Project-based learning empowers students to go beyond standard curriculum creating lifelong learners. By offering real-world benefits, these programs turn theoretical practice into practical application and redefine school design standards.
Discovery High School, a new 89,000 SF facility for 600 students in grades 9-12, supports collaborative, integrated learning teams with a STEAM focus. Teams focus on design theory, research methods, inquiry cycles, and prototype demonstration of projects. All spaces, including indoor and outdoor connections, are designed to support these learning modalities. 150 students spend their core learning day in one of four Research & Development (R&D) pods. Nearby, the shared Fab Lab provides hands-on learning with digital controls, fabrication area, computer lab, tools exchange, and adjacent outdoor classroom. The centrally-located Commons provides a visual connector to each major learning space.
Discovery High School is thoughtfully integrated with cost-effective, energy-efficient systems to meet the 2030 Challenge. The building’s orientation along an East-West axis reduces sun exposure, minimizes heat gain, and captures natural daylight with appropriately placed operable windows, continuous clerestory and skylights.
Discovery High School’s design is flexible and adaptable, reflecting an understanding that project-based learning will continue to evolve and shift – and the building will evolve to meet those changes.
Discovery High School
Category
Specialized Education Facility/Voc-Ed
Description
Project Location: Camas, WA
Construction Type: New Construction/Addition
Facility Type: Entire school/campus building
Owner: Camas School District
Population Served: 9-12
Capacity: 600
Site Size: 40
Gross Area of Project: 89600
Space per student: 149
Gross Square Foot Cost:
Cost per student/occupant:
Total project cost:
Date of Completion: 9/4/2018
Sustainable rating achieved: WSSP
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