Parkland High School

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Client

Indian Prairie Public Schools

Area

460,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$64,095,000

Completion Date

08/1999

Parkland High School, set atop a rolling 128-acre campus, was designed to create exciting learning opportunities for the 21st century. This facility expresses the historic nature of the Lehigh Valley and the tradition of high-quality education in the district.
Because the site is on a steep hillside, the building is set in the hill. This allows for a natural screening of the bus corral from the residential areas. This also allows a top-load access for spectators to the performance gymnasium and competition pool.
The campus-like plan creates three major community entrances for the auditorium, cafeteria and gymnasium, and one for academics and administration. The central academic entrance that greets students and visitors is a two-story rotunda. It provides immediate access to the administrative and guidance offices, the library and three forum rooms on the second floor. Three, two-story classroom clusters create more intimate spaces for learners. Each cluster contains large staff planning areas, computer labs, toilets and support spaces.
The large curved corridor ties the building together as the social, more active zone where students gather, access lockers and find major display areas such as an art gallery and other common services.
In order to provide a safe environment, exterior security cameras are placed at each entrance and the building is wired for interior cameras. Motion detectors in the classrooms track which rooms are occupied, and telephones are programmed to signal when a room needs assistance. Main entrance doors can be opened remotely during school hours, and the building can be zoned and secured separately for after hours use.
Technology is present throughout the building, including all teaching stations, with interactive video, voice, data and security systems. Video distribution and video-origination capabilities are available throughout the building.
A computerized energy-management system controls heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Lights and climate control are activated by detectors to help reduce energy costs.

Additional Information

Capacity

3,000

Featured in

2001 Educational Interiors;2001 Architectural Portfolio

Interior category

Auditoriums/Music Rooms

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