The design maximizes building efficiency on this tight site with positioning, organizational structure, and arrangement of space.

Embracing transparency as the key design theme, users can literally look through the school from one end to another.

Project labs flank the commons and classrooms, small group conference rooms, and flex areas wrap around and support these core spaces.

The restored 1924 historic façade contributes to the school’s strong neighborhood presence on the renewed campus.

The north da Vinci lab (rehabilitated lightwell) is a harmonious composition of school colors and mascot sporting flexible hands-on learning opportunities.

The south da Vinci lab (rehabilitated lightwell) provides rich opportunities for displaying large-scale student art and functions as a computer lab and recording/video studio.

The beloved historic auditorium exudes new life - serving as the commons, theater, lunchroom, circulation space, and social heart of the school.

The masterful organization of the school auditorium between the two lightwells contributes to the school’s transparency and aim to create a connected campus.

The outer layer of classrooms, small group conference rooms, and flex areas wrap around and support the core interior learning spaces.

Abundant natural light streams into all learning spaces. Comfortable furniture and new infrastructure add a contemporary language to the historic school.

Relites in CTE spaces perform double duty as display cases, showing off student work and stimulating interest.

The former, outdated gym’s soaring ceiling made it an obvious location for a new band room. Original clerestory windows bring in natural light.

When closed, graphics on the library sliding doors represent Tacoma’s topography, hydrology, and grid and when opened, align to create a detailed area map.

At the back entry, the historic wing and new gym addition complete three sides of the outdoor plaza.