LEARNING BY DESIGN magazine - Oak Park and River Forest High School Student Resource Center and Cafeteria

1st floor plan – includes renovations of the main entry welcome center, student commons, special education classrooms and the south cafeteria addition
2nd floor plan – includes renovation of the student commons, classrooms and the student resource center addition
3rd floor plan – includes renovation of classroom and the library addition
4th floor plan – includes renovation of classrooms
The South Cafeteria features high-performance specialty ceiling systems that define areas within the space while providing both acoustic comfort.
OPRF’S renovated Welcome Center is open and inviting while providing a secure entry that includes a glass-walled Security Office.
OPRF’s Welcome Center features a graphic wall covering with a vivid image depicting the original “Book of Knowledge” now displayed in the renovated Student Commons.
“The Book of Knowledge,” is a stone artifact from OPRF’s original main entrance. Reassembled, it signifies the value of learning and OPRF’s rich history.
A balcony extension with framed glass walls overlooking the Commons serves as an extended learning area and gathering space before, during and after school hours.
OPRF’s Library features short book stacks to facilitate supervision. The informal lounge area supports individual and group learning. A fully glazed wall amplifies natural light.
The Library’s front desk is adjacent to the Grand Learning Stair, welcoming students to an open layout learning space.
The Grand Learning Stair connects the SRC’s 2nd and 3rd floors, providing space for group instruction and informal learning. Expansive skylights pull in natural light.
A glass wall separates the SRC corridor from the Library, defining the space, enhancing the sense of transparency and openness and inviting students in.
The SRC space provides clear sight lines and a visual connection that extends from the glass-walled classroom to the Help Desk beyond.
The Makerspace is a technology-rich environment with flexible furniture and equipment on wheels. Electrical power is provided from reels that hang from ceiling.
OPRF’s 3-story addition features a metal panel and glass wall which provides full-height, high-performance solar control Solarban 70 glazing on each floor.
©2022 Peter McCullough
©2022 Peter McCullough
©2022 Peter McCullough

PROJECT NARRARTIVE

Oak Park and River Forest HS is being transformed thanks to IMAGINE OPRF, a multi-year initiative designed to strengthen equity for a diverse student community through new and renovated learning, social, athletic and support facilities.

Phase One of IMAGINE OPRF includes a renovated main entrance, Welcome Center and Student Commons. Beyond the Commons, a 3-story addition houses the South Cafeteria and Student Resource Center. Together, these spaces form a connected whole that is the central hub of this urban high school. Critically, these spaces are securely available to students beyond the regular school day.
The ground floor South Cafeteria features a mix of tiered seating options including café tables and high-top seating as well more traditional long tables, providing students with a wealth of choice.

OPRF’s new 2-floor Student Resource Center is where students gather to learn, collaborate, and create. The 2nd floor houses the Tutoring Center, Makerspace, Technology Help Desk and flexible meeting rooms for small and large group learning activities. A Grand Learning Stair connects the 2nd and 3rd floors where the Library is located with meeting rooms and informal seating throughout. With expansive skylights overhead, the Grand Learning Stair does double-duty as a gathering and learning space.

Oak Park and River Forest High School Student Resource Center and Cafeteria

Description

Owner
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Oak Park, IL

Architecture Firm
FGM Architects
Oak Brook,Illinois
https://www.fgmarchitects.com/

Oak Park and River Forest High School Student Resource Center and Cafeteria

Category

Description