EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
JUSTIN TX *UNBUILT
Transitioning an abandoned elementary school campus into an Early College High School with a focus on career training and college preparation was the task given to our project team. The school was moving from a smaller campus to deal with increased enrollment and required the repurposing of the existing elementary school library into a student commons space that could be used for counseling, small group meetings between students and faculty, and independent study for students during free time or unstructured class hours. Budget constraints were tight and design effort was focused on the main entry sequence and central “third space” that would anchor the new campus. Minor updates and renovations were planned for the remaining portion of the building. Two strategies were presented, both of which were required to re-use all of the high school’s existing furniture.
Footprint of the existing media center to be removed.
This forms connections between isolated wings and opens sight lines.
IDEA 01
3 Volumes are inserted to shape space and define program.
Brand activation and floor transitions define the static elements, leaving free circulation space that reinforces student agency and freedom of movement.
Custom pendant and recessed linear lighting echoes the shaping of carpeted zones
Perforated gypsum and a stretched fabric light element add acoustic value and further define space.
IDEA 02
A single wedge of consolidated program holds an edge, opening the rest up for open collaboration.
Brand activation lives along the diagonal circulation path.
A pass-through connects the adjacent corridor and creates a portal to enter the student hub.
Undulating felt baffles and soft lighting elements break down the scale of the large open area.
Project designed in collaboration with talented colleagues at Perkins&Will Dallas.
Project Role: Project Designer (Interior)
Team:
Principal: Kevin Mereness
Senior Designer (Branding): Lauren Mereness
Project Manager: Barbara Rystrom
Project Architect: Jose Gutierrez
Architecture Team: Marcelo Cavazos
Branding Team: Delaney Kelley