Howard D. Woodson STEM High School District of Columbia Public Schools

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1 Howard D. Woodson STEM High School District of Columbia Public Schools Washington, DC AIA DC 2012 Chapter Awards The new Woodson weaves the [history of the] Tower of Power with a new breathtaking, contemporary-looking, stateof-the-art facility that can serve as a national model for public school modernization. Mayor Vincent Gray Washington, DC

2 Howard D. Woodson STEM High School District of Columbia Public Schools Washington, DC AIA DC 2012 Chapter Awards Project Category Architecture Type of Client Academic/ Public High School Project Scope New Construction Size of Project 235,000 sf Completion Date Fall 2011 Project Cost $ 95,000, Sustainable Design Pursuing LEED Gold Howard D. Woodson High School first opened its doors in 1973 occupying an eight-story concrete tower built upon a raised outdoor plaza. While hailed as a state-of-the-art campus when it opened, the building fell into disrepair when money for maintenance didn t materialize. By the early 2000 s the deteriorating building was slated for demolition to be replaced by a new educational facility built on the foundations of a STEM educational model, community engagement and environmental stewardship. The new building is a 235,000 gross square foot, three-story structure with a strong central entrance. A sky-lit atrium with dramatic open stairs floods the core with natural light, links each floor level and serves as the primary student access to educational spaces. Extensive new site development includes a football stadium as well as tennis courts, a softball field, practice fields and connections to the newly opened Marvin Gaye Park. The school is specifically designed to support a progressive curriculum based on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Upper floors of the building feature distinct learning communities, each configured for integrated learning. Each classroom can operate as a collaborative workspace or can be sub-divided into traditionally sized learning units. Supported by an advanced technology infrastructure, each learning community includes an integrated learning suite with laboratories and break-out areas surrounding a forum/gathering space. The school s media center is located on the second level of the central bay, adjacent to the atrium. The media center is the heart of the STEM learning community, reflecting the culture of the academic program through technology and a collaborative learning environment. Additionally, the building is focused on meeting the program needs of its vibrant surrounding community. Facilities that serve students by the day are configured to support neighborhood cultural and recreational activities during off-hours. Through careful planning, gathering spaces can be accessed and function independently from adjacent academic facilities. A 1,000 seat theater/performing arts venue includes a proscenium, raised stage, dressing rooms and support spaces. Accessed through its own entrance and lobby/gallery, this state of the art theater is supported by technology infrastructure that supplements theatrical performances, concerts, lectures as well as meetings, cultural festivals and community celebrations. In addition, a new natatorium houses an eight-lane pool and separate community locker rooms. Working in close collaboration with DC Public Schools and the Woodson community, the design team has created an innovative new educational facility that will address the academic needs of Ward 7 students far into the future. Through strategic planning, community engagement, will and perseverance, the new facility embodies the vision of an integrated center for academic and community engagement.

3 Sustainable Design The District of Columbia Public Schools strongly believes in the principles of sustainable design and their obligation to practice, as well as demonstrate, responsible environmental stewardship. To that end, the new Howard D. Woodson STEM High School was developed as a model for large-scale academic architecture conceived to reflect the school system s commitment to building and operating efficient and sustainable programs. The 235,000 sf of new construction and extensive site development was designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification in accordance with the US Green Building Council s LEED for Schools rating system criteria. It is currently pursuing LEED Gold certification. Sustainable and high performance design features include innovative measures to collect and manage storm water run-off. Over 75% of the building s roof area contains vegetative plantings. Remaining areas contribute to a rainwater harvesting system that collects and stores runoff in below-grade cisterns that provide recycled gray water to supplement the plumbing system. In addition, the Natatorium pool s back-wash is stored to support a plumbing system that features low-flow and water conserving fixtures. The building was designed with high performance glazing that supports natural ventilation and provides extensive views to the exterior while limiting heat gain from abundant natural light that floods occupiable spaces. Daylight harvesting and automated controls maximize use of natural light within the building s core. A super-insulated perimeter shell supports a high-efficiency mechanical system with an energy recovery system maximizing usage of outside air. Estimated energy use is 50,500 Btu/sf/yr. Intelligent interior controls and management systems link to individual room sensors and roof top weather stations monitor that maintain interior comfort depending on occupancy and climactic conditions. A skylit atrium with dramatic open stairs floods the school s core with natural light and serves as a vertical mainstreet, linking the building s stacked program spaces. Additional sustainable features include water-conserving elements such as the use of natural habitat plantings that require no additional irrigation and bio-swales that capture and purify rainwater. The building features recycled and replenishable, low-voc, natural materials and maximum use of local building materials coming from within a 500 mile radius to stimulate local economies and to reduce the environmental impact of transporting building materials. Careful site selection to maximize the use of public transportation, incentives for car pooling and bicycle use as well as proximity to residential density and community services all contribute to the core mission of creating a beautiful and sustainable educational facility that meets diverse educational and neighborhood needs of DC s Ward 7 through active engagement and environmental stewardship.

