroom, eliminating the need for them to be bused about 3 miles away to a building near the district offices where automotive, small-engine repair, and welding classes are currently held. Furthermore, the district will be able to resurrect its defunct construction program, in which students formerly worked to build homes in the area. The project presents unique challenges, including integrating cutting-edge technologies while maintaining budget, creating adaptable spaces for future job market changes, and visually reflecting the school's brand. We navigated these by:- Selecting cost-effective materials and technologies without sacrificing quality or functionality.
- Creating flexible spaces to accommodate changing educational needs.
- Incorporating the school's branding throughout the facility, especially in the Commons Areas
Developing Career Skills in a Future-Ready Learning Environment
Upon completion, the facility will feature:- Hands-on, project-based learning environments that simulate real-world experiences. The expansion includes bays for automotive repairs, a welding lab, learning spaces, and a construction lab, as well as an on-site health clinic for district staff and their dependents.
- State-of-the-art technology like electric-powered automobiles and forklift operator training, creating realistic learning scenarios. Dedicated classrooms will support the skills-based opportunities and experiences that students will be developing in their associated labs.
- A spacious 2-story commons with a learning stair, facilitating student presentations and guest lectures.
- A crow's nest conference room overlooking the learning stair commons area, perfect for small group collaboration.
Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="carrie-matlock"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Ignite Creativity with a Student-Centric Approach to Design Thinking
Client:
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1692220520152{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Lake Zurich High School Renovation: Designing the New Learning & Innovation Hub
The design for Lake Zurich High School District 95 has a unique flavor - student input. The result? A professional learning space to inspire incubator-style design thinking.
Overview
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 faced a significant challenge in renovating their High School's outdated library and dispersed traditional art rooms, CAD classrooms, and more. The school lacked a central, student-focused collaborative space to support modern educational demands. To address these issues, they turned to DLA Architects, a leading architecture firm renowned for innovative solutions for educational facilities.
Identifying the Challenges
Through a series of meetings and surveys led by DLA's Architects Design team, a clear need for an interdisciplinary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program space was identified. Educators were inspired by the Stanford d.school Design Thinking Process to pinpoint the experiences they sought for their students. However, a significant gap existed in the availability of Ideate and Prototyping Spaces, which are vital for achieving this objective. In addition, the existing library, being a quiet zone, limited students' collaborative time.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12952" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12955" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1690918278409{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12956" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12953" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_single_image image="12958" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1690918489599{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12964" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1690918534536{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12951" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1690920433483{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1692220720365{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Designing the Solution
DLA Architects adopted a student-centric approach, actively involving students in the design process to create a vibrant and immersive environment. The outcome? A collaborative space that revolves around the needs of students, equipped with the essential resources and cutting-edge equipment for 21st-century learning. This innovative setting fosters creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
To foster Design Thinking, the renovated facilities feature dedicated Student Friendly Spaces. These areas provide students with independent zones for exploration, as well as labs for prototyping their entrepreneurial ideas. The school's INCubatoredu program is now backed by these newly created spaces that empower students to cultivate their own product or service startups. Moreover, the redesigned space was meticulously planned to accommodate future instructional changes, such as blended and online learning. This ensures its adaptability to evolving educational needs.
Results
After the renovation, students now engage in a variety of group sizes, allowing them to research, collaborate, and develop in ways that were previously impossible. They can confidently present their design solutions to diverse audiences, from peers to the wider community. Moreover, the renovation has ensured that students have unrestricted access to these spaces at all times.
Taking inspiration from the Stanford d.school Design Thinking Process, the Learning and Innovation Hub offers a truly distinctive environment that fosters creativity and facilitates the sharing of information. It serves as a catalyst for building new knowledge and forging pathways to future success. To support professional development goals and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, the Hub staff collaborates closely with educators to research lessons and develop opportunities for project-based learning. Additionally, the Hub offers a wide range of programs that empower students to explore, innovate, and reflect. By bringing in community members and guest speakers, students are exposed to a myriad of college and career choices.
Ultimately, the Learning and Innovation Hub stands as a one-of-a-kind space that nurtures creativity, fosters information sharing, and promotes project-based learning and research. It is now a space for students to explore, innovate, and reflect on their educational journey.
Design & Energy Efficiency
The students played a critical role in the design process, creating a vibrant, warm, and inviting learning environment. The design incorporated natural materials, dynamic ceiling designs, and mature paint colors to create an age-appropriate space for high schoolers. The newly renovated space also featured LED lighting, zoned for task-specific dimming, and larger windows for increased natural light. Moreover, the design took into account passive security measures, traffic patterns, and accessibility for all students.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12962" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1690918606909{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12959" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1690920394657{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12961" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1690919144786{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12897" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1690919312754{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12957" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1690919332699{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="12963" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12954" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12960" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1690919387461{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12950" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1690919424163{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="12965" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1690920463932{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="commercial-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]New Elementary School Designed for Anywhere, Anytime Learning
New Washington Elementary School
Client:
Schiller Park School District 81
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1727214397862{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Schiller Park School District passed a Referendum in early 2020 to replace their existing 50+-year-old Washington Elementary School. The existing school, which served fourth and fifth graders, was operating above capacity. Enrollment had increased by 33% since 2008. The new building would address these basic infrastructure needs and rising enrollment. It must also be a flexible 21st-century learning environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. The Visioning Process resulted in a design that does just that.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/5vhzJBMOSbc"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][visual_portfolio id="14141"][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="5/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1614801931383{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]The school is comprised of 4 Learning Neighborhoods. Through the Visioning Process, it was revealed that Learning Neighborhoods and Classroom Zones would be design priorities. As such, each Learning Neighborhood is a central, flexible Learning Hub surrounded by 4 Learning Studios/Home Rooms. The Learning Neighborhoods are identifiable by their color and unique geometric shapes.- The Learning Studios are the home base of the students. They feature a variety of flexible furnishings to support student-choice and multiple modes of learning.
- The Learning Hub is a flexible environment. The design supports project-based learning and maker space functions.
- Encouraging independent student-centered learning was another goal identified in the Visioning Process. The Learning Studios/Home Rooms and the Learning Hub promote this independence. Transparency between these spaces was important. Teachers maintain direct visual supervision. It allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the space. Transparency enhances the joy and sense of connectivity prioritized during the Visioning Process.
- An operable garage door between the Learning Hub and the Media Center allows learning to permeate into the heart of the school.
