CHALLENGE

To create a high school learning environment that breaks away from traditional classroom designs, giving students the flexible, technology-rich spaces they need for hands-on, project-based STEM education.

Through extensive community engagement that included visual listening exercises, "love letters," and detailed surveys, our design team developed a facility that physically embodies GISA's student-directed learning philosophy. Rather than fixed classrooms designed for lecture-based instruction, the building features adaptable learning zones that can be quickly reconfigured as project needs evolve.

The design recognizes that change is the only constant in STEM education by incorporating portable technology, movable furniture, and modular infrastructure that can adapt to evolving curriculum needs. Specialized learning environments — including a Future Farmers of America lab and a dedicated greenhouse — support GISA's unique agriculturally-based program while creating authentic learning experiences that connect theory with practice.

The building's strategic location on Clark State College's campus creates natural opportunities for high school students to engage with higher education. Shared resources and proximity to college facilities strengthen the educational pipeline while maximizing operational efficiency. The design deliberately creates visual connections between different learning activities, allowing students to observe and be inspired by the work of their peers.

Throughout the design process, our team's environmental graphics specialists worked alongside architects to create branded experiences that visually reinforce GISA's educational mission. These graphic elements not only aid in wayfinding but help tell the story of the school's innovative approach to learning.

The new Upper Campus has significantly expanded GISA's capacity, allowing more students to access its innovative STEM curriculum and creating greater educational opportunities for the region. The facility's flexible design has enabled faculty to implement project-based learning approaches that were previously constrained by traditional classroom configurations.

Students now experience a learning environment that more closely resembles real-world work settings than conventional schools. This authentic context helps develop not just technical skills but the collaboration, communication, and problem-solving abilities essential for future careers. The project demonstrates how thoughtful physical design can directly support educational innovation and improve learning outcomes.