Project Description
The Valley Pathways is a 7-12 school for learners with unique abilities and circumstances that are not being met in more traditional settings. Creating an environment that easily adapts to the necessarily varied teaching strategies was paramount to meeting student’s varied needs. The academic wing organizes classrooms around shared lab spaces, making specialized spaces accessible to all grade levels. ‘L’ shaped classrooms provide opportunities for varied teaching/learning settings with shared break out spaces. Informal learning happens in circulation spaces, nooks and the main gathering spaces. Because of their reliance on technology for delivering course content the traditional media center was transformed into a multi-media presentation room, a showpiece for of academic achievement connected to the commons.
The school is organized around a dynamic gathering space that connects entry, athletics and academics. Administrative areas are open and engaged with this space providing critical interaction between staff, students and community users. Despite its open feel the school can be easily partitioned providing security during after-hours use.
Clerestory windows bring sun into core lab spaces, the Learning Signature features prominently inside and out and learning is on display everywhere. A sense of community and connectedness is supported by strategic use of interior windows allowing views to and from all learning spaces. Bright interior materials and finishes make the most of Alaska’s precious winter sun reflecting into every corner of the school. Dual cladding systems of metal and tile engage at multiple scales creating a façade that is both colorful and sophisticated.