Canyon ISD—West Plains High School
Architect: Corgan
Drawing inspiration from its West Texas heritage, the new school is the third high school and the first new high school in 20 years for the district. The new school preserves community values while celebrating high-quality learning environments. A landmark next-gen learning experience for the community, the new high school is designed to drive student success and serves as a tangible expression of the district’s educational aspirations for their students.
Design
Sited next to an active cattle ranch and farm, the school embraces the heritage of the local agricultural “community” and Amarillo’s art deco downtown while keeping an eye on the horizon. Custom motifs inspired by wheat stalks and cattle faces shaped the design in “place” while regional materials and ample daylighting, a sense of wellbeing, and connect the school to the West Texas plains. Maximizing efficiency and engagement, the central commons create balance and serves as the heart of campus.
Value
The campus embraces growth and aligns with community values in Western Amarillo to celebrate an expanding regional presence. American-made and local materials were utilized to realize a design aesthetic deeply inspired by the local community. Low maintenance finishes and energy efficient building systems maximize the district’s long-term operational budget. Efficient use of space and a strong branded identity promote school spirit, community pride and make it a school of choice.
Wellness
To create a collegiate atmosphere, dedicated collaboration spaces (active learning communities) feature flexible furniture and technology, allowing students to connect, gather, and study in an adaptive environment that responds to individual learner characteristics and student interaction, and supports multi-modal learning. The new school connects students to nature and embraces the plains landscape. To promote productivity, learning, and wellness, ample glass allows daylight to flood the space.
Community
Previously serving as farm and ranch land, the school site was envisioned to be a catalyst for continued growth in Western Amarillo. Paying homage to the local community, the design honors the art deco and agricultural influences in the region through articulation and ornamental elements. Environmental branding and graphics create a strong sense of place and “Wolf” pride, establishing the campus as a new rival for the other two high schools in the district.
Planning
Fresh perspectives from the district’s high school students helped inform and define the vision for the new campus. Multiple community, staff, and student visioning and design sessions generated a truly collaborative approach. Through this process, campus layouts, interior design, railing design and materials, and even the campus name, mascot, and colors were all evaluated and selected by the community. The effort produced a valued and authentic addition to the district and the Texas panhandle.
School Transformation
Elevating the district “norm” to support next-gen education, active learning communities influenced other district campuses to implement enhanced staff mentorship, staff retention, team teaching, and student learning experiences. Dedicated collaboration and CTE spaces prepare students with high-demand durable skills, support greater autonomy, and embody a comprehensive focus on the “whole student”. The campus is planned for future expansion while maintaining an outdoor commons.
Star of Distinction Category Winner