Verrado High School

^{Learning academies | Science Labs |Library | Gymnasiums | Art Labs | Auditorium | Food Court | Music Studio | Band Studio | TV Studio | LEED-NC Silver}

^{2 story | 220,000 SF | $36M | Verrado | 2006 | Valley Forward Design award}

^{Planned as a comprehensive 1600 student high school for Agua Fria Union High School District, the design embodies the notion of 21st century education. The school is nestled into the Verrado planned development as a community school with a number of shared use interior and exterior spaces.  The design concept is informed by the idea of the canyon that is strengthened by the adjoining cliffs.  The central mall within the schools footprint is the canyon that is held together and activated by the adjoining learning academies.  Within the academies the planning concept is modeled on teacher-student collaboration and mentoring across grades.  The flexible design provides opportunities for chance encounters, one on one coaching, independent or group study and presentation spaces. Various green design elements within the school integrated into the curriculum as teaching opportunities. Project completed while at Orcutt | Winslow.}