The addition provides a new secured entry and building administration area to create a secure campus. Also included is a new properly sized cafeteria commons and competition junior high gym with seating for 500. Additional classroom space and a new flexible STEM lab with equipment and overhead door allow for large-scale art and science projects. The addition also serves as a connecting corridor, minimizing students need to leave the secured facility during a typical school day.
How can we bring modern-day security and space for the growing school population to an aging facility?
Along with major renovations, a connecting addition to the original 1929 three-story HS building and the 1963 cafeteria and gymnasium building was designed to create a more secure campus and provide more space to accommodate the school population.
Site circulation was majorly improved with a new central drop off lane for both bus and car traffic in front of the existing 1929 building creating a much safer site.
A rebuilt stair creates a welcome invitation to the historical building.
The design for the Knoxville High School began with visioning workshops to determine the desired educational practices and programs. After understanding the variety of learning environments recommended to meet the needs of 21st century curriculum and instruction, BLDD's task was to group these learning environments into a cohesive organization that facilitates a seamless delivery of the educational program.
Despite challenges such as rocky terrain and limited usable acreage, the district proceeded, with the new school designed to replace an aging building, which would be repurposed for early childhood education and storage.
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.