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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][visual_portfolio id="14162"][/vc_column][/vc_row]New Elementary School designed to make learning more flexible
Client:
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="11669" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1626810656073{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1626793338052{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]May Whitney, New Elementary School
May Whitney, one of the oldest structures in Lake Zurich, was originally constructed in 1929 as a high school with the large two-story brick masonry building. It served that purpose until Lake Zurich High School opened in 1974. It served as a middle school from 1975 to 2004, when it began use as an elementary school. As with many older facilities, the building required annual maintenance and replacements of building systems along with asbestos abatement and functional challenges. The second floor of the old high school area and the basement locker rooms were unhabitable and being used for storage. The time had come to invest significant dollars in an existing older building or replace it with a new elementary school. The community opted for the latter via a referendum ballot decision in 2018. The new May Whitney Elementary school is a 5-section school serving Pre k-5th grade. The building has the potential to house 910 students and is approximately 119,000 square feet. Concentric layers were a theme for the design, with communal spaces at the core. Each grade radiates from these centralized spaces creating separation. To create an identity for each grade and aid in wayfinding, graphics were incorporated that play off themes of shape and color. Each wing has the same resources. An elementary school of this size could be daunting for children, but care was taken to create the cozy intimacy of a bi-level home. The radiating wings are relatively short. There are direct lines of sight from the Common Areas down each main academic wing, concluding with views to the outdoors at the end of each corridor.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12160" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/22a4faa8#/22a4faa8/39"][vc_single_image image="12157" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://pubs.royle.com/publication/?m=31173&i=723005&p=70&ver=html5"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="11689" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1627332552779{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11672" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1626811377814{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11664" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1626810749244{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="11666" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1626793355203{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Visioning Workshops indicated that the new school should be a FLEXIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT in support of PERSONALIZED LEARNING, CREATIVITY, and COLLABORATION. These objectives were met by designing a multitude of learning environments that support differentiated learning.- The Learning Studios are flexible and adaptable. Each also has access to a Small Group Breakout.
- Nooks in the corridors welcome students to study independently.
- The Project Space is designed to host a variety of creative activities and includes a sink for easy cleanup.
- In the larger and more robust Makerspace children can solve more complex problems that require deep, sustained attention. With power pull-downs and wardrobes for project storage, it's here they can engage in iterative thinking.
- In the Large Group Presentation Space, two classrooms can gather to watch a guest speaker or brainstorm together on the writable-surface walls.
- The Learning Amphitheater is a cozy spot for activities like story time.
- Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills to a large audience in the Cafetorium, which is suitable for musical or theatrical performances or assemblies.
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="carrie-matlock"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]New Early Learning Center is Child-Centered, Nature-Inspired, and Energy Efficient
Client:
East Maine School District 63
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621552444832{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]New Early Learning Center: First Steps Preschool
The New Early Learning Center is child-centered and nature-inspired. The research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum, with a strong emphasis on language, motor skills, social independence, and pre-kindergarten skills, dictated the experiences the children would encounter within the design. With a focus on play-based learning, children move through varied types of learning settings designed to specifically support different aspects of holistic child development.[/vc_column_text][pofo_blockquote pofo_blockquote_style="blockquote-style-1" pofo_author="Dr. Scott Clay, Superintendent of East Maine School District 63"]“Throughout the design process DLA has listened to our concerns, sought out feedback, and responded quickly to our requests.”[/pofo_blockquote][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12158" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://pubs.royle.com/publication/?m=31173&i=743809&p=66&ver=html5"][vc_single_image image="12155" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/22a4faa8#/22a4faa8/23"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_single_image image="12156" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/70ad1923#/70ad1923/36"][vc_single_image image="12157" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://pubs.royle.com/publication/?m=31173&i=723005&p=74&ver=html5"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="11574" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1621557059549{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="none" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1621558388184{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="11564" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11575" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533752670646{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="11576" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1621557157439{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][pofo_blockquote pofo_blockquote_style="blockquote-style-1" pofo_blockquote_preview_image="blockquote-style-1" pofo_author="Jordi Camps, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services/Chief Financial Officer at East Maine School District 63"]“DLA was very mindful of our budget every step of the way, advising us on different design options to reduce costs while still achieving the design goals of the new space.”[/pofo_blockquote][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621552509799{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Child-Centered
This innovative, new 40,000 square foot Early Learning Center provides 14 Pre-School Learning Studios, STEM, nutrition, and active play Learning Hubs, a Gross Motor Skills Room/Storm Shelter, and support spaces. The four shared Learning Hubs are key to this experience-based program. Each environment is tailored the learning activities it will host. The “Imagination Station” is a library-type space. It provokes inquiry and exploration. To facilitate active learning, there is a puppet theater house at one end of the room and a stage platform at the other. Young children are exposed to STEM concepts in the “Tinker Lab.” It provides the environment for them to make sense of problems and work to solve them. This large, flexible space is the place for children to utilize tools like blocks and shapes to design and construct. Health and wellness are the focus of the other two hubs. Children learn positive attitudes towards food in the nutrition-focused “Make It Market.” Large motor development is important to the growth of a young child. The “Fitness Factory” is designed to support both structured and unstructured physical activity.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621552549552{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Nature-Inspired
Further supporting wellness, biophilic design is woven throughout the building. The entry sequence which begins on a wooded path with a real tree, supports emotional safety and sets the tone for the learning experience. Throughout the interior curvilinear pathways mimic the movement of a river. Dramatic sloped ceilings (some exposing a wood structure) provide natural light and mimic the experience of walking through the woods.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621552582093{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Energy Efficient
Strategies such as geothermal heating and the building envelope design provide a calculated energy cost savings of 47% compared to a baseline building.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="11568" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1621557145272{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11569" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1621557215477{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="11571" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1621557600519{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11566" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1621557745017{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11570" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1621557640745{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11578" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1621558324914{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11580" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1621558417309{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="11567" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11565" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="11572" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1621557246383{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11573" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1621557657494{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="11577" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1621558289554{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="commercial-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Changes at Nearly 100 Year Old High School Create a 21st Century Education Environment
Client:
Community High School Dist. 94
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1607637497019{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Additions and Remodeling at West Chicago Community High School
