Page 33 - spaces4learning, Fall 2021

EDUCATION DESIGN SHOWCASE • K-12
PROJECT OF DISTINCTION
BUENA VISTA MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL BUENA VISTA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BUENA VISTA, CO
NESTLED IN THE ARKANSAS River Valley, Buena Vista, Colo., is surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, open skies, rivers and agricultural lands. With these remark- able environmental at- tributes in mind, the design for replacing the existing middle school/high school incorporates daylight, views and connection to the out- doors at every location. The new, 120,000-square-foot school was designed to al- low construction to occur in multiple phases, letting the school remain fully occupied throughout construction. The new building achieved a LEED Silver Certification.
The primary instruc- tional classroom building
is configured on two floors to separate middle- and high-school students. Each floor has science classrooms and small-group rooms located between traditional classrooms. The shared programs such as band, art, family and consumer stud- ies, and industrial arts are centrally located for easy access. The Information Commons is located on both floors and includes flexible seating, movable shelving and robust technology.
With limited funds and the inability to afford a performing arts theater,
a multi-functional space designated as the Flex Com- mons was created, which
is used as a café and dining area, classroom and theater. This space provides easy access to an outdoor eating area and learning space with views of the Collegiate Peaks.
ARCHITECT
TreanorHL
STEPHANIE GROSE, AIA 303-298-4700
PROJECT INFORMATION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Lisa Yates, Superintendent
COMPLETION DATE
Dec. 2020
GROSS AREA
134,000 sq. ft.
AREA PER STUDENT
149 sq. ft.
SITE SIZE
31 acres
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
507 students
CAPACITY
937 students
COST PER STUDENT
$44,823
COST PER SQ. FT.
$313.43
TOTAL COST
$42,000,000
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