A new K-12 STEM center in a Houston suburb is the venue for robotics learning and competitions along with education about other STEM subjects. An unused storage building was transformed into a lively K-12 school space for students to immerse themselves in STEM subjects.
Located in Texas City, the ISD Marathon STEM and Robotics Center is the first of its kind in the district. Designed and built by Pfluger Architects and Bartlett Cocke, the facility is accessible to all students in the district. It includes an open, flexible arena to host robotics competitions and a control room for students to manage cameras and audio during tournaments. The facility also includes a fabrication lab for metal and woodworking, classrooms for advanced engineering courses, and a maker space for elementary students to explore STEM subjects.
Large bay windows and overhead and sliding doors flood the spaces with natural light and create an inviting, open atmosphere. Each design element and material used throughout the space is thoughtfully crafted to support students’ curiosity and growth.
A partnership with Marathon Petroleum Corporation helped the district offset the cost of equipping the facility, creating a bridge between career and technical education and lucrative jobs in the industry. Marathon contributed $1 million to the project.
The facility has already hosted several competitions for the district’s award-winning robotics team and is hosting robotics camps for pre-K through 6th grade students this summer to expose young people to exciting STEM careers.
On the project team:
Owner and/or developer: Texas City Independent School District
Design architect: Pfluger Architects
Architect of record: Pfluger Architects
MEP engineer: DBR
Structural engineer: CSF Consulting
General contractor/construction manager: Bartlett Cocke
Related Stories
Education Facilities | Oct 3, 2017
The growing demand for early childhood education
When the design of early learning centers is grounded in the science of developmental psychology and education, these educational environments can address multiple domains of development that positively stimulate young children's physical and cognitive growth.
K-12 Schools | Oct 2, 2017
A Houston office park gets a new life as a private day school
Shepley Bulfinch designed the 75,000-sf campus.
K-12 Schools | Sep 20, 2017
Activating innovation: Trends in K-12 education
School structures offer a unique opportunity as they can often double as community centers and serve as shelters in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
Architects | Sep 19, 2017
What we talk about when we talk about placemaking
What does Good Growth mean and how do we set about achieving it?
K-12 Schools | Sep 12, 2017
Perkins Eastman publishes findings on high-performance schools
Metrics suggest correlation between key design strategies and occupant satisfaction and building performance.
Performing Arts Centers | Sep 11, 2017
19th century smokestack highlights a Massachusetts performing arts facility
CBT Architects and Windover Construction collaborated on the adaptive reuse project for Middlesex School.
K-12 Schools | Sep 8, 2017
The economic case for engaged classrooms in K-12 schools
Flexible, modern classrooms should be viewed as a key element of a sound financial strategy, producing a solid return-on-investment.
K-12 Schools | Aug 31, 2017
Environmental studies building highlights sustainability in every design element
The LEED Platinum and Zero Net Energy Verified building minimizes energy use via its site orientation.
K-12 Schools | Aug 18, 2017
How to create healthy learning environments with active design
Active design can be incorporated into any facility or campus with a few simple steps.
K-12 Schools | Aug 9, 2017
A school in Denmark is clad in 12,000 solar panels
C.F. Møller designed the building to create a connection between the school premises and the surrounding public urban space.