4 Site Plan Key 1. HD Woodson STEM High School 2. Entrance Plaza 3. Athletic Stadium 4. Field House 5. Practice Field 6. Marvin Gaye Park 7. Softball Stadium 8. Parking 9. Parking N

5 The eight-story Tower of Power is gone... So are the bleak stretches of windowless concrete that gave HD Woodson the look and feel of a penal institution rather than a high school in far Northeast Washington. A view looking south toward the new Woodson STEM High School s front door and the Natatorium s community entrance. Bill Turque Washington Post

6 The entry plaza with sweeping access ramps creates a pedestrian gathering space for students and neighbors. Woodson s dramatic entrance canopy provides sun shading and an iconic identity.

7 Natural habitat plantings and bio-swales manage storm water runoff while demonstrating environmental awareness and sustainable design best practices A secondary entrance provides access to an auditorium designed to accommodate after-hours community cultural arts functions.

8 The school s west façade forms a formal backdrop for activities in the new Woodson athletic complex. Exterior elevations are classic and civic, conveying an appropriate sense of permanence.

9 STEM academic spaces are stacked directly above the school s Natatorium creating a compact and efficient floor plate on the dense urban site A view looking south toward the school s classic rear facade

10 FIRST FLOOR PLAN KEY: ACADEMICS SPORT 1 LOBBY 2 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 3 FACULTY WORK ROOM 4 CONFRENCE / MEETING ROOM 5 CHILD CARE 6 HEALTH SUITE 7 ENGINEERING OFFICE 9 MECHANICAL ATHLETICS 10 NATATORIUM LOBBY 12 RECREATION OFFICES 13 NATATORIUM BLEACHERS FOOD SERVICES 1 LOADING / SERVICES 2 KITCHEN 3 SERVERY 4 DINING HALL VISUAL + PERFORMING ARTS 1 THEATER LOBBY / GALLERY 2 AUDITORIUM (1,000 SEATS) 3 STAGE 4 STAGE SPORT 5 BAND ROOM 6 CHORAL ROOM 7 PRACTICE ROOMS N

11 The main stair is located in the heart of the school and actively demonstrates the schools commitment to STEM. Acoustical panels spanning the second and third floors feature specially designed graphics intended to not only provide subtle orientation and way-finding, but also to inspire. Graphics visible on the third floor center around individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Graphics visible on the second floor feature scenes of the school s history and demonstrate the legacy of Woodson Warrior pride. Woodson s main stair serves as the school s vertical main street.

12 A separate two story performing arts center entrance lobby is also a gallery for display of student and community art. RAMP RAMP RAMP RAMP 14" DIA. DW A 1,000 seat auditorium is designed to accommodate a wide variety of school and community gathering functions including concerts, dramatic performances and lectures. The auditorium features retractable theater seating and a motorized divider wall that allows the space to be used for multiple simultaneous functions.

13 Saw-toothed skylights flood the dining hall with natural light. RAMP RAMP RAMP RAMP 14" DIA. DW The cafeteria at Woodson offers seating for 400. It is designed for large assemblies and is outfitted with complete presentation technologies to support community gatherings. Students have a large variety of nutritionally sound menu options, all prepared and served from the cafeteria s kitchen. Approximately 85% of Woodson students receive free or reduced lunch.