The high school was at maximum capacity and in need of more and more flexible space. Built in 1926 with additions constructed in 1955, 1964, 1977, and 1997, the existing building was complicated. In a Long Range Plan the District and Architect developed in 1996, the eventual expansion was predicted. Knowing the site was landlocked, the one-story 1997 addition was designed in anticipation of a 2nd floor addition. Today, decades of careful planning resulted in a facility that not only meets space needs but is transformed to better align with current and future curricula. The project increased the school’s ability to leverage problem-based learning, integrated curriculum, the integration of technology and curriculum as well as addressing learning styles and multiple intelligences of students. While the nature of learning and working is changing under our very feet the newly designed spaces at the High School have provided the flexibility and possibility to create workspace for any number of situations. The open spaces and flexible furniture allow students and staff to observe, study and communicate independently or collaboratively. The new library is also conducive to large (socially distanced) staff meetings that allow for adult learning and collaborating while simultaneously housing staff members in safe individual spaces to work independently to design and deliver remote learning. The ease in which all the newly renovated space at the High School can be used has been a huge asset for the staff who are working from school while students learn remotely. Additionally, a return to in-person instruction is planned and the malleability of the spaces will allow the school to create several options to address all contingencies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10793" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][rev_slider slidertitle="West Chicago HS before /after" alias="benson-playground-before-after2-1-1"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10798" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="10806" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1607637827466{margin-top: 32px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533752670646{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10813" img_size="full"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1607637486979{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]The flexible open spaces created by this project created classrooms and community spaces where students and staff can gather to share ideas, break out into smaller groups, and reconvene to share approaches, questions, and thoughts. The creation of “breakout” rooms and spaces in all areas of the building has already proven fruitful despite students learning from home. Staff and faculty have already utilized these large areas to work collaboratively in person while remaining socially distant. Staff have used the breakout spaces to redesign curriculum for remote delivery, share ideas on new instructional design and develop logistical strategies for bringing students back to campus. The abundance and proximity of these spaces to classrooms will allow staff to continue to incorporate PBL into their pedagogy. To better align with regional sustainable economic development goals, vocational education was rejuvenated. The project created a new Manufacturing Lab outfitted with 3D printers, lathes, milling machines, drill press, and other modern industrial equipment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10819" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1607720904534{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10809" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1607638840976{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10823" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1607720890855{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="10811" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1607639007006{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10826" img_size="full" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1607721026737{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10818" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][vc_single_image image="10816" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1607719184015{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="commercial-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]New Nature-Inspired Playground
Client:
Itasca School District 10
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1607371864487{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]New Nature-Inspired Playground at Benson Primary School
The client and community stakeholders sought a playground to blend into the neighborhood with natural colors and textures. Current research suggests that there is a strong relationship between daily exposure to nature and healthy human development. It has been well documented that nature-based play reduces stress, improves behavior, and promotes fitness. This led the design team to explore incorporating as many elements and concepts found in nature into the playground design as possible. In keeping with the desire for organic features, the nature-inspired playground incorporates not only normal climbing/treehouse type apparatuses but also several rocks and treelike structures for climbing, jumping, and finding refuge within cave-like crevasses. The curving paths, river, and obstacle course features provide a continuous circuit designed to promote movement within a compact space. Existing mature trees were preserved and incorporated as feature elements. Spaces for refuge like a hollowed-out log and a playhouse were also added to provide areas for more sensitive or special needs children to play quietly or decompress. The playground was designed to accommodate specific age appropriate settings within the overall layout of the equipment. The playground contains specific equipment for ages 2-5 and 5-12 years of age. Various panel-based activities were incorporated that include, music, fine motor skills and playacting. The play surface utilizes Perfect Turf, a padded, synthetic grass surface. The turf is designed to readily drain, making the playground available for use when other natural grassed areas would prove muddy and unusable. The Design Team took advantage of the fact that the turf was available in multiple colors to incorporate a meandering “river” through the playground for children to experience as they play. A raised-bed for the creation of a butterfly garden or natural garden space was incorporated within and immediately adjacent to the playground equipment. Located immediately adjacent to the Park District Center, the playground offers an opportunity for combined programmatic use. Although use of the playground is limited during normal school hours to those attending the school, the facility has become a jewel to the neighborhood and community at large.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][rev_slider slidertitle="Benson Playground before/after2 1" alias="benson-playground-before-after1-1" offset=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10717" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1607370806672{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10715" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10716" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_empty_space][rev_slider slidertitle="Benson Playground before/after1" alias="Benson-Playground-beforeafter1" offset=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10718" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1607370834415{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="commercial-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Addition provides much needed space for vibrant Fine Arts programs
Client:
Homewood Flossmoor Community High School District 233
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1628104087392{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Flexible fine arts spaces offer the opportunities for integrated curriculum across multiple grade levels.
The Fine Arts Expansion Phase of the Long-Range Facilities and Maintenance Plan ensures that the school’s facilities will meet the expectations and needs of future students as the curriculum evolves and as technology continues to influence teaching and learning. In a typical year, more than 1,000 H-F students (one out of every three students) are enrolled in a Fine Arts class, and the numbers have been increasing steadily the past several years. Facility needs were expected to climb with the school’s new Media, Visual & Performing Arts Academy (MVP). To meet this growing demand, the Building Program involved the creation of additional Fine Arts classrooms and performance space, as well as the renovation of current Fine Arts spaces. The flexibility of the designed spaces in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)offers the opportunity for integrated curriculum across multiple grade levels. The Fine Arts addition continues to build upon material relationships of both the North and South Campus Buildings:- Field and Accent Bricks
- Natural Stone
- Wood
- Interior Design - Material and Finishes
Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="cultural-and-theater-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Making a Middle School
Client:
East Maine School District 63
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1607902391532{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Gemini Jr. High School becomes Gemini Middle School
After more than a year of visioning and planning with a diverse group of stakeholders (including students, teachers, and administrators), the existing Gemini Junior High School underwent a transformation to become a Middle School. Creating a middle school teaching model out of a 7th – 8th Grade Junior High School created many challenges. How to add the classrooms needed to house sixth grade and create the flexible and collaborative spaces for students and teachers to support a middle school educational model in a building that was already full? How to expand commonly used spaces by all three grades such as the cafeteria, physical education, and performance spaces on a landlocked site?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10212" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10833" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10837" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12202" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" 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css=".vc_custom_1568926225049{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10850" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10855" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10834" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10835" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568926235503{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10839" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10842" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1607902470785{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Over 45,000 square feet was remodeled to align with the new curriculum. Additions of more than 60,000 square feet allowed the school to increase enrollment from 600 to more than 1,000 students.- The resulting Middle School is organized in Teams, or “neighborhoods,” served by collaborative teams of educators. Clusters of Learning Studios, Learning Labs, a Teacher Collaboration Office, and Small Group Collaboration spaces radiate from Learning Hubs. The Learning Hubs are the heart of each Team’s neighborhood and transform common space into open workspaces where multiple classes of students can gather, or students can work independently. Learning Hubs invite student engagement and create more opportunities for team teaching. They offer access to technology and varied seating choices.
