“Love the natural light.”
“Keep the trees outside!”
“More bright, vibrant colors.”
These are a few of the thoughts from Arvada High School STEM students when presented draft designs for their school improvement project - funded through the 2018 Bond Program.
For the past several months, Arvada High School community members, including students, have been working with architects from Hord Coplan Macht to identify school improvement needs and ultimately develop a vision and design for their school.
In May, these architects came to Arvada High School to work with STEM class students - teaching them about a career in architecture and getting their feedback on draft designs for the school. Renovations will begin in the fall, with much anticipation from students and staff.
“It’s going to be great to have updates to the building - they are much needed,” said STEM teacher Andrew Rodgers. “These renovations are going to be spaces that are modern and give us the flexibility we need.”
Rodgers’ students enjoy the design process and were walked through all aspects of taking building concepts and turning them into architectural renderings.
The students worked in groups to review and respond to concept boards for their school. Overall, students were drawn to small breakout spaces -- a more collegiate style -- that would give them flexibility to work in small groups outside of their classrooms. It was a learning experience for the architects as well. With direct access to the consumers of their designs they gained a fresh perspective from the class.
Students then tried their hand at making design choices for their school. Using SketchUp -- a 3D modeling program -- they created their ideal indoor or outdoor space in their building. Ideas ranged from creative outdoor aesthetics - like welcoming awnings at the front of the building - to practice interior design choices - including the selection of dark carpeting that would take increased wear and tear.
While not all of the students’ design choices will make it into the final renderings for Arvada High School, their input and insight will surely be taken into account. It was a day of mutual learning, career exploration and fun.
Renovations to Arvada High School will begin in the fall of 2019.
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