Master Facilities Plan to Guide Innovative 21st-Century Upgrades

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.