- The Commons/Hang Out Space is an informal workspace that creates community between students from different neighborhoods. It is perfect for independent, introspective work. Flexible furnishings and writeable walls open it to group work as well.
- Large groups gather at the Learning Stair. Located off the cafeteria, students seek it out. Students can have their lunch on the steps or gather to watch a presentation or a movie. The adjacent mezzanine features flexible seating for both small group and introspective work and is the go-to place for afterschool club meetings.
- The Library and Cafeteria were expanded.
- To encourage student health and well-being, there is an upgraded Fitness Center.
- Music and performance groups are brought together in an Instrumental Music Suite. Here the design features optimal acoustics to prevent interruption of other classes.
- Students interested in the performing arts have the opportunity to further learn their craft in a theater-like Multi-Purpose Room with stage.
- The administration area moved from the second floor to the first floor, providing a more secure and accessible visitor check in.
- Parking was increased and vehicle circulation around the site was improved to ease congestion.
Reimagined Learning Spaces
Client:
Kankakee School District 111
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1654096949999{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12194" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/f0a2d8f9#/f0a2d8f9/53"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568912517083{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10018" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1568912587102{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10048" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1569958541518{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10050" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1569958334517{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="10039" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="10045" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568912595465{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10046" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568912605722{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="10029" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568912506169{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][rev_slider_vc alias="khs-cafeteria"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10042" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568912569544{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10049" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1559916350141{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="ed-wright,educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Putting the Cool in Culinary Arts
Client:
Kankakee School District 111
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1559920005160{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Kankakee High School Renovation Phase 1
Planning for Kankakee High School’s new Culinary Arts Program resulted from an extensive assessment within the school district. The design of the learning spaces occurred hand in hand with the shift of teaching and learning at the secondary level. The District has adopted a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach in a High School setting. The Reggio embrace of experiential learning supported the High School’s desire to offer a track for students interested in a variety of vocations. The team recognized the environment plays a significant role in creating a successful Reggio-inspired program. The Culinary Arts Studio is exciting because it offers students a professional experience. The objective was to create a culinary lab that would prepare students for food service jobs 30 years into the future.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1559920479325{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]The culinary lab was designed to support innovative experiences such as a student-catered dinner theater. To showcase the learning to the entire school, the program is located adjacent to the cafeteria/commons, a well-traveled route in the core of the school. Windows are strategically placed to frame the activity happening inside.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12194" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/f0a2d8f9#/f0a2d8f9/102"][vc_empty_space][pofo_blockquote pofo_blockquote_style="blockquote-style-1" pofo_blockquote_preview_image="blockquote-style-1" pofo_author="John Dykstra||Daily Journal"]Diane Morris, the high school’s foods teacher, modeled the culinary lab to align with Joliet Junior College’s cooking program. She also took some pointers from Crystal Lake South High School. "The objective was to create a culinary lab that would prepare students for food service jobs 30 years into the future."[/pofo_blockquote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568912879932{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10063" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1559926118090{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10064" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568913092757{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10067" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1569957779548{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568912904587{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10065" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1569956765133{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10069" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10067" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1569957812872{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10066" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1569957789382{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10062" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="ed-wright,educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Fieldhouse Rises from the Rubble
Client:
Hononegah Community High School District 207
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1568831346258{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Fieldhouse Addition at Hononegah Community High School
The Addition at Hononegah Community High School is a testament to the strength and resilience of its community. Following the collapse of their sports dome in an ice storm, the residents rallied. A referendum was approved to replace the resource with a 94,000 SF addition. The addition is a focal point to the public, and the school’s brand is integrated throughout. Visitors arrive through a gated entrance plaza, which is a ticket area for both the stadium and Field House. Inside, the vibrant color scheme and graphics that reinforce school spirit, are tempered by natural finishes such as wood and polished concrete. One challenge was to maximize program space in the limited footprint occupied by the dome, which many community organizations used for events, craft fairs, business expos, and children’s summer camps. Locals walked the track before and after school hours. When the dome collapsed, these organizations had no other options for their functions in the rural community. The space and flexibility to meet these needs were designed into the project. The lighting, audio/visual systems, scoreboards, LED monitor, and acoustics were designed to support the many sizes and types of functions that will be held in the Field House. The Field House has a 200-Meter track plus pole vault, long jump, high jump, and shot put. With seating for 2,500 spectators, the Field House will host IHSA basketball, volleyball, badminton and tennis events on the competition wood court and three synthetic flooring practice courts. There are two batting cages. The second floor Fitness Center overlooks the Field House and Outdoor Stadium. In addition to exercise and weight training equipment, it includes a multi-lane, synthetic turf field for strength and agility training. Designed with flexibility in mind, the Multi-Purpose Room expands the fitness area when the overhead doors are open.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12220" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://pubs.royle.com/publication/?m=31173&i=621537&p=104&ver=html5"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="10163" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568913266434{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10162" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1568821442231{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10176" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568833879917{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568913277655{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10164" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1568923835653{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10170" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568923843925{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10173" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568923851409{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10175" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568923858556{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10178" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568924035894{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10180" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568923872493{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10179" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568993651982{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="10165" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568923980246{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10168" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568923890792{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10177" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10167" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568923897552{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="10171" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568923905013{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10174" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568923988004{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1568923916112{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"] [embed]https://youtu.be/4DN1CnLNzH4[/embed] [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]DLA provided a video animation for the community to preview the project.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="educational-design,new-and-exciting-projects,recreational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Transforming an Existing High School for Today’s Learners
Client:
Kankakee School District 111
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1559850383803{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Kankakee High School Renovation Phase 1
The renovations at Kankakee High School were not entered lightly. DLA started with a facility assessment to understand the existing conditions. While this was happening, the project team and district administrators investigated successful school communities around the globe and discussed how the facilities played a role in their programs. They also began gathering input from administrators, teachers, students, and community members to understand how the facility was being used and how that will be different in the future. After more than a year of planning and exploration, the program and design took shape. Phase 1 kicked-off dramatic improvements that will result in a “virtually new” building tailored to match the instruction at Kankakee High School. From the street, the new entrance and parking draw the eye. The added vestibule helps to make it more secure and noticeable.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1568924471628{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/1" css=".vc_custom_1561412812389{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][rev_slider_vc alias="khs-exterior" el_class="leftphotodla"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1561412971632{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12194" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" link="https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/f0a2d8f9#/f0a2d8f9/68"][vc_empty_space][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/bdQh5KXf65Q" align="center" css=".vc_custom_1654096285994{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568924788061{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1561474037863{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner no_column_padding="1" width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="10109" img_size="full" alignment="right" el_id="leftphotodla"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1561419495083{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Band and Orchestra students no longer commute to a remote location for instruction or practice. Remodeled spaces created a new band room, and the choir room was updated. The auditorium has a reshaped stage, plus ancillary spaces like a prop workshop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1568924503859{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/1"][vc_single_image image="10108" img_size="full" alignment="right" css=".vc_custom_1561474256284{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="dlaleftphoto"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][rev_slider_vc alias="khs-auditorium"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568924515754{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533752670646{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10022" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1568925120803{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1561419316383{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]The cafeteria was transformed into a commons area and is now also the school’s main corridor. To accommodate an expanded culinary arts program, the commercial kitchen functions as a lab to educate students how to cook in the restaurant industry. To better align with the newly adopted Reggio-inspired approach to teaching and learning, the traditional classrooms are reimagined. 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. The new clusters of large and small meeting spaces, teacher meeting spaces, and labs encourage collaboration and embrace technology.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10023" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1559849864173{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568924531827{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10024" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1568924575063{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10028" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][rev_slider_vc alias="khs-classroom"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="10021" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="ed-wright,educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Long-Range Plan at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School
Client:
Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1562964230970{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]A Long-Range Master Plan has guided the work at Homewood-Flossmoor High School for over a decade.
