The new Richmond Heights Upper School, located in Richmond Heights, OH, incorporates the Board of Education offices and a branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. To support the goal of a community-centered PK-12 campus, flexibility was key. Extended learning areas and student-centered spaces embody the district’s transformation to 21st Century Learning. Shared spaces serve both students and community. The multipurpose room, which boasts a stage and retractable seating, operates as a student dining hall, auditorium, and meeting room. The space is designed for use by the library for speakers and programs and is available to the public for special events. The athletic wing works as physical education space during the day and community space after school.

Just north of the campus lies the Cuyahoga County Airport, which inspired the school’s interior and exterior design as well as its academic programming. With the concept of “aviation” in mind, the design uses a mixture of curved metal panels and informal cues to evoke feelings of lightness, movement, and flight. In partnership with the airport, the school features an aviation career exploration program, exposing students to careers in the industry. A Technology Commons provides collaborative space as well as a maker space.