New DREAMS Program Introduced at Waipahu Intermediate School Campus

(DLR Group) June 2, 2014 ― DLR Group is partnering with the Hawaii Department of Education and Waipahu Intermediate School to design a facility to house the school’s new DREAMS program. DREAMS – Digital media, Robotics, Engineering/electronics, Animation, Music and Science - responds to Waipahu’s vision to provide 21st Century learning opportunities in a collaborative, student-led environment. Located in Waipahu on Oahu, the new facility will be part of the Waipahu Intermediate Campus, which currently serves 1,200 students in grades seven and eight.

DLR Group’s design will provide 30,000 SF of specialized learning spaces, including classrooms, instructional labs and flexible spaces for small or large group study. Partnerships are essential to the success of the DREAMS program. Currently, Waipahu Intermediate School has secured a joint partnership with ‘Olelo Community Media to contribute to the Digital Media curriculum.

“Waipahu Intermediate School’s DREAMS program is the epitome of 21st Century learning. DLR Group is thrilled to design the first facility of this type in Hawaii,” said DLR Group Principal Lisa Johnson, AIA. “Our design will feature abundant technology and a variety of flexible learning spaces that will allow students to follow their talents and passion.”

In addition to new learning spaces, DLR Group’s design will create a commons and faculty center to connect the campus and surrounding community. A new auditorium will allow the school to screen both student and community productions.

To achieve Waipahu’s sustainability goals and meet Hawaii CHPs criteria, a variety of sustainable energy approaches are being pursued, including natural daylighting, natural ventilation capability, photovoltaic panels for on-sire renewable energy production, and a high efficiency mechanical system.

Construction of the $10M facility is expected to begin in September 2015 and will be completed in summer of 2016.

About DLR Group
DLR Group is an interdisciplinary design firm providing architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design from offices coast-to-coast and in China. Our promise is to elevate the human experience through design. This promise inspires sustainable design for a diverse group of public and private sector clients; local communities; and our planet. DLR Group fully supports the initiatives and goals of the 2030 Challenge and is an initial signatory to the AIA 2030 Commitment. Visit dlrgroup.com and follow us in Twitter.

Featured

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.

  • 144-Year-Old High-School Campus Debuts New Academic Facility

    San Diego High School (SDHS) in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new student services and classroom building; the project is part of a larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project that began in 2022.