Milestone Projects in the ongoing implementation of the Plan at include:
[/vc_column_text][pofo_portfolio pofo_token_class="pofo_portfolio_1562962417-2-88" pofo_portfolio_style="portfolio-style-11" slider_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-style-11" pofo_portfolio_type="gutter-medium" pofo_portfolio_selection="portfolio-tags" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_title_text_transform="text-capitalize" pofo_image_srcset="medium_large" pofo_title_enable_responsive_font="1" pofo_tags_list="homewood-flossmoor-high-school"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="commercial-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Classrooms Tailored to Next Generation Science Curriculum
Client:
Lockport Township High School District 205
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1550250470107{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]STEM/Science Addition & Remodeling at Lockport High School
After years of mobile classrooms on campus, when the opportunity to expand presented itself the board and administration knew they needed to check off a lot of boxes. District Stakeholders worked closely with the design team to meet these goals. First and foremost, they wanted to embed the Partnership for 21st Century Skills' four essential skills (communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking) into the educational experiences of all students in the district. The 2017 addition also coincided with the high school’s transition to the Next Generation Science Standards. These new standards explore a range of active approaches to learning. To facilitate the Next Generation Science pedagogy and educational experiences that promote these skills the design team collaborated with stakeholders to re-think the classroom and provide teachers with spaces that are flexible, integrate technology, facilitate movement, foster inspiration and creativity, and are bright and colorful.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9074" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568928012425{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9084" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1550252277093{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9077" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568928021277{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1551120521053{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9083" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1550251966862{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1550250513178{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]In keeping with creating an environment tailored to Next Generation Science Standards, a program goal was the space allow students to develop and use their creativity. The resulting design is conducive to inspiration and new ideas. The design team took to heart research showing that lighting and colors positively affect the cortex, nervous system, and hormones, which in turn affect students’ alertness and productivity. This inspired a lively, vibrant color pallet. Hallways now contain inspirational science writings, pictures, and formulas. Upon entering the new science area students and visitors talk about an immediate change that comes over them. They recognize and feel this as a unique learning environment. The design provides space to display science and STEM exhibits of student work. This encourages the community to participate in student learning. As a result, the new space was selected by a major corporate partner to host a Fair on National STEM Day. This event showcased student projects/experiments not only from the High School, but also from area feeder schools. Lab stations are located on exterior walls allowing for flexible classroom groupings. Portable desks, tables, and chairs allow students to adjust quickly to instructional needs. Several classrooms feature operable partition walls that allow two adjacent rooms to open into one large space, offering the potential for co-taught classes and large group exercises. The ‘Molecule’, the largest group area for presentations and group interaction, also functions as a corridor equipped with markerboards, touch-screen displays, and flooring meter increments for use in experiments. From here students can take their experiments outside and use the courtyard as an additional group learning zone. The new environment promotes collaboration, inspires creativity, infuses multiple elements of technology, and allows teachers flexibility with instructional delivery. While the attractive spaces are a magnet for students, the design has improved student traffic flow and reduced hallway congestion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9078" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1550251700660{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568928034501{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9080" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1550251802964{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9079" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1550252421655{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="9081" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9082" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1550251901592{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Expansion Yields Limitless Possibilities for Performing Arts
Client:
Community High School District 218
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1550503213103{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Performing Arts Addition & Remodeling at Harold L. Richards High School
The new Performing Arts Center was a significant, long-planned investment. To meet budget and site constraints, the new Performing Arts Center is a combination of addition and remodeling. It was critical that the improvements enhance 21st century learning. Relocating the entrances to the existing Band and Choir Rooms to the main corridor puts learning on display. The fixed risers in the existing Band and Choir Rooms were removed. The practice rooms were reconfigured to accommodate varied groups sizes. Each of these changes create greater flexibility and opportunities for students to collaborate on group work. The auditorium is designed to meet specific education goals, as well. The in-house mix position is ADA accessible for teaching students how to control the space. The catwalk system allows students to access the light fixtures. Spot mezzanines also allow student access to control lights. The design of the 553-seat auditorium speaks to the significance of the addition to the community. The lobby is a prominent focal point of the campus and redefines that area of the school. Care was taken to keep the scale of the large building compact. Accent bricks help break up the mass. The auditorium can be locked down from the school, allowing for community use and rental for private events. For more interesting Performing Arts spaces, visit Cultural and Theater Design[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12220" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://pubs.royle.com/publication/?m=31173&i=575655&p=80&ver=html5"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568928457757{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1551120209637{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9053" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1550247741145{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][pofo_blockquote pofo_blockquote_style="blockquote-style-1" pofo_blockquote_preview_image="blockquote-style-1" pofo_author="Janice Neumann ||Daily Southtown"]Michael Badger, an English teacher and drama director/speech coach at Richards, said teaching and learning will be vastly improved with the new arts center. “First and foremost, we can involve more students in the learning process because there is, simply, more to do,” Badger said, noting the new amenities, including a computerized system with touch screens, which allow for a “student-centered, hands-on learning environment.” “They will be working with equipment that they would see in college or beyond and will now be ahead of the curve if they continue with the technical side of drama after high school,” Badger said. “It is simply an amazing performance space with so much potential.”[/pofo_blockquote][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9057" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1550248110319{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568928468851{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9058" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568928482787{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9060" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568928495106{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9061" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1550248262814{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="9055" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568928489185{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9056" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9054" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568928502028{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9059" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1550248179741{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="cultural-and-theater-design,educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Student Focused Renovations
Client:
Schiller Park School District 81
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1551819268288{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Renovation at Kennedy Elementary School
District 81's mission is to ensure success in all areas of development and to provide a child-centered environment. The design team focused every aspect of the renovation toward that goal. Renovations of the Special Education spaces align with the continuum of services offered in the District. These highly structured environments are tailored to meet the specialized academic and therapeutic learning needs of students. Communication, motor skills, sensory needs, and activities of daily living are all embedded in the learning experience within these newly renovated spaces. Each learning studio in the newly remodeled 2nd Grade Cohort features- a shared breakout space for independent and collaborative learning,
- access to technology,
- flexible furniture that enables movement,
- generous storage for the supplies STEM projects often require,
- and coveted window seats that allow independent learners to read a book or observe the world outside.
