Ferndale High School

Ferndale, Michigan

Firm

TMP Architecture

Client

Ferndale School District

Area

265,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$1,388,000

Completion Date

01/1998

Ferndale High School’s original media center was grossly undersized and poorly located. A new media center and various support spaces were constructed to provide media and technology access. Situated in an existing student commons area with a scenic courtyard view, the new center is a focal point of the school, and is easily accessible for students and the community.
The new, long and narrow structure parallels the length of the commons with the entrance centered on the main stairway. The floor of the media center is level with the commons or street, creating an elevated structure on the courtyard side. Within the courtyard, covered outdoor student spaces were created.
The interior is a large, flexible space that can be adapted to meet technological needs. The circulation desk is centrally located near the entrance, and furniture is arranged to provide single-location supervision. Low shelving and casual seating were placed along the exterior wall in order to maintain courtyard views. A blue and red color palette was used throughout with natural oak furniture to create a vibrant, practical and durable environment. Modular soft-seating was upholstered in a large-scale, lively fabric adding to the excitement of the space.

Photographer: ©Justin Maconochie, Hedrich-Blessing