At the height of the digital age, our educational institutions are eager to transform the way students learn and collaborate. Westgroup Designs is fervently committed to pushing the boundaries of educational space design, preparing our future generations for a world where the importance of mobility, flexibility and technology allow for greater growth and innovation. Harnessing $1.5M CTE Grant Funding, we pioneered an ambitious project for Santa Ana Unified School District's Saddleback High School, setting the stage for the future of media labs in K-12 schools.
The Saddleback High School Digital Media Lab is a model of forward-thinking maker space with an industrial aesthetic, transforming two existing classrooms into state-of-the-art production and collaboration spaces. These revamped spaces are acutely attuned to the needs of today's tech-savvy, mobile-oriented students, enabling them to delve into the nuances of media production technologies. Comprised of two Broadcast Studios, a Podcasting Studio, six Edit Stream Suites, two Stage Suites, and a tech equipment workroom, these facilities echo the real-world media production industry: offering students a hands-on learning experience while honing their skills for the future.
In addition to these specialized spaces, the project introduced a 2,600 square foot Collaboration Studio, equipped with flexible furnishings and movable partitions, that can accommodate multiple class configurations, fostering a conducive environment for idea exchange and creative thinking.
The Saddleback High School Digital Media Lab's success represents our broader vision for K-12 education design, where media labs will no longer be an auxiliary aspect of learning but a central, integrated part of the curriculum. We remain committed to the future of education, contributing to the creation of these inspiring spaces for learning and innovation and to be part of this transformative journey in educational environments.
Thank you, Los Alamitos Unified School District, Members of the Board, Dr. Pulver, staff members and faculty for the opportunity to contribute to the successful completion of your new 86,000 square foot, 3-story STEM building that is designed to solve the educational challenges of today and tomorrow, and to meet the demands of the future generations of students as they build upon their skills and fluency in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. As an architectural expression of this inspirational program, you see the large, framed Los Al Royal Blue “Window of Opportunity” above the main entry that represents a new public face to the community as it welcomes curious minds, with the collective goal of elevating the civic identity of the school to a post-secondary standard. Standing as a beacon of achievement in the community, this new facility with high-performing standards of Los Alamitos High School will prepare tomorrow’s leaders for great success beyond the classroom, wherever life takes them. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish!
Westgroup Design’s architectural solution will bring two new CTE buildings to the campus that will support Transportation (i.e. automotive) and Agriscience/Agricultural Mechanics pathways. The facilities will give students hands-on experience with state-of-the-art automotive diagnostics and repair equipment, greenhouse horticulture, and wood, metal and CNC fabrication.
“It’ll be a breath of fresh air onto the campus and into the community,” said Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, and will allow the District “…the ability to realize the dream of creating the facility that our students deserve.”
As part of Fillmore USD’s facilities improvement efforts at Fillmore High School, Westgroup Designs is overhauling the campus electrical infrastructure to support future projects, such as a new Gymnasium, Performing Arts Center, and Administration, as well as modernization of existing classrooms.
In addition to work with Fillmore USD, Westgroup Designs is currently finishing construction of two High School campuses for Garden Grove USD that was made possible by $40 million of State AB 300 seismic replacement funds WD’s fast-track design solution secured. The construction is more than 85% complete, with the work phased to allow the campus to remain open without the need of interim housing.
See the District’s full press release here.
“It’ll breathe a breath of fresh air onto the campus and into the community,” said Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, and will allow the District “…the ability to realize the dream of creating the facility that our students deserve.”
As part of Fillmore USD’s facilities improvement efforts at Fillmore High School, Westgroup Designs is overhauling the campus electrical infrastructure to support future projects, such as a new Gymnasium, Performing Arts Center, and Administration, as well as modernization of existing classrooms.
In addition to work with Fillmore USD, Westgroup Designs is currently finishing construction of two High School campuses for Garden Grove USD that was made possible by $40 million of State AB 300 seismic replacement funds WD’s fast-track design solution secured. The construction is more than 50% complete, with the work phased to allow the campus to remain open without the need of interim housing.
See the District’s full press release here.
Watch out SpaceX, There’s a New Inventor in Town.
Architectural Design Director, Kenneth Ong, AIA and his 6-year-old son, Ryan, engaged in a fun STEM activity at the Astounding Inventions 2017 event. Ryan had great fun building and launching several iterations to improve the design and durability of his rocket.
Who Needs an iPad When You Can Build Your Own Computer?
Director of Strategy, Renee Rose Andrade and her husband help their 6-year-old daughter, Aria, build her own Kano computer. Aria has an enduring interest in computer technology (aka iPads and iPhones), and now she has a blast learning to code games, art, music and even apps on her Kano computer.
Put the Elf Back on the Shelf. Leprechaun Traps Spark Creativity That’s as Good as Gold.
Senior Interior Designer, Vickie Nicola, CID and her 5-year-old-son, Gavin, create traps to capture mischievous Leprechauns in the weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Gavin builds the Leprechaun traps out of blocks, legos, and toys and then puts a coin in the center. The goal being to lure in the Leprechaun and have the structure collapse and trap him. It makes for exciting mornings when the family dog or cat knocks the trap down the night before, because Gavin is convinced his traps are working!
Students and faculty at Newcomb Academy in Long Beach will return to class Wednesday to a renovated campus with new features.
Newcomb Academy is the first K-8 school rebuilt as part of the Long Beach Unified School District’s Measure K bond program. The bond program has already created three new schools aside from significant infrastructure updates at different schools sites within the district.
View the original article from the Press Telegram