Worcester Vocational High School

Worcester, Massachusetts

Firm

Lamoureux Pagano Associates Architects

Client

City of Worcester, Massachusetts

Area

390,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$62,400,000

Completion Date

09/2003

Situated between wetlands and ledge, the replacement 1,500-student Worcester Vocational High School site borders a city-park entrance. Additionally, the 24 diverse vocational programs required a significant amount of grade access to the building, as well as an entrance to encourage public traffic.
The design solution required careful placement of building components to maximize the site potential while respecting the designated wetland area. While the media center will take advantage of incredible eastern views, the main entrance will be identified from miles away beneath a circular computer lab and conference room tower. The public is welcomed to use student-sponsored retail operations including a restaurant, daycare center, bank, shops and conference center.
The school is divided into four clusters—Manufacturing Technologies, Business Management, Health and Human Services, and Construction Technologies.
The exterior and interior are designed to be expressive in materials and systems. Sleek metal siding, expansive windows, exposed structure and mechanical distribution are combined into a progressive facility.