Post ISD—Post High School
Architect: BGR Architects, Inc.
Post, TX residents approved a bond issue to upgrade/replace existing school facilities. BGR was charged with designing a new 1-story High School on a 3.3 ac. site adjacent to the Sports Arena. The High School provides educational space for 450 and includes a competition gym, science lab/lecture, home life, art, distant learning, computer labs, media center, and performing arts with state-of-the-art band hall, choir, individual practice, and ensemble rooms, plus theatrical room with platform.
Community
The new High School is located in a small rural town. Existing Pre-K thru 12th grade campuses along with athletic facilities and administration offices are located within a central 11 city block area. The District utilizes one central kitchen/cafeteria to serve all campuses. The ability to design the new High School facility to fit on the small District-owned site enabled the core and sharing of facilities concept to be maintained.
Design
The 73,000 SF facility provided for all programmed curriculum/support space while incorporating design features/materials that made an existing multi-purpose arena next to the New High School become “one” structure. Addressing the large number of students transported by bus, a large centrally located Commons area lets students enter the main secure entry to gather before class. The Commons is adjacent to the Administration Suite and Competition Gym, with direct access to the educational wings.
Planning
A design team of an administrator, principal and architect began programming for the new High School. Preliminary schematic plans were developed, then staff from each department added, and the basic space program developed. From the space program, schematic designs were generated, discussed and revised. Ultimately design development drawings were presented and reviewed/revised until all parties agreed that a truly functional facility incorporating all programs within budget had been achieved.
Sustainability
Through necessity and economics, the District endeavored to utilize design/material sensitive to the environment. Low maintenance, low water landscaping provides a solution to the regions water rationing and high cost. The use of sustainable materials, including tectum roof decks and long-lasting durable materials, have been incorporated into the construction. Courtyard learning areas have also been provided allowing students out of the classroom setting for a new learning experience.
Value
Utilizing school-owned property that was next to the District’s all-purpose arena, land and infrastructure costs were eliminated. Utilizing steel frame construction and load bearing materials, along with long life-cycle materials including brick and masonry units, the District has constructed a building that will last for decades. Energy efficient mechanical systems were utilized that also allowed the District’s maintenance staff the ability to perform repairs.
School Transformation
Changing instructional philosophies in traditional spaces was given attention. Current technologies are incorporated while efforts were taken to facilitate new instructional methods. Student assigned laptops are distributed each morning and returned to charging carts at day’s end. Carts placed in niches along corridors facilitate easy access. A distant learning classroom is provided, classroom furnishings allow collaborative learning activities, enabling students to become engaged in learning.
Star of Distinction Category Winner