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.