Work at Kennedy Elementary is being completed over multiple phases. All of the projects include:
[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_grid post_type="portfolio" max_items="6" grid_id="vc_gid:1654102557051-214e3819-fe5c-6" taxonomies="5979"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Ample Practice and Performance Spaces Enhance Performing Arts Program
Client:
Argo Community High School District 217
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1550263239915{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Richard & Sharon Portillo Performing Arts Center at Argo Community High School
Remodeling the 100-year-old auditorium was not an option due to its location within the building. Bringing this existing space up to 21st Century educational standards was cost prohibitive. This made the most significant challenge finding the space for a 37,000+ sf addition. The site bounded by 2 major roads and dense residential and industrial sites added to the complexity. Presented with many design options, the School Board and District Administration chose a location. This design introduces novelty to the campus through a bridge at the second-floor level. The design team’s solution preserves a drive that provided access to the Auto-shop classroom and the main bus queuing area. This solution allows the buses to pass underneath. It maintains vehicle circulation around the site and provides a secure, indoor connection for students. A primary goal of this project was to create a performance space that works as a learning space. There are Band, Choral and Theater Classrooms. Teachers provide activities such as improvisation, note-taking, and peer-to-peer learning as ways to help students process information. Students have opportunities to use music to tell stories. They problem-solve, discuss, concentrate, use logic, and learn when to be serious. The prop construction area gives students hands-on experience in all aspects of stage production. Learning in the Practice Rooms is on display, with views from the Lobby and Mezzanine Student Commons. The new performance space provides students a top-rate education with access to state-of-the-art technology. They utilize an in-house mix position desk for lighting and sound control. Students have access to Technology Decks, catwalks and follow spot. The Stage is outfitted with 10 scenery hoists (expandable to 20), 4 motorized electrics for over stage lighting, and a hanging acoustical shell with portable acoustical shell walls. All this learning comes together and is demonstrated in an annual event. Students sort themselves into groups and divide up the work to create their own original production. Each group of students demonstrates their expertise by completing their own work. They do everything, from generating scripts and music to directing performers and developing the set.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12206" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://schooldesigns.com/Projects/argo-high-school-richard-sharon-portillo-performing-arts-center/"][vc_single_image image="12207" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://pubs.royle.com/publication/?m=31173&i=527338&p=106&ver=html5"][vc_single_image image="12205" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://schooldesigns.com/Projects/argo-community-high-school-richard-and-sharon-portillo-performing-arts-center/"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987192390{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9092" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568987181554{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9097" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1550263386474{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9095" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987213249{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9096" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="9094" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987203031{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9099" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1568987253534{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9103" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1550263147483{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="9100" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="9101" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987220101{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="9102" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1550263098241{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="cultural-and-theater-design,educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Inspiring Learning Everywhere
Client:
Schiller Park School District 81
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="6296" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1548973459742{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="leftphotodla"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1551813883120{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Addition & Remodeling at Kennedy Elementary School
When kids leave their grand opening tour asking if they can come back tomorrow, you know that a school design resonates. From top to bottom, the addition is student-focused, designed to support all types of learning. The library acts as a “learning corridor”. The “learning corridor” is a mash-up of circulation and media center, welcoming students to linger with a book or technology. Space is not differentiated between circulation and the media center, instead they blend together and become a functional learning space. Cohorts and different zones throughout the school are identified by color. In the media center, and other shared spaces like the project space and the presentation space, all colors come together and suggest a sense of community. Classrooms encourage active learning with easy to rearrange, flexible furniture. Students collaborate in small groups (breakout rooms), research in an introspective space (window seat), or engage as a large group. Color defines the cohorts and special areas within the school (ie 3rd grade spaces are teal; pre-k blue; reading rooms green). Transparent walls provide security and inspire wonder by putting learning on display. They function as writing surfaces in spaces like the breakout rooms, exciting students with their novelty. Students and staff connect to the world of living things through natural light, views, and the selection of materials (ie ‘Grass’ Flotex flooring and wood-look ceilings). This is especially evident in the presentation space where an amphitheater becomes a “hill.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12209" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://schooldesigns.com/Projects/kennedy-elementary-school-addition/"][vc_single_image image="6297" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column no_column_padding="1" width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987469108{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6301" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568987560003{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6302" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568987566998{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6304" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1548975753397{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6300" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987573167{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="6303" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987580326{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="6295" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1548975612675{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987478443{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6305" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987547232{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6294" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1548975872171{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6307" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1548973832735{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987488332{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6308" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987540222{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="leftphotodla"][vc_single_image image="6292" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1548974245339{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="leftphotodla"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1548975956522{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6293" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987524391{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="6311" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568987531055{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6309" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1548973885382{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987498917{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1548976232753{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6291" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1548976224719{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="leftphotodla"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1548976201010{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6312" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568987515920{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6313" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1548976193875{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_column_text]Work at Kennedy Elementary is being completed over multiple phases. All of the projects include:
[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_grid post_type="portfolio" max_items="6" grid_id="vc_gid:1654102193692-9014fd3d-b4ae-4" taxonomies="5979"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Student Space for Peer-to-Peer Collaboration
Client:
Lake Zurich Community Unit High School District 95
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534870065159{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Studio C at Lake Zurich High School
Studio C is designed for students by the students. The architects brought students, teachers, and administrators into a discussion focusing on “what function(s) does the school need and which stakeholder(s) must this space cater to?” It was quickly discovered that a student space for peer-to-peer collaboration was to be the focus. While the High School’s curriculum required group projects and space for peer-to-peer collaboration, it lacked workspaces that facilitated these activities. The cafeteria was noisy and sterile, without comfortable furnishings conducive to group work; school librarians frowned upon discussion. The designers continued by asking the students and teachers for input on where they currently collaborate on projects; Starbucks and the local public library were the resounding response. Further inquiry revealed those places were comfortable, flexible, and encouraged discussion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12209" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://schooldesigns.com/Projects/lake-zurich-high-school-studio-c/"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="6085" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568930800465{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6080" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1549298992071{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6088" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568931103551{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6091" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568931148626{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6095" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549299011355{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534870099447{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Student space for peer-to-peer collaboration
