Wheatley Media Center

Narratives

Architect Narrative

With a school district’s academic philosophy focused on technology as the linchpin, the architect has designed a high technology Library and Media Center as the brain center of the High School. The Media Center is designed as a separate pavilion that is the endpoint of the school’s Main Street where all hallways converge. All of the school’s books and computer data, audio-visual materials, plus MIS room and workspaces are located here, at the main entrance of the school.

1. What exemplary ideas does the design contain that enhance learning?
The Media Center was designed to be the hub of the school, accessible to all students, in school or studying elsewhere, as well as community members. Each student at the High School is supplied with a laptop computer, with financial aid available if needed. The school is extensively wired with computer portals accessible in all classrooms and throughout the school providing easy access to the Media Center from all locations. All classrooms have TV monitors with online access as well. Classes are conducted with cameras, allowing online access so children unable to attend school can view classes in progress via computer.

In addition to a Librarian, there is a full time Information Technology teacher to aid students and faculty and administrators in their research pursuits and school projects.

2. What innovations in the planning, programming and design process supported the realization of those exemplary ideas?
Instead of being designed as a traditional school library, the Media Center was placed at the entrance of the school. The entire building is linear, while the Media Center is curvilinear to distinguish it from the main building. With a tinted green glass curtainwall amidst multiple layers of sunshading to minimize glare, the Media Center becomes a focal point of the school and of the community as well. This location allows separate access to the community while maintaining high security for the high school. Its design and access encourages and facilitates participation in community programs staged there.

Special study spaces are designed at the back of the curve behind the book stacks, where bar stools and study surface stand on a podium, facing a wall of glass allowing students to sit and study surrounded by nature. Steel and aluminum mixed with light green tinted glass and a technical brise de soleil (sunscreen) allows a futuristic look that harmonizes with the rest of the building.

Open to students, faculty members and the community at large, school work and independent study is supported by both librarian and technical advisor, with the two sharing equally important responsibilities. The Center’s design and layout facilitates the shared interaction of all disciplines and allows for high visibility throughout the space.

Multi-faceted in its functionality, the Media Center provides a futuristic environment that encourages the student to become ‘a working part’ of the space. All ductwork, structural elements and wiring are exposed. This high technology, instructional environment allows the student to be integrated into and appreciative of the functionality of the space, inspiring interest and creativity.