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21st century spaces support students as they work:
Awards
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At 50 years old, the Eisenhower High School for the Decatur Public School District was physically worn, and functionally ineffective. The school district conducted a community engagement planning process to determine how best to meet the current and future educational aspirations of the community.
The aspirations for the project were discovered during a collaborative process for the development of the educational specification. 100% of the existing building was remodeled, and approximately 10% of additional program space was added to complete the transformation. New program spaces such as a recording studio, media bars, fitness and wellness areas, which naturally engage students, were added. |
It was very important to the families and community members of the District that the renovated facilities demonstrate a collegiate atmoshpere where students could participate in collaborative learning activites. Our high school renovations exceeded the expectation of our students, staff, and community.
- Lisa M. Taylor, Former Superintendent, Decautr Public School District 61
- Lisa M. Taylor, Former Superintendent, Decautr Public School District 61
100% of the original building was remodeled
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Future-focused learning environments
Flexible furnishings allow students to shape the learning environment to meet their needs, and according to their learning style. A variety of learning environments is layered throughout the facility, providing a full compliment of learning settings, allowing the educational delivery to transform from teacher-centered to student-centered.
The core academic areas of the building are organized into small learning communities, as opposed to a departmental organization. Each Small Learning Community is themed, creating a unique sense of place for students in that community. At the heart of each small learning community (SLC) are the administrative suite, the teacher collaboration and planning areas, and the community commons. The community commons spaces act as the living room for each SLC, allowing students to feel comfortable and to shape the learning environment to meet their learning needs. Core subject areas are distributed throughout the remaining areas.
The core academic areas of the building are organized into small learning communities, as opposed to a departmental organization. Each Small Learning Community is themed, creating a unique sense of place for students in that community. At the heart of each small learning community (SLC) are the administrative suite, the teacher collaboration and planning areas, and the community commons. The community commons spaces act as the living room for each SLC, allowing students to feel comfortable and to shape the learning environment to meet their learning needs. Core subject areas are distributed throughout the remaining areas.
The reinvention of Eisenhower High School created an adaptable, future-focused learning environment.
Primary design goals.
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