Phoenix Bioscience High School
Phoenix, AZ
Located near the proposed College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation School site, the Phoenix Union High School project represents another educational facility offering instruction to students interested in healthcare innovation. This state-of-the-art science-based classroom and lab focused school is in proximity of TGEN and the downtown community. The project was designed with the future of science and technology in mind, providing a flexible lab model that can morph with upcoming technology and various teaching strategies--preparing students for mentor-a nd internships with the surrounding community. On another note, the CMAR process for this project has resulted in a complete partnership with the CMAR, the subcontractors, the client and the architect. Design decisions were made simultaneously and real-time as Virtual Building models demonstrated how material or equipment changes in the project would affect the schedule or bottom-line costs.
The Bio Science High School project is truly a rare opportunity to combine the Phoenix Union High School District’s leading edge teaching philosophy with an architectural solution that is supportive of the curricular goals, and sensitive to the unique site conditions. The existing McKinley school building constructed in the late 1920s, along with the Garfield residential district to the East, provide a strong historical context. The emerging arts district to the north and numerous downtown cultural facilities add another layer of richness. The site is in the middle of the Genomics footprint, a few blocks from an emerging downtown Phoenix business district including ASU’s proposed downtown campus. This is a project site that is extremely well-situated for a Bio Science High School as the Phoenix Union High School District has envisioned. The building model was “filtered” to show appropriate information and clearly delineate the scope of work for all bidders (ie. showing all structural steel, masonry etc). And the building is designed for proper solar orientation: overhangs on south façade, no openings east and west. Sun studies were conducted to study shading effectiveness. Abundant amounts of natural light will reduce the need for artificial light.
