Lawrenceburg High School Media Center Renovation

Nestled in the heart of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Lawrenceburg High School boasts a rich history dating back to 1937. The school building has seen multiple transformations over the years; one of its biggest multiphase renovation and addition projects started in 2020.

The goal for the media center was to create a modern, inviting space while honoring the school’s legacy. The new space is on the third-floor infill of the original gymnasium. The media center now forms the heart of the school on the third floor. It is surrounded by language arts, foreign language, and business classrooms, fostering a dynamic learning environment with easy access to neighboring departments. Right off the lobby is a student-run café where students can actively participate in its day-to-day business operations.

The media center encourages students to engage in independent study, group projects, and critical thinking activities. While maintaining an open atmosphere, the design delineated spaces for various functions. A raised platform serves as a collaborative space, with library stacks and bookshelves below. The media center also houses a library office, makerspace, and storage.

Flexibility was important during the design process. Initial plans called for a continuous ceiling, but during demolition, the original features were uncovered, and the architects opted to expose and showcase them. Visitors can still admire the high school’s original brickwork in the lobby and look up to see the roof trusses of the original gymnasium. To honor the school’s identity, subtle orange features within the furniture and flooring pay homage to the Lawrenceburg Tigers. The project at Lawrenceburg High School revitalized the media center, not only as a space for learning, but also as a symbol of the school’s commitment to innovation and heritage.

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