flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

High-density planning allows abundant open space

High-density planning allows abundant open space


August 11, 2010
This article first appeared in the 200912 issue of BD+C.

Gilroy Unified School District's new Christopher High School in California opened its first phase this fall. The 1,800-student, 231,000-sf facility was designed with a high-density site plan that allows for both on-site sports fields and undeveloped open space. BCA Architects of Fremont, Calif., with Gilbane Building Companies as CM, collaborated with numerous user groups to plan the two-story, $94.7 million facility with a fan-shaped layout around a large central quad—destined to become the school's social center. The school's gymnasiums are joint-use facilities available for community use; an aquatic center to be built in phase two will also be open to the community.

Related Stories

K-12 Schools | Apr 7, 2017

Is an alternative project delivery method right for your K-12 school district?

With California’s increasingly busy—and costly—construction market, it’s becoming more difficult to predict costs with a typical design-bid-build delivery method.

K-12 Schools | Mar 9, 2017

The future of education facilities: Creating spaces where learning happens everywhere

The art of designing schools lies not in just understanding what makes a functional classroom, but in how successful we are in creating a wide array of educational options for teachers and students within the school environment.

K-12 Schools | Mar 9, 2017

School branding: The impact on identity and engagement

What is school branding and why is it important? HMC Architects’ James Krueger and Barbara Perez weigh in on the topic.

K-12 Schools | Feb 22, 2017

Through the principal's eyes: A look at K-12 architecture

Anderson-Livsey is a K-5 school located about 30 minutes East of Atlanta in Gwinnett County and has an enrollment of 785 students. 

K-12 Schools | Feb 8, 2017

'Fabrication Hall' introduces Wyoming high school students to career paths

The hall offers bountiful natural light with enough space to build large-scale projects.

Architects | Jan 19, 2017

Harley Ellis Devereaux merges with Deems Lewis McKinley

The combination is expected to bolster HED’s presence in northern California and the K-12 sector.

K-12 Schools | Dec 14, 2016

Expanding possibilities for America's K-12 schools

Bigger buildings, more outdoor space, and greater involvement from the private sector are among the trends marking the new generation of schools. 

K-12 Schools | Dec 12, 2016

Building a nation of super schools

AEC teams are being asked to design and build schools with enough flexibility to adapt to changing pedagogies.

School Construction | Oct 23, 2016

As construction rebounds, education sector spending flattens

Post-recession slump suggests a settling in at a “normal” level similar to the mid aughts.

Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016

Novel construction approach speeds K-12 school projects

The Folia system uses pre-engineered components to deliver school buildings at 20% less cost. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category



K-12 Schools

Designing for dyslexia: How architecture can address neurodiversity in K-12 schools

Architects play a critical role in designing school environments that support students with learning differences, particularly dyslexia, by enhancing social and emotional competence and physical comfort. Effective design principles not only benefit students with dyslexia but also improve the learning experience for all students and faculty. This article explores how key design strategies at the campus, classroom, and individual levels can foster confidence, comfort, and resilience, thereby optimizing educational outcomes for students with dyslexia and other learning differences.


halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021

Â