Forest Hills Public Schools, New Secondary Building

Ada, Michigan

Firm

URS Corporation

Client

Forest Hills Public Schools

Area

157,500 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$20,800,000

Completion Date

08/2004

The goal of this new facility is to change the Forest Hills Public Schools’ educational-delivery method. It will create spaces that are uniquely designed to create synergy and interactivity.
The building’s entrance is in the heart of the “Great Hall,” on the upper floor of the facility. From the entrance, there is direct access to any of the building’s main areas. The Great Hall replaces the typical circulation spine with a large room that contains the entrance, cafeteria, media center and administration office.
The classrooms are arranged around “Interactivity Centers,” which serve as an extension of the classroom for small team-based projects or formal, large group presentations. The classrooms themselves differ from the traditional square proportions, and reinforce an alternative perspective of the process of education. The building will include three classroom wings, one for grades 7 to 8, and two for grades 9 to 12. The facility is designed to include wireless technology, allowing students to use portable computers and other devices.
The design conforms to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.