Blythewood High School

Richland County School District Two

Completion Date
2005

Project Budget
$40 Million

Recently recognized as a CEFPI national finalist for the McConnell Award, this cutting edge 290,000 sf High School was designed in partnership with Perkins & Will to meet the ever expanding needs of Richland County School District Two. The school houses 1,700 students initially, with a core that allows expansion of up to 2,000 in the future. Technology and progressive teaching methodologies informs the design of the campus at all levels. The building is organized around a small lake, taking advantage of the natural beauty of the 150 acre site, and incorporates state-of-the-art program elements, such as a modern Media Center and Cyber Cafe. The design provides interdisciplinary learning opportunities in four distinct academic houses. Vocational labs are integrated with adjacent science labs in order to create opportunities for interaction and innovative discovery. The plan also features a performance auditorium with ancillary support space and two gymnasiums.

Represents experience of Doug Quackenbush as Principal-in-Charge and Barb Haller as Project Architect while at The Boudreaux Group.

Showcase Project

Lib Jackson Student Center Annex

This project is a two-phase renovation and expansion of the Lib Jackson Student Center. Phase 1 of the project consists of an approximately 40,000 sf addition primarily to the south and west of the existing building with Phase 2 anticipated to be of a similar size positioned to the east. The project is designed to expand student services and provide support for individuals, groups and student organizations. The program spaces facilitate social interaction, recreation, administration and meeting rooms, and features a 250-seat theatre.

Northeast Engineering / Science Classroom Facility Construction

This 68,000 sq. ft. classroom building addition at the Northeast Technology Campus will become the new home of the Engineering and Science departments of the College. The program features teaching labs and classrooms focusing on clean energy technology, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, supporting the mission of the College’s regional research partners. The design features strategies to provide student centered “casual” spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The facility will showcase flexible spaces and planning strategies to respond to changes in mission and technology.

School Designs Change with the Times

If back-to-school brings visions of the proverbial little red schoolhouse, better think again. Today’s schools are more a combination of brain research, educational advancements, sustainability and technology, bringing new challenges for school architects and designers. This amphitheater was built into the design of the Center for Knowledge as another area of learning. (Photo/Courtesty Quackenbush Architects & Planners) “It’s really like the chicken and the egg,” said architect Doug Quackenbush, as educators and architects collaborate on designing new schools using resources and ideas from both fields. “We give school districts good advice on a fully performing 21st century school while they inform us of new teaching techniques and educational trends.”