Houston ISD—Energy Institute High School
Architect: VLK Architects
HISD Energy Institute High School is the first school in the nation with a school-wide theme of Energy. Energy Institute High School’s (EIHS) vision for learning goes far beyond that of a traditional high school. Students at EIHS will participate in authentic project-based learning that enables them to take ownership of their education. Learners will develop essential soft skills that will prepare them for the landscape of alternative energy, geoscience, and off-shore technology careers.
Design
- A charrette was utilized where students, teachers, parents, business partners, and administrators developed the design of the school and influenced the look and feel of all spaces
- Tailored to meet the evolving needs of students and the industry-based curriculum, the learning environment removes barriers, incorporates collaboration spaces, and provides the desired rich campus setting
- Passive supervision from teacher professional development areas to collaboration spaces and labs
Value
- District reinvested in the community by building on a district-owned vacant site
- Learning occurs everywhere through interior and exterior adaptable spaces that support the changing projects of the industry-based curriculum
- Lowered construction and maintenance costs through efficient MEP systems, low maintenance, and durable interior and exterior materials
Sustainability
- District reinvested in the community by building on a district-owned vacant site
- Daylighting in every learning space provides a healthy interior environment and visual tie to the outdoors
- Protection and inclusion of existing trees enhances the overall campus feel
- Building achieved LEED Silver Certification
- Utilization of efficient MEP systems, low maintenance, and durable interior and exterior materials saves resources and eliminates harsh chemicals in the learning environment
Community
- Reusing the existing site reinvests and repairs the urban fabric •Student pride in the new school enhances the learning experience for all
- Learning community was engaged in the design process through a charrette
- Removal of barriers in design contributes to an environment where learning is open for all to see
- Community meetings updated and gathered feedback from students and families on the design
Planning
- A charrette was utilized where students, teachers, parents, business partners, and administrators developed the design of the school and influenced the look and feel of the spaces.
- Students desired a “campus” setting, emulating corporate campuses where they intern •Adaptable spaces support the changing projects of the industry-based curriculum
- Other “STEM” campuses were used to benchmark the design •Community meetings updated and gathered feedback from participants on the design
School Transformation
Comprised of three buildings that converge at a covered outdoor learning courtyard, the charrette process promoted innovative ideas and solutions. Each community provides individual workspaces, flexible collaboration zones, integrated technology and hands-on lab space for specialized curriculum. Spaces of various sizes can be reconfigured to support varying learning styles. The professional seminar and “TED Talk” space allows for presentation opportunities to global industry leaders.
Star of Distinction Category Winner