With strong community support, East China School District passed a bond issue initially intended to fund major renovations and additions at its two rural high schools to create innovative spaces for STEAM instruction and collaborative learning. During the design process, numerous options were explored to integrate these new environments within the existing schools. Through ongoing collaboration with District stakeholders, the vision evolved into creating a single, centrally located Innovation Center that could serve both high schools as well as students from other grade levels across the District.
By combining the budgets from both high schools into one unified facility, the District was able to develop a more comprehensive and impactful center that completes an iconic campus identity while expanding opportunities for student learning. The completed facility features interactive studios and collaboration spaces organized along a central circulation spine with open visibility throughout. Colorful design elements animate the pathways to learning, while informal collaboration areas and a controlled outdoor learning studio further support flexible, student-centered instruction. Flexible furnishings in learning studios and common spaces support the District’s vision of collaboration across academic disciplines.
