Falcon Virtual Academy

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Firm

DLR Group

Client

Falcon School District 49

Area

20,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$1,205,000

Completion Date

08/2013

Falcon School District 49 in Colorado Springs, Colo., challenged designers to transform an abandoned manufacturing warehouse into a 21st-century blended learning center for students in kindergarten to 12th grade. The result is a showpiece for the new focus of blended learning.

Students at Falcon Virtual Academy get the best of both worlds with virtual and hands-on learning opportunities taught by certified teachers in a creative, engaging space. This flexible and innovative education facility fosters creativity and critical thinking for students of all ages. Bold colors, modern decor, and WiFi bistro and sofa areas support a “lounge and learn” environment.

Rather than building traditional classrooms, designers used the facility’s lack of interior walls to create a flexible facility that can be rearranged easily for a variety of needs.

Features include one-on-one spaces, mall and large-group meeting areas with movable furnishings, and both noisy and quiet spaces for learning. The design creates transparency and openness, enabling students and staff to visually monitor the learning that takes place inside the school.

“Low-cost, innovative solution to 21st-century learning.”–2013 jury

Additional Information

Cost per Sq Ft

$60.25

Citation

Adaptive Reuse Citation

Featured in

2013 Architectural Portfolio

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Product suppliers specified

Door Hardware by Schlage

Door Hardware by Von Duprin

Door Hardware by Ives

Doors by Steelcraft

Doors by VT Industries

Insulation by Knauf Insulation

Paint/Wallcoverings by Sherwin-Williams

Lighting & Accessories by Focal Point

Classroom Furniture by Jonti-Craft

Computer Furniture by Steelcase

Lounge Furniture by Steelcase

Washroom Accessories by Bobrick

Washroom Fixtures by Delta Faucet

Washroom Fixtures by American Standard

Washroom/Shower Partitions by All American Metal Corp.

HVAC Units by Trane

HVAC Control Devices by Honeywell

Draperies/Blinds by Hunter Douglas

Whiteboards / Markerboards / Chalkboards by IdeaPaint

Carpet by Shaw

Flooring by Armstrong World Industries

Ceilings by Armstrong World Industries

Ceramic Tile by Dal-Tile

Door Hardware by LCN Closers

Lighting & Accessories by Lithonia Lighting

Lighting & Accessories by Gotham Lighting

Emergency Lighting by Lithonia Lighting

Fire/Life-Safety Systems by SimplexGrinnell

Classroom Furniture by V/S America

Classroom Furniture by Artco Bell

Multipurpose Areas Furniture by Integra Seating

Office Furniture by Global Casework

Drinking Fountains by Elkay

Hand-Drying Equipment by Excel Dryer

Washroom Accessories by Bradley Corporation