New LHS Spaces Earn Design Honor

Lakewood High's new cafeteria.

Lakewood High School was recently selected as an Outstanding Design by the American School & University magazine and will be included in the magazine’s Interiors Showcase awards issue in August. This is the premiere competition honoring educational interior excellence. The high school was honored in the category of Common Spaces, such as the cafeteria, media center and gym. It is one of only 70 educational institutions to be included in the issue.

“It was a privilege for Robert P. Madison International to be involved in the Lakewood High School transformation, updating and improving the teaching and learning environment, while providing more opportunities for connection with the community,” said Sarah Klann, one of the project architects.

In the award submission description, Robert P. Madison International said this about the LHS project:

"Providing an open, inspiring, teaching and learning environment, while encouraging interaction with the community, was the design objective at Lakewood High School. These goals were achieved through the replacement of a 1917 building with new performing arts, physical education, media, and student dining facilities, the addition of a three-story academic wing, and renovations including a new main office, guidance center, and community clinic.

Locating Student Dining at the front of the building facilitates its use for public events, introduces light into the overlooking media center, and provides lobby services space for the adjacent gym and Civic Auditorium. The gymnasium, raised track, and adjacent fitness area promote a healthy, active lifestyle for students, staff and the community. Incorporating school colors in varying hues throughout the building promotes school pride while facilitating wayfinding.

While integrating the latest technology into classrooms, a student maker space, and black box theater prepares students for careers of the future, reinstallation of the 1953 Viktor Schreckengost bas relief sculpture of the Great Lakes in the Student Dining area ties the past to the present."

“We are extremely pleased with the way our new high school turned out,” said Superintendent Jeff Patterson. “Our community has been taking full advantage of the improved common areas and our students and staff have benefitted from a significant improvement in the learning environment.”

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Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 4:18 PM, 06.19.2018