GARFIELD HIGH SCHOOLhistoric renovation/addition

Seattle, WashingtonHigh School

Renovation/AdditionBLRB Architects

2009 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Garfield High School

Community Environment

Garfield High School is an 86-year old historic landmark located in a culturally diverse urban neighborhood. The school has a rich history as the site of important community events, blurring the line between school and community gathering place.

After a comprehensive, inclusive planning process, the design provided for a complete reorganization and renovation of existing space that better serves educational needs and allows for the continued integration of community presence. The design solution included space for the school’s foundation and community volunteer activities, as well as a teen health center, operated by a local children’s hospital.

Physical Education/Performing Arts Center (PEPAC) Addition

Community Environment Continued

Cooperative agreements between the school and the city’s parks department provided for joint use of parking, the public plaza and the athletic fields, and the renovation included space for a teen resource center, operated by the parks department.

The school is recognized for excellence in music and athletics, and the addition of a free-standing 83,700 square foot annex provided for a sophisticated performing arts center and competition gymnasium with separate public entrances, that regularly host events that are well-attended by the public.

Gymnasium Entry Hall- The “Concourse”

Learning Environment The primary project goals for Garfield High School were to transform an insufficient, educationally obsolete building with a design that would enhance student learning and achievement, unify the campus, preserve the building’s historic and cultural legacy, provide for flexibility, adaptability and safety, and invite community participation.

The original three-story 170,800 square foot historic structure was reorganized into four distinct Personal Learning Environments that support multiple educational models including grade level teaming, departmental organization and interdepartmental clustering.

Core LearningClassroom

Learning Environment Continued

The development of a three-story, daylight-filled central commons enhances social interaction and relationship building among students and staff. Up-to-date educational technology, including wireless, voice enhancement systems, digital projectors and interactive white boards, was integrated throughout the school, enhancing student achievement through increased learning resources.

The new library is engaging and inspiring to students and includes a central, glass enclosed computer resource center for student projects. Formerly unsupervised, the main entrance now includes a staffed reception desk to better serve visitors and improve

building security and student safety.

Library - “Information Commons”

Physical Environment

The renovation of Garfield High School provided a physical environment that restored the rich heritage of a beloved, nearly century-old urban school while incorporating contemporary principles of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Energy conservation and indoor environmental quality were enhanced throughout the facility. The building envelope was upgraded and mechanical systems were replaced to optimize energy conservation. Daylighting was introduced in all occupied spaces, supplemented by quality electric lighting systems, reducing energy consumption and creating a brighter, more conducive

learning environment.

Main Entry of Historic Building

Physical Environment Continued

The three-story open commons design, combined with operable windows in all classrooms, low VOC construction materials and a new HVAC system dramatically improved indoor air quality. Site preservation is readily apparent in the achievement of significant additional square footage within the existing footprint.

Original architectural features were salvaged, restored and re-purposed throughout the project. Extensive use of drought resistant and native landscaping allowed for the elimination of permanent irrigation, aiding in storm water management

and safeguarding water supplies.

Student Commons

Planning Process

Community investment in this project was extraordinary; accordingly, the planning process was inclusive of multiple stakeholders. A 40-person School Design Team (SDT) comprised of teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni and community members was organized at the beginning of the project. Throughout a collaborative year-long planning process, the group met at least twice monthly and had a meaningful impact on design development.

The SDT had hands-on experience, working with room-shaped puzzle pieces cut to scale and arranging pieces in proximity to one another. These layouts evolved into the guiding Conceptual Organization Diagram for the project, and ultimately, floor plans, which were

refined and accepted by the team.

Gymnasium

Planning Process Continued

The planning process began in March 2003 and included town hall meetings and workshops through which project mission, vision and goals were established. The schematic design was developed by March 2004 and planning continued to the design development phase in March 2005. Project construction began in July 2006 and the school was ready for occupancy by its target completion date of September 2008. Meetings were held with the SDT on an on-going basis to ensure that the project’s vision and goals continued to be met

throughout construction.

Main Entry Lobby

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data

Submitting Firm : BLRB ArchitectsProject Role ArchitectProject Contact Thomas L. Bates, FAIATitle Managing PrincipalAddress 1145 Broadway Plaza, Suite 1200City, State or Province, Country Tacoma, Washington 98402Phone 253.627.5599

Joint Partner Firm:Project RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Other Firm:Project RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Construction Firm: Lease Crutcher Lewis BuildsProject Role General ContractorProject Contact Kurt HildebrandTitle PrincipalAddress 107 Spring StreetCity, State or Province, Country Seattle, Washington 98104Phone 206.622.0500

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details

Project Name Historic Garfield High School Renovation and Addition 

City Seattle

State Washington

District Name Seattle Public Schools

Supt/President Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D.

Occupancy Date September 2008

Grades Housed 9-12

 

Capacity(Students) 1,600 Students

Site Size (acres) 9.75 Acres 

Gross Area (sq. ft.)

170,849 SF Main Building;

73,518 SF PE/PAC = 244,367 SF Total

Per Occupant(pupil) 152.7 SF per Student

gross/net please indicate gross

 

Design and Build?  Yes (GC/CM project)

If yes, Total Cost: $87,500,000 

Includes:  

 

If no,  

Site Development:  

Building Construction:  

Fixed Equipment:  

Other:  

 

Total:  $87,500,000

Garfield High Schoolbefore and after images

Historic Building Exterior ~ BEFORE

“New” meets “Old” ~ AFTER

Garfield High Schoolbefore and after images

Main Entry Lobby ~ AFTER

Lobby ~ BEFORE

Garfield High Schoolbefore and after images

Classroom Corridor ~ AFTERClassroom Corridor ~ BEFORE

Garfield High Schoolbefore and after images

Gymnasium ~ BEFORE

Library - “Information Commons” ~ AFTER

Library ~ BEFORE

Garfield High Schoolbefore and after images

Auditorium ~ BEFORE

New Quincy Jones Performance Center ~ AFTER