The students played an enormous role throughout the design process and helped to create an environment where students are able to collaborate and interact in various size groups in a playful and professional looking space. The new, student-centered workspace offers various seating options for different sized groups. Further enhancing the space for peer-to-peer collaboration, students can write on the walls or screencast.Natural light & finishes
An additional challenge in this project was bringing the outside-in. The use of high-performance, translucent skylights introduce daylighting to a “landlocked” space at the center of the existing building. Custom-millwork finishes that were left with a raw finish express the variation in the nature of the materials and provide a sense of the warmth and intrigue that the irregularity of outdoor landscapes can induce.21st Century Learners shine
The openness and flexibility of the space for peer-to-peer collaboration, vibrant colors, natural finishes, digital connectivity that allows real-time investigation or collaboration, and brainstorming areas all combine to provide a modern, professional space that allows students to collaboratively investigate a problem or question, work together appropriately, and share findings in a multitude of unique approaches that all support each of the 21st Century Learners attributes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6087" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549299020412{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568931114581{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6086" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568931158977{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6094" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568931164894{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6092" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549299053056{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="6090" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568931171108{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6081" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6089" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568931177546{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6093" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549299084572{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Elementary School Architecture Designed to Create Community
Client:
Steger School District 194
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534452865761{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Intermediate School
This project began with an extensive study of the school community. Meetings and surveys were conducted to benchmark the educational delivery methods in place now and where they saw themselves 20 to 50 years into the future. They were also asked to consider how the facility itself helped or hindered that educational process. The District took this opportunity to effect change in a positive and meaningful way, not only as a School District but as a community. The result was a commitment to change to a grade center model, clearing the slate for the District’s new educational paradigm. No stone was left unturned in the evaluation of the District’s facilities and exploration of the District’s new and evolving educational needs. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for everyone involved to really make a positive impact in the lives of the kids, help to shape the way in which they will be educated in school and how they will function as citizens of the larger community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="12212" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://schooldesigns.com/Projects/steger-intermediate-center/"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987877252{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6075" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1549060235564{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="6063" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1549060216139{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="3/6" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6071" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="6067" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1568987928986{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987887764{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_single_image image="6060" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="leftphotodla" css=".vc_custom_1549060456064{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534452853832{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]The outcome of this process led to the full renovation of an existing elementary school into a newly transformed learning environment serving the intermediate grade levels (second, third, fourth). The resulting spaces are designed to foster the 21st-century education principals of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. The completely renovated new intermediate school is designed to support the unique learning processes of individual learners in a concert of spaces that meet the needs of varied learning styles and multiple intelligences. Project spaces that support project-based learning are a feature of elementary school architecture throughout. Almost every large group learning room connects directly to a small group break-out space where focused work can be accomplished. The large group learning rooms also have adjacencies to an open project space where project-based learning can happen. Teachers and students both have seamless access to technology, with moveable smartboards in the large group learning rooms and projectors they can broadcast to in the project spaces. Additionally, Magnetic Dry-Erase Walls and Tackable Surfaces promote opportunities to put learning on display and allow learning to happen anywhere.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6072" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549060225783{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987898166{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6076" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549060293478{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column pofo_column_animation_style="fadeInRight" width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533582993248{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6065" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987906081{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_single_image image="6073" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549060306025{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534452834542{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]A key concern of the client was that the new elementary school architecture provide a safe, calm and de-escalating environment for all children. This was a natural fit for the design concept of biomimicry (the imitation of systems or elements of nature), which is employed throughout the interior design. The learning environment strives to incorporate a balance of all colors in the spectrum in order to meet the unique emotional and physiological needs of each student. Color is used as a tool for wayfinding as well as an indicator for destination. 5 learning nests, a playful term in response to their cardinal mascot for a cluster of learning spaces that support small and large group collaboration, are each identified by a specific color and provide a sense of ownership to the different constituents of the school. Community spaces (ie Media Center, Cafeteria) are spaces that incorporate all learning nest colors. Flexible furniture and soft seating allow learning environments to quickly adapt to accommodate different learning styles and to transform a space to meet the needs of learners of all ages. The green and sustainable elementary school architecture incorporates natural light and views for all learning spaces. In addition, connection to the outdoor environment (man-made and natural) and transparency to the community are a magnet for neighborhood families seeking an education setting that supports and inspires learning in the 21st Century. An outdoor amphitheater located adjacent to the new Cafeteria space becomes an extension of the indoor learning environments. Project spaces, a key element of the learning nest to support project-based learning, feature high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. Motion-sensing LED lighting is used throughout.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6066" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549060273169{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568987915905{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6" css=".vc_custom_1533660729380{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6074" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1568987939407{margin-bottom: 32px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6061" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549060390246{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_single_image image="6070" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987948213{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6064" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="6062" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1568987954790{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}" el_id="rightphotodla"][vc_single_image image="6069" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1549060438395{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Curriculum Takes Center Stage
Client:
Lyons Township High School District 204
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534450868787{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Reber Center for the Performing Arts Renovation at Lyons Township High School North Campus
The existing North Building, portions of which date back to 1899, was cramped and dark. In the dated, heavily-used Reber Center for the Performing Arts, the HVAC system was loud and caused vibration. As a result, the new performing arts design was comprehensive.Performing Arts Design brings 19th century structure into the 21st century
The performing arts design solution created agile spaces that are collaborative in nature, while still meeting the goals of the curriculum. As a result, the Auditorium is now a multi-purpose space where classes, after school activities, and community events are held. The original orchestra pit built in the 1920s was exposed and is back in use. The aesthetics were modernized, acoustics were improved, and the HVAC system was replaced. Designed for today’s learners, students in this 1-1 school now have Wi-Fi access points throughout. The connectivity also makes the space a testing center for digital assessments like the PARCC exam. Multiple monitors in the classroom adjacent to the auditorium have a closed circuit feed that can play live events being broadcast from the auditorium. As a result, the space now serves as overflow for popular performances or crowded events like graduation. Read about more projects at Lyons Township High School District 204: Finally, see more of our Performing Arts Design experience:- Auditorium Design is a Showcase for the Performing Arts
- Engaging Environments that Enhance the Arts
- Setting the Mood
Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="cultural-and-theater-design,educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Fire with Fire
Client:
Elgin Community College
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534517659667{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Elgin Community College Public Safety Training Center
What does it take to provide top-notch training for first responders? In addition to a well-trained faculty, it requires some unique spaces built to take a beating. This new development of approximately 50 acres creates practical training facilities for police, fire, and other public services, such as EMT/Paramedics, within the Elgin Community College District and enhances the existing Fire Science and Public Safety curricula currently offered at the college. The new building structures at the Public Safety Training Center include:- an 18,000 SF Academic Building,
- a 10,000 SF Apparatus Building to accommodate training on fire and police equipment,
- a 3-story Fire Training Tower (or Burn Tower) to simulate both residential and commercial fire scenarios,
- and a Pump House/Grounds Storage Facility.
