Boise High School, Frank Church Building of Technology

Boise, Idaho

Firm

Hummel Architects

Client

The Independent School District of Boise No. 1

Area

265,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$6,191,000

Completion Date

08/1998

Designing the Frank Church Building of Technology presented opportunities to incorporate the vernacular of the historic Boise High School campus, the nearby North-End residential neighborhood, and the adjacent downtown urban area. The result is a striking design that gives homage to classical style while making a contemporary design statement.
Given the current potential for telecommunications in education, the program required the new building to accommodate computers and technology, and science and math classes, while the old building became a center for the humanities classes—art, drama, language and history.
The media center/library is at the heart of the campus. A curving glass wall allows abundant light to flow into the space. Rimmed by a row of six columns, the curved wall breaks the repetitive exterior facade treatment, while making reference to the classical details of the original buildings.
The facility also includes a cafeteria and auxiliary gymnasium. Rolling doors in the cafeteria open onto a plaza for outdoor use in nice weather. A spacious, sheltered outdoor commons area provides additional space for social activities.

Photographer: ©Rick Keating

“I’d like to go to school
there! Great integration of new with old.”—1999 jury