South Elgin High School

In creating its fifth high school, a growing community asked the architect to embody the prairie style of Frank Lloyd Wright, and enrich education and public use in a highly efficient facility.
Elements of the prairie style include overhanging horizontal roof planes, organic detailing and exterior building elements that tie the building to the site, provide scale and highlight public spaces. A balance of massing emphasizes entry and inspires the building form.
To enrich public use, a two-story vibrant linear spine connects the three public entry lobbies to provide ease and simplicity of circulation. Locker commons, a security desk and student services are primary elements. Geometric clusters clearly define areas of learning and activity that are secured easily.
Classrooms and labs are clustered based on academic focus and flexibility. Staff planning areas provide teachers with a professional environment, and opportunities to team and make connections that enrich each student’s education. Various teaching stations enhance educational delivery, including fixed and flexible forum rooms, a centralized media center, black-box theater and flexible labs.

Additional Information

Other projects from this professional

Momentum: Minnetonka Design and Skilled Trades

ATSR designed an addition for Momentum: Minnetonka Design and Skilled Trades. The...

Cathedral High School STEAM Addition

Design Team Dean S. Beeninga, Peter Lacey, Kara Rise, Blayne Parkos, Nick Achina A...

Cathedral High School Addition and Renovations

ATSR created a STEAM addition for an existing urban campus. The addition...

North Branch District Education Center

The kindergarten addition and Early Childhood Learning renovation at the North Branch...

Load more