Pope Francis Preparatory School
Springfield, Massachusetts
Pope Francis Prep is a new school constructed on the site of the former Cathedral High, destroyed by a 2011 tornado. The new school has united two previously separate high schools.
The entire school is organized in an open network of common areas where the students meet, eat, and play—symbolic of the values shared by the institution. A civic stair at the core of the main common area, the Learning Commons, anchors the free flow of student experiences and provides a place to connect, immersing students in their new shared community. The design is intended to prompt students to collaborate and socialize while engaging with their modern learning environment.
The openness of the commons area fosters a safe and productive environment. The elimination of corridors allows for ample circulation and reduces conflict that may occur in isolated spaces. The fundamental layout of the design provides safety and security attributes without conflicting with open and community-centric design. In contrast to traditional high school design, the new school’s consolidated footprint enables sightlines and supervision among many zones and learning spaces.
Additional Information
Cost per Sq Ft
$225.00
Featured in
2020 Educational Interiors Showcase
Interior category
Common Areas
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