The project includes a new 111,000 GSF Exploration Building and Gold Gymnasium building to support 21st-century learning for the schools’ 3,000+ student body. Sited at the intersection of existing main campus axes, the project provides a new central commons for the campus and a positive public face to the greater community.
The project focus is on nurturing creative thinking and career pathways by incorporating new technologies within a flexible learning environment. The Exploration Building houses the Career Technical Education Program; visual arts studios for photography, film, and digital design; a central gathering “pitch” space; and outdoor classroom spaces. The building is designed based on an “open building” concept centered on an operable and adaptable platform. To support programmatic flexibility, Saiful Bouquet used a bolted moment frame system to allow for maximum functionality and adaptability to reconfigure the building over time as students’ needs evolve.
The Gold Gymnasium will feature a dramatic sloping roof with large windows and includes three courts, a dance studio, and a fitness/yoga room. The lateral system for the Gymnasium is comprised of Buckling Restrained Brace frames.
Both buildings have open-air elements to maximize the use of outdoor space and take advantage of the year-round excellent climate.
Awards
2025 Westside Urban Forum | Citation Award, Schools Category
2025 Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award
2021 Westside Urban Forum | Merit Award
