Preliminary designs of new school buildings for USD 257 were unveiled Monday night.
The contrast between old and new is dramatic. A predominantly glass-enclosed cafeteria, for example, is not only an inviting environment for students but also works to bring the public more on board with today?s education.
SJCF Architects, the Wichita firm that helped the district pass a $35 million bond issue, showed board of education members their designs to date.
It?s still early in the process, so changes can be made.
To help determine the design of the various buildings, SJCF has gathering input from teachers, administrators and others in the community.
The design of the new $7 million science building on the Iola High School campus is furthest along. The new $25 million elementary school will take longer. However, preliminary sketches of that building also was released.
This aerial view shows where the new science building will be located near Iola High School. The cafeteria, left, is enclosed by windows. Four science classrooms are located on the far right, with other classrooms for family and consumer sciences, and robotics, in the center.
Science building
The science building features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows around the cafeteria with a large overhang for shade and outdoor seating, architect Stacy Christie said. The cafeteria will be on the southwest corner of the building.
Because the rest of the building will function as classrooms as well as a storm shelter, it will have smaller windows.
The glass provides a light, airy feeling that will offset the more austere storm shelter areas.
The building will include a large kitchen, storage space and classrooms. Four science classrooms are arranged in a pod-like setting on the east side of the building. The middle section features classrooms for family and consumer sciences, and for robotics, including space for a competition arena.
The glass cafeteria will partially face the main IHS building, with room for a dramatic logo or sign. A courtyard is planned for the opposite side, leaving space for future development.
The current science building will be demolished and the space will become a parking lot.
The interior view of the new elementary school shows a cafeteria, gym and administrative offices facing Kentucky Street, with classrooms in three separate rectangles on the back side. The primary entrance will be off Kentucky Street, with a bus loop along Monroe and a secondary entrance that leads to the library. COURTESY OF SJCF ARCHITECTS
