McArthur High School, New STEM Building

Design Team
Lourdes Rodriguez, AIA (Project Architect); Antonio Moreno (Designer); Rosi Cutrone (Project Coordinator); Cuauhtemoc Valle (Project Coordinator);
Miguel A. Rodriguez, FAIA (Architect)

McArthur High School is an established public community high built in 1958. This new STEM building will replace two buildings from that era that no longer meet the educational requirements for today’s rigorous STEM and technology programs.

The new building will serve as the gateway to the existing campus. This entry will bring the student body through an open covered courtyard, under the new building, with areas for social gathering. The entry also is the main thoroughfare to the an existing rectilinear open courtyard in the heart of the campus. The facility will integrate with existing campus buildings by using multilevel covered walkways that take advantage of existing elevators and means of egress stairs.

The new gathering areas will have playful shapes and follies that encourage social interaction, an outdoor amphitheater space and graphic images that promote the pride of the school and a sense of place.

The new facility was designed to promote and encourage awareness of the function of the space. Openings are strategically situated to inspire students to perceive the inner workings and functions of the classrooms, promoting pedagogy and motivating thought.

Additional Information