High Tech Learning and Ecological Design Go Hand in Hand for School Facilities

High Tech learning

High Tech learning

High Tech Learning

High Tech learning 

IMAGES COURTESY OF DMR ARCHITECTS

Education is constantly evolving, and architects play a major role in helping educational clients create facilities that meet a growing need for technologically advanced programs in ecologically sustainable environments. This is particularly true in vocational/technical programs, where sustainability is integrated directly into the curriculum, and is key in preparing students for a variety of post-secondary experiences.

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ-based DMR Architects, with a portfolio of numerous vocational/technical projects, is currently advancing through a design/build contract for the Hudson County Schools of Technology’s High Tech High School, a 340,000-square-foot, three-story facility for grades nine-12 with a wing for each of the school’s four Career Academies, Vocational Training, Architecture & Engineering, Applied Science, and Performing Arts, set to open in the fall of 2018. The building will seek LEED Platinum certification.

The project includes ecological design features that increase the functionality and energy-efficiency of the facility, while supporting the educational curriculums within the school including geothermal heating, rainwater harvesting, solar panels, green roofs and wind generated turbines.

Additionally, the school grounds will feature hydroponic gardens that will be curated by students and faculty in the Applied Science Academy, used in lessons by culinary students in the Vocational Training Academy, and ultimately eaten by all students in the shared cafeteria.

The level of sophistication, specificity of knowledge and integration of sustainable curriculums into high school educational programs has expanded rapidly over the past several years. Our school clients, particularly our vocational school clients, are committed to providing teaching tools that prepare students for sustainable futures. We are excited to be part of the team advancing the High Tech High School project, which will set a standard for sustainable education across the country.

High Tech High School is one of more than 600 preK-12 educational projects that DMR has developed in its 26-year history. Among many architect of record projects, DMR’s current educational roster includes three vocational/technical school systems and several more sustainable projects. The firm designed the first LEED Silver certified public school in New Jersey, the Carlstadt Elementary School, as well as many certified higher educational projects, including West Hall at Middlesex County College, which achieved LEED Gold certification in 2017.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

Pradeep Kapoor, LEED-AP BD+C, is director of Sustainable Design and Partner at DMR Architects, headquartered in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. He can be reached via www.dmrarchitects.com.

Featured

  • California Middle School Completes Two New Academic Buildings

    Sunnyvale Middle School in Sunnyvale, Calif., recently announced that construction is complete on two new classroom buildings of two stories each, according to a district news release. The new wing will house seventh- and eighth-grade students and is part of a larger campus modernization project.

  • Ancient Resilience: How Indigenous Intelligence Shapes the 4Roots Education Building

    As climate change intensifies, educational spaces must evolve beyond basic sustainability toward true resilience – we must design environments that can adapt, respond, and thrive amid shifting, and intensifying, climate hazards. Drawing on indigenous wisdom and nature-based strategies, integrating resilient design offers a path to create learning environments that are not only functional but deeply in tune with their natural surroundings.

  • ECM Technologies Wins ‘Most Innovative Business of the Year’ Award

    HVAC preventative maintenance and efficiency solutions provider ECM Technologies was recently named the “Most Innovative Business of the Year” at the 2025 Champions of Change Awards, according to a news release. The program recognizes Arizona business leaders and organizations taking steps to make a positive impact on the state through innovative thinking and philanthropy.

  • New eBook Shares Guidelines on Building CTE Centers

    Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum and resources provider iCEV recently announced the publication of a new eBook sharing guidance and insights on building new CTE facilities, according to a news release.

Digital Edition