PROJECT NARRARTIVE

The design for Big Walnut High School creates a sense of community for students through a compact, 3-wing, 3-story academic area divided into 9 small learning communities of 9 classrooms. Each small community pod is focused around an Extended Learning Area (ELA) with three glass-front breakout rooms. Two science/ project lab classrooms in each pod support project-based learning throughout the school and provide flexibility for a changing curriculum.

These learning communities radiate from the 3-story Academic Commons at the heart of the school.
A learning staircase with large digital display provides seating for presentations and connection between floors. Balcony corridors minimize travel distance and visually connect the academic pods to the commons.

The Dining Commons serves as the main entry lobby and activity hub for the school with surrounding offices, gym, concessions, conference room, courtyard, food service and spirit shop. School colors, wall graphics, and eagle logos are integrated throughout to enliven the spaces and express school spirit. As a result, this project injected a major boost of "Eagle Pride" into the community!