- a driving pad that includes a wet-weather skid pad to provide firsthand experience with advanced vehicle maneuver training,
- a pond used to draft the water for firefighter training,
- and a second pond used for search and rescue training.
- Elgin Community College MPC Building
- STEM Lab at Ridgewood High School
- Homewood Flossmoor Community High School TV Studio Renovation
- STEM/Science Classroom Addition at Shepard High School
- Fieldhouse Addition Homewood Flossmoor Community High School
Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_orderby="date" pofo_order="DESC" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]Classroom Design Boosts Peer Learning
Client:
Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534266647938{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Science Center Addition and Remodeling at Elmwood Park High School
The aging, deteriorated existing science labs demanded a renovation; the real challenge arose from a series of meetings the architect held with the Board, Administration, and Staff. From here, it was determined massive change was in order to serve the District’s pedagogy for 21st Century Education. The resulting addition is essentially a single learning space with flexible labs and small group spaces that are open to the Flex Learning Corridor. Designed for next generation science standards, the Addition blends core ideas and concepts across science disciplines; the labs are virtually interchangeable between disciplines (Earth and Space Sciences, Physical Science, Life Science and Chemistry). First floor labs feature translucent “garage doors” that open directly to the Flex Learning Corridor that is the main arterial corridor. This corridor breakout space is a large lab designed to increase student interaction and collaboration. While most of the addition’s furniture is movable for flexibility, two of the Labs contain fixed lab stations with water and gas connections. Dedicated lecture space was eschewed in favor of group lab stations that encourage student collaboration and feature motorized countertops to switch between standing lab configuration and seated test taking/lecture mode. Second floor Labs are equipped with fume hoods to accommodate volatile experiments in each of the labs. Three Science Prep Rooms allow for chemical storage and two Ancillary Experimental Spaces are provided for staff collaboration and experiments. Independent/Itinerant Study Spaces, complete with white board and pin-up area, provide an additional venue for group learning, research, presentations and project display. Two are further equipped with water and gas for students to conduct problem-based learning projects. This accommodates the advanced prerequisite requirements for top universities, and students learn organizational skills, leadership skills, and how to work in a group. To further showcase learning, these rooms are visible from the corridor.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="5977" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568993883009{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/1" css=".vc_custom_1533582982934{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="5975" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="right" css_animation="none" el_id="dlaleftphoto" css=".vc_custom_1549059182854{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1568993892262{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1534266680908{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]Science on display:
Science and learning opportunities are everywhere in the space. Three of the labs have large overhead doors that open them to the main, flexible arterial learning space (Flex Learning Corridor) that links the addition to the existing building. The Flex Learning Corridor is an open, two-story corridor learning unit with “drop-zone” volumes for experiments related to to gravity or projectile motion. Distance markings on the floor enhance experiments related to resistance and friction. The lower level of the addition is situated one foot lower than the existing school creating a ramp for experiments. It also links the new and the existing where the old former science labs have been repurposed to provide new learning spaces for the math department. The strategic relocation of this department adjacent to the science unit encourages an integrated curriculum and joint projects.Peer Learning the Priority:
A key aspect of the curriculum is for students to engage in peer-to-peer learning and for outside “experts” to be invited to participate in projects. The Amphitheater facilitates these activities, serving as a formal student presentation venue, a lecture hall, theater, and informal study/gathering space. The Amphitheater’s acoustics are such that a lecture or discussion can take place using a normal speaking voice without supplemental amplification. The Amphitheater’s teaching podium controls lighting, A/V projection and audio amplification. Charging stations and internet connections are available within the Amphitheater seating risers.Simultaneous Use:
The layout of the labs with direct access to the Flex Learning Corridor allows for simultaneous use within relatively close proximity, encouraging the blending of core ideas. A classroom expanded to the corridor via the open “garage door” can carry on a lab or lecture while a discussion is taking place within the Amphitheater without disruption to either class.Furnishings:
The typical segregation of ‘lab’ vs. ‘lecture’ space was eliminated by selecting furniture that offers a variety of arrangements that cater to that day’s lesson goals. The Science Labs are equipped with new movable lab tables on casters to provide easy reconfiguration. They feature epoxy resin tops to match the durability of resin tops of the casework. The teaching stations include a small fixed base with power, data, and gas and water connections and a larger mobile section on casters. The white boards are also mobile. This means that the demonstration table and white boards can be configured to different seating arrangements within the room or moved to further extend teaching out into the Flex Learning Corridor during labs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1533242671234{margin-right: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="5976" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" onclick="link_image" css_animation="none" el_id="rightphotodla"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title="Related Works" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#1775ad"][vc_column_text]Other stunning projects for our amazing clients
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_empty_space][pofo_portfolio_slider pofo_slider_style="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_portfolio_preview_image="portfolio-slider-style-6" pofo_post_per_page="20" show_navigation="1" autoplay="1" pofo_categories_list="educational-design"][/pofo_portfolio_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row]