Gallery
“Great use of color and light adds to the inspiration of the environment. Unique design solution provides for natural light in almost all areas of the building providing an inviting setting for education.”Society of American Registered Architects - National Design Award
Description
The key objective for a unified middle and high school for Chester UFSD was to provide a superior teaching environment. Early in the process it became clear that these two student populations required physical separation and a clear sense of individual identity. Two distinct wings separated by the lobby and common areas, direct the high school students in one way and the middle school students in the other, establishing a clear sense of arrival in each “school.” The shared functions of gym, cafeteria, and auditorium are conceived of as a village encircling a wider public “plaza.” Each large program element is articulated in a unique architectural language to accent the contrast between teaching and common functions.
A visual connection to the natural environment is established by maximizing daylight opportunities in all spaces. The building site is relatively level and open, with heavily forested hillsides rising up as much as 50 feet on both sides, resulting in a series of plateaus and retaining walls in the site design.
Distinctions
- Society of American Registered Architects
- Award of Merit
- Society of American Registered Architects
- National Design Award
-
“Great use of color and light adds to the inspiration of the environment. Unique design solution provides for natural light in almost all areas of the building providing an inviting setting for education.”