Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

High School Media Center Sees Modernization into Learning Commons

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/18/21

The Watchung Hills Regional High School District in Warren, N.J., recently partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., to renovate the Watchung Hills Regional High School Media Center into a top-of-the-line learning commons area. The Learning Commons serves as an active learning space that accommodates up-to-date technology and a wide variety of learning styles.

“The project has been a great success and created some amazing spaces for our students. We began with a vision, and the result is even better than expected—from the layout to the furniture to the colors, it all looks great,” said Elizabeth C. Jewett, Ph.D., Watchung Hills Regional High School District superintendent.

Watchung Hills Regional High School Media Center

New amenities include flexible spaces for teacher- and student-led instruction and collaboration; instructional spaces and quiet spaces; a podcast room, a TV studio, and a VR lab; Makers technology including 3D printers; and a café. The space also features moveable walls that encourage active learning.

“It was truly a collaborative effort by all involved with creative financing that resulted in a net-zero impact to taxpayers,” said Timothy Stys, the district’s business administrator. “Spiezle listened to everything we were trying to achieve in that space and successfully incorporated all aspects of our requirements.”

“Partnering with the Watchung Hills Regional High School District to create a refreshed, inspired learning space has been an honor,” said Steven Siegel, Principal of Spiezle. “This space and project have been a huge success, and we know this new environment will help students and faculty thrive for years to come. Education is one of our core markets, and we are happy to construe our thoughts and incorporate trends to design and build impactful spaces.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Hawaii Elementary School Breaks Ground on New Classroom Building

    Kealakehe Elementary School in Kailua, Hawaii, recently began construction on a new, $16-million classroom building for its campus, according to a news release. The 13,000-square-foot building will stand two stories and connect the existing upper and lower campuses.

  • Illinois State University Breaks Ground on College of Fine Arts Transformation

    Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project, according to university news. The series of new constructions and renovations will upgrade spaces in Centennial East, the Center for the Visual Arts, and the Center for the Performing Arts, as well as replace the existing Centennial West facility with a new Commons Building.

  • Texas District Breaks Ground on Second High School

    The Waller Independent School District in Waller, Texas, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for what will become its second high school, according to a news release.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.