Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD—Newman Smith High School
Architects: LPA
“The renovation transformed the campus into a modern, high-tech learning environment. Major renovations included the creation of Innovation Alley, a bright, open corridor replacing dark hallways, and the re-imagined Media Center, now a central hub with social areas, e-sports facilities, and multipurpose flex labs. Structural updates, such as a new roof and relocated columns, extend the building’s lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.
The design, inspired by origami, uses simple, cost-effective materials to create dynamic, functional spaces, emphasizing beauty through thoughtful simplicity. This approach supports a variety of learning and teaching styles with adaptable, flexible spaces. Enhanced visibility and accessibility of specialized studios for engineering, business, and media arts encourage student participation and collaboration.
Key wellness strategies include natural light, outdoor learning areas, and safe, inclusive environments. The planning process involved extensive collaboration with district leaders, teachers, staff, and students to ensure the design reflects community culture and educational goals, creating a facility that fosters innovation, creativity, and community engagement.”
Design
“An early concept of the design was inspired by students to relate to origami, symbolizing the folding of ideas together to create something remarkable from something basic. The origami-inspired elements also serve functional purposes, supporting the educational experience for the Scholars. This concept of an unfolding plane is reflected throughout the campus, representing dynamic forms created with simple, cost-effective materials.
Innovation Alley is a central high-tech corridor that replaces dark, narrow hallways with bright, open spaces filled with natural light. This area connects specialized studios for engineering, business, construction management, and media arts, making these programs visible and accessible, encouraging student participation and collaboration. The re-imagined Media Center incorporates social areas, e-sports space, and multipurpose labs that overlap and open to each other.
The thoughtful integration of scale, space relationships, materials, and adaptability results in a campus core that supports a variety of needs, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.”
Value
“The process emphasized cost control, sustainability, and enhanced educational outcomes. Initially, the plan aimed to spread limited funds across a large portion of the campus, potentially diluting the impact on the student experience. However, after facilitating scholar and teacher surveys and focus groups, we collaborated to re-scope the design. This process led to a strategic decision to concentrate resources on a more focused part of the campus, maximizing the impact.
The team co-located the Career Technology Education (CTE) programs into a central location within Innovation Alley. This centralization optimized space and resources, making the programs more visible and accessible. Glass walls borrow the use of natural light, reducing energy costs. Flexibility and adaptability were key drivers. Multipurpose flex labs, collaboration rooms, and adaptable spaces allow the school to reconfigure areas based on changing educational needs.
Cost control was integral to the project. The renovation included a complete roof replacement and significant structural changes to extend the building’s life and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Dozens of mechanical units were replaced in the renovation. Sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems minimize environmental impact and operational expenses, preserving district funds. ”
Wellness
“The design integrates various elements to create a nurturing and inspiring environment ideal to learning and growth. The design focused on providing both team work and beam work (individual space). Flexible Furniture allows for reconfiguration and ensures adaptability to the evolving needs of scholars.
Natural light is a prominent feature throughout the renovation. Large windows and glass walls not only create bright, inviting spaces but also offer views of nature, contributing to a calming and stimulating environment. These design moves positively impact overall well-being of students, promoting a positive and engaging setting to improve cognitive functioning.
Safety considerations are integral to the design. The renovation includes upgraded access control and cameras, ensuring a secure environment for all students. The new glass façade and secure entry vestibule enhance safety while maintaining an open and welcoming appearance.
The renovation ensures that all spaces are accessible and welcoming to every student, promoting an inclusive environment. Access to social space is also considered with spaces like the “Starbooks” café in the Media Center. The project aligns with the overall educational goals, fostering a culture of well-being, inclusivity, and academic excellence.”
Community
“The renovation impacts the community on multiple levels. At a peer-to-peer level, the new design fosters collaboration and pride between students. The space encourages daily interaction and teamwork between specialized studios for engineering, business, construction management, and media arts. This open environment promotes a culture of shared learning and innovation.
At the campus community level, the re-imagined Media Center serves as a vibrant hub with multipurpose labs that support both learning and community pride events. Flexible learning spaces adapt to ensure the campus meets evolving needs. This adaptability fosters a sense of belonging and engagement among students and staff, enriching the overall campus culture.
For industry and university partnerships, the renovation includes dedicated spaces for industry professionals to interact with students, facilitating real-world connections and preparing students for future careers. These areas support college and career readiness by bridging the gap between education and the workforce.
The community was actively involved in the design process, ensuring the new spaces reflect the community’s identity and values.”
Planning
“The planning for the renovation was a comprehensive and collaborative process that involved partnering with the district, teachers, staff, and students to ensure the design met the educational goals of the campus, district, and community.
To achieve this during the pandemic, we conducted surveys with over 80 educators and teachers to gather insights into their needs and expectations. Additionally, a student workshop was held where students actively participated in designing their own Innovation Alley and Library, incorporating their voices were into the planning process. The process included translating their ideas into practical and inspiring spaces.
Research played a crucial role in analyzing these insights and translating them into design. Focused on creating spaces that reflect the strong community culture, the planning (and then design process) was wide and deep. We addressed logistical challenges, such as improving circulation and creating flexible environments.
Through this collaborative approach, the scope evolved and the renovation honors the existing campus culture while introducing new elements that enhance the scholar experience, inspiring a sense of belonging among scholars, staff, and the broader community.”
School Transformation
“The renovation redefines the learning environment, transforming dark halls and classrooms to CTE Hubs that model the intersection of learning and careers. A new student entry façade and signage provide a welcoming entrance, transforming the school’s identity into a more inviting and inspiring place for learning.
Previously hidden CTE labs were moved to visible, central locations within Innovation Alley, boosting student participation and integrating programs into daily school life. The transformation demonstrates the power of thoughtful, intentional design to develop spaces that inspire, motivate, and elevate the learning and teaching experience, fostering a culture of innovation, curiosity, collaboration, and community.”
Star of Distinction Category Winner