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15 SC RD DW Teacher Labs provide a defined space for staff to work together facilitating engagement in the STEM culture. A large collaborative forum space on the second floor. Woodson is equipped with wireless internet access throughout the school. Every student has access to a netbook and much of the students STEM work is completed electronically. We are very proud of its design, as it stands as a bold statement in terms of the value places on public education in the District of Columbia. Allen Y. Lew DC City Administrator

16 SC RD DW All classrooms ae equipped with both interactive smart boards as well as ceiling projectors for dual format digital display. Classrooms feature adjacent collarborative learning spaces that visually communicate with academic forums. The school promotes interior transparency. Half-sized lockers provide counter-height work surfaces and display platforms.

17 SC 14" DIA. RD DW Cafe tables and soft seating allow students to use the library for informal study. Students are able to connect to the school s wireless network for access to study material and research. Woodson s media center is located immediately off of the main stair on the second floor. It is designed with a variety of flexible collaboration spaces to support the STEM pedagogy. It also contains the school s broadcast lab.

18 SC RD DW The robotics lab is located adjacent to the main street stair on the second floor. It says something to the students and to the community that the District is serious about preparing its youth for the new, technologically advanced job market. They see hope. Principal Thomas Whittle The robotics lab serves as the command headquarters for Woodson implementation of the STEM curriculum in their 10th grade academy. This learning space is unique because it is designed for flexible setup with movable furniture, lab tables, and a garage door to support STEM curriculum.

19 THIRD FLOOR PLAN KEY: ACADEMICS 1 CLASSROOM 2 INTEGRATED CLASSROOMS 3 INTEGRATED LABS 4 SPECIALTY LAB 5 COLLABORATIVE LEARNING SPACE / FORUM SPORT 2 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 3 FACULTY WORK ROOM 4 CONFERENCE / MEETING ROOM ATHLETICS FOOD SERVICES VISUAL + PERFORMING ARTS N

20 DW DW Third floor classrooms take advantage of their double-height providing abundant daylighting. This space is half of an Integrated Classroom, shown here with its white board wall dividing it into a traditional-size learning space.

21 DW DW Extensive exterior glazing fill classroom spaces with natural light. Wet labs are configured to support the school s integrated science curriculum. The third floor s science forum features an interactive smart board for student presentations. Forums are gathering spaces that promote collaborative learning. This forum faces the front of the school and offers floor to ceiling views of the main entry. On the left side, there is a tackboard with lights to display student work.

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23 STOR LOCKER LOCKABLE FILE STOR ICE STAIR STEPPER ELLIP UBE LOCKABLE STORAGE CLOSET SC COPIER STATIONARY EXERCISE MAT TAPING STATION TAPING STATION UTIL BENCH REF 3'-0" 3'-0" LOCKABLE STORAGE CLOSET UTIL BENCH REHAB EQUIP STOR TREATMENT TABLE TREATMENT TABLE TREATMENT TABLE WASHER DRYER RAMP Locker rooms and athletic offices support the gymnasium. Windows on all for sides of the space promote natural lighting and transparency. Woodson s competition gymnasium offers seating for 1,000. Bleachers are retractable to create full-sized cross courts. The auxiliary gymnasium is adjacent to the competition gym and provides a secondary location for athletic events and assemblies.

24 STOR LOCKER LOCKABLE FILE STOR ICE STAIR STEPPER ELLIP UBE LOCKABLE STORAGE CLOSET SC COPIER STATIONARY EXERCISE MAT TAPING STATION TAPING STATION UTIL BENCH REF 3'-0" 3'-0" LOCKABLE STORAGE CLOSET UTIL BENCH REHAB EQUIP STOR TREATMENT TABLE TREATMENT TABLE TREATMENT TABLE WASHER DRYER RAMP The Natatorium features a separate entrance and community locker rooms that accomodate after hours community use. The 8-lane pool is equipped with a wheelchair ramp and diving boards. The school uses the pool for physical education as well as for competition swimming.

25 We believe this new facility will serve as a national model of architectural and educational excellence in the District of Columbia and the nation for years to come. Ollie Harper, Jr. Former Executive Director of OPEFM