Grand Haven High School

Staff and administration wanted to create a facility that would carry the school district into the 21st century and provide for educational opportunities preparing students to compete in the global market.
Computer technology was considered to be an integral part of the design. Circulation and organization became key elements in the program. The school’s core facility was designed for 2,300 students. A common entry was created so that visitors and students alike would be able to identify their destinations. The organizational element and focal point, reinforcing entry and creating relief to massing of the building, is the rotunda. Spaces were organized by placing academic functions to the south and high-profile spaces to the north of the rotunda. The gathering/entry space also holds a pendulum globe donated by the local Rotary Club.
All classroom pods are located off the south end of the spine, providing easy access to the shared academic functions: science labs, art studios and computer labs. Curved walls present the entry to each classroom pod and serve as a backdrop to this gathering area. Each wall is numbered and colored differently to assist students in finding their way.
The north/south corridor, connecting all elements, is the spine of the facility. The spine, which has a barrel-vaulted roof, shoots through the rotunda, and serves to guide visitors and students to their points of destination.

Photographer: ©Bill Lindhout Photography

“Excellent use of light and natural materials; exciting design elements; pleasing structural theme carrried throughout; well-integrated technology.”—1998 jury

Additional Information

Other projects from this professional

Blanche Sims Elementary School

Design team Jordan Johnson (Project Architect); Mitch Duyser (Project Manager); Tom VanDeGriend (Client...

Grandville Middle School

This middle school for grades 7 and 8 boasts more than 200,000...

Saugatuck Public Schools, Douglas Elementary

Design team Alex Stuckey (Project Architect); Luke Kamp (Project Manager) The updated elementary school...

Calvin University School of Business

With an increase in enrollment in its business department, Calvin University sought...

Load more