Evan E. Worthing High School

Houston, Texas

Firm

Molina Walker Almaguer Architects, Inc.

Client

Houston Independent School District

Area

92,504 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$24,626,634

Completion Date

08/2018

Design team: Mary J. Walker, AIA, LEED AP; Noe Almaguer, AIA; Horacio Gomez, AIA; Alaa Mohsin, LEED AP; LaTonya Tennyson (Sr. Proj. Coord); DBR Engineers, Inc. (MEP); Stanley Spurling & Hamilton, Inc. (Civil/Structural); FDP (Food Service)

Twenty-first-century learning is the primary focus for the Evan E. Worthing High School. This replacement facility supplements a recently renovated auditorium and classroom wing addition and incorporates flexible spaces, differentiated learning, project-base learning, and blended learning. It provides a commons area for students to gather, problem-solve and collaborate. Flexible classrooms, with no fixed furniture, can accommodate changes over time.
Blended learning centers use technology to combine instructor-led classroom learning with mobile and online education using TV, cell phones, tablets, videoconferencing, and interactive boards. Breakout areas throughout the campus create spaces for students’ self-directed learning or work in team settings. The bright and colorful commons area has visual and direct physical access to the courtyard space, which offers a flexible outdoor social and learning environment.
The campus, designed to achieve LEED certification, provides for reduced energy and water use, improved indoor air quality, and lighting and acoustics that enhance comfort. Building commissioning has been used to establish a proactive process that minimizes building, equipment and system deficiencies, and reduces maintenance and operations costs.