Lawrence High School

1. 2008 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture Lawrence High School Lawrence, Massachusetts High School New Construction Project of Distinction Flansburgh Architects

2. Lawrence High School Main Entrance

3. Community Environment Lawrence Massachusetts was one of the first “planned communities” in the East. With its numerous “Mill Buildings” located along the Merrimack River, Lawrence became the largest producer of worsted cloth at the turn of the century. By the 1940’s the city also had a lively Theatre Arts District to complement its strong industrial base. When planning the new High School, the design team envisioned a campus like environment that would reflect the City’s rich heritage while addressing the educational needs of the future. The design team toured the city extensively to understand its history, and had numerous discussions with the school committee regarding the image and impact such a large construction project would have on the community Typical riverside mill building Entrance to new Theatre Arts Wing

4. Community Environment y Use In addition to satisfying the educational program, the new High School provides an outstanding civic/recreational resource for the community. State of the art theatre and athletic facilities are accessible to the public and used year round. • From the beginning, the new high school was conceived as a civic structure. • The inclusion of “public spaces” such as the theatre and gymnasium engaged the community thus creating a sense of ownership.

5. Learning Environment The Lawrence High School has been designed to align with the school committee’s vision of smaller “learning communities” within a larger urban campus. The High School accommodates 3000 students – who in turn are housed in separate stand-alone academies. Each academy provides a unique and specialized learning environment focusing in Health and Human Services, Applied Science and Technology, Business Management and Technology and Arts and Communication. • The separate academies respond to the schools vision of smaller learning communities within a larger campus. • The use of individual academies, each with a different focus, support a variety of learning styles and methods.

6. Learning Environment Although conceived as “individual” academies, all students share common areas such as the Cafeteria, Gymnasium and Theater.

7. Physical Environment The building’s plan organizes the independent four-story academies along a central curvilinear spine. This relationship provides classrooms with an abundance of natural light, while creating outdoor courtyards between each academy. Shared resource areas such as the Auditorium and Gymnasium are also located along this spine. In massing and materials, the academies reference the City of Lawrence’s historical “Mill Building” style of architecture. • The red brick and window style used at the new High School directly relate to the “greater environment” of historic mill buildings found through out the City

8. Physical Environment Clad in polished zinc panels, the curvilinear spine creates the illusion of water in motion – evocative of the Merrimack River that was so critical to the foundation of Lawrence Massachusetts. • Bridges connect the individual academies helping to achieve the goal of a modern structure that reflects the City’s rich heritage.

9. Planning Process: The architectural team met continuously through out the design process with several community groups. In addition to the school and building committees meetings, other meetings were held with the zoning, building and historical boards as well. Town meetings and regular “site visits” by the school and building committees ensured that the final environment would align with the vision and goals set during the initial planning phase. Project Time Line

10. Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data

11. Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details