Togiak K-12 School Replacement

Togiak, Alaska

Firm

USKH, Inc.

Client

Southwest Region School District

Area

70,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$22,000,000

Completion Date

07/2004

The Togiak K-12 School design reflects the community’s unique needs. For example, in early planning meetings the village elders re-emphasized the desire for spaces where they could come to the school, feel welcome and teach children the important skills of their culture. In response, the new school features a cultural commons for teaching the Yup’ik heritage and an adjacent small kitchen area where community members can grab a cup of coffee. In addition, there is a full kitchen and an outdoor subsistence teaching deck, both designed for the instruction of processing subsistence foods.
Flexibility and multiple uses were important goals in the planning of this facility in the remote, rural community of Togiak. The design includes versatile spaces: a stage area/music room to be used with either the gym or the multipurpose/design room/presentation area; the ability to zone off the classroom areas for nighttime security; and easy access to the library, administration and gym from the commons area.