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Olympia High School Olympia High School is known for academic excellence. Unfortunately, the campus didn’t measure up. Saddled with a campus built in the 1950s and consisting of 10 buildings connected by covered walkways, the school needed a major modernization in order to meet educational program requirements and better serve its students. BLRB’s design was highly creative in use of space, and construction on the $28 million project occurred in phases with a full 1,600 student body on campus. The District wanted to unify the campus and provide a more welcoming school for both educators and students. BLRB worked with a large design committee representing all the project stakeholders. Through a highly collaborative process, all perspectives were heard and evaluated as the design developed. The resulting design made maximum use of existing structures and allowed for additions such as a 700-seat auditorium, student commons and auxiliary gym. BLRB’s design utilized the unused space between the 10 existing buildings as its canvas for the modernization, demolishing the walkways and essentially filling in the negative space. The result is a single structure that facilitates interaction, promotes community among its students, and is flexible enough to accommodate different teaching methodologies. The work occurred in phases, with special attention paid to minimizing disruption and keeping staff and students safe during construction. Additions and other site work occurred concurrently. Major work was done to bring a 21st century sensibility to the facility’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Modernization work included a complete new building envelope comprised of a new sloping roof, masonry and synthetic plaster wall finishes, and energy-efficient operable windows. Also included in the modernization work was the complete replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems. These upgrades dramatically improved the energy efficiency of the facility, saving the school district thousands of dollars each year in energy costs. 2001 Lighthouse Award, Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) 2001 Civic Design Award (Merit Award), AIA Washington Council 2003 Honorable Mention, School Planning and Management “(BLRB’s) principal architect and project manager fully participated in developing the educational specifications and working with a large committee of 33 people. Their level of involvement exceeded our expectations and proved invaluable as the design evolved. In the end, the design committee was unanimous in their support and enthusiasm for the architect’s design.” -Bob Wolpert, AIA, MBA, Director of Facilities and Operations, Olympia School District Grades 9-12 |  | ||||
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