Davis Senior High School STEM Building
Davis, CA
- Client: Davis High School (DSHS)
- Building Area: 37,000 SF
- Twelve (12) 1,440 SF lab classrooms
- 2,800 SF collaboration space, as well as prep rooms, restrooms and storage
- Architect: LPA
- Photographer: Jason Orear
Interdisciplinary learning drives the design of this two-story, 37,000-square-foot facility. Classrooms and labs surround a versatile, multimodal central space tailored for a variety of STEM activities.
Human Experience
As the new ‘front door’ for Davis High School, the STEM building needed to stand out visually as well as experientially. The unique folded roof and facade acts as a strong identifier for the building.
It also influences and shapes the landscaping, which provides a variety of exterior spaces for students to learn, relax, and collaborate. This complements the flexible interior spaces that allow students to use familiar spaces in new and flexible ways that support collaboration, team teaching, and project based learning.
Health + Wellness
With students at the center of the project, their health, wellness, and comfort was at the core of the design process. Consequently, daylighting, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and a connection to nature drove many design decisions early on.
Beyond this, the building encourages students to take ownership and control over their spaces. Operable partitions, display space, and movable furniture lets students redesign the interior spaces to fit their needs.
Water + Energy
The STEM building puts water on display. The folded shape of the roof and façade highlights rainwater collection as it is directed to the rain garden next to the building. Energy saving strategies are also on display. The brise soleil on the south facade limits thermal gain while allowing views. Natural ventilation and daylighting limits energy use