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Garfield High School Originally built in 1923, Garfield High School is located on an 8.9-acre site within the City of Seattle’s central district. With a current capacity of 1,240 students, the school is in need of renovation in order to allow for projected growth and to better serve the current student body. While the design phase is still in process, the project is an example of what can be accomplished on a very small, impacted urban site with multiple voices needing to be heard, and an architect enthused about helping turn a community landmark into something of which new generations can be proud. The school, a historic landmark, is much loved by the community, and there has been tremendous community involvement in the planning process. As architect, BLRB is guiding a collaborative process that brings together all the constituents interested in the historic renovation of Garfield—educators, students, neighbors, city and community leaders, and partners such as the Seattle Parks Department, which team with the school to provide services to eliminate duplication of resources. What is emerging is a vision for a school that celebrates its history and helps prepare its diverse student body for a future beyond high school. There are two components to the project. The first is a renovation, re-organization and upgrading of the original historic structure to support highly effective personalized learning communities, create a central “social heart” to the school, and embrace community involvement. The second is a new building to house a state-of-the-art, 600-seat performing arts center, an 1,800-seat competition gymnasium, and all necessary P.E. and athletic support spaces. The front courtyard will feature a Peace Garden and is a welcoming entrance for community members. Unique to this project will be the addition of a Teen Life Center operated by Seattle Parks Department and a Teen Health Clinic staffed by Children’s Hospital, further supporting the needs of teens in Seattle’s Central District. Garfield High School is being designed not only as a 21st century high school educationally but also environmentally. When complete, Garfield High will meet or exceed the recently legislated Washington State Sustainable Schools protocol requirements. Perhaps the most important sustainable design feature of the project is the retention and renovation of the historic structure itself. In addition, the school will feature daylighting in all learning spaces. Both occupancy sensors and photo-cell controls will be used to reduce the electric lighting load throughout the school. Natural ventilation will also be introduced into the classrooms and be inter-connected with the HVAC system. Indoor air quality will further be enhanced by the use of non-toxic, low- to no-VOC. content building finish materials. Green roofs are currently being explored as an opportunity to reduce storm water run-off and increase green space. Grades 9-12 |  | ||||
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