Junipero Serra School in California gets Ratcliff-designed arts and science center
California-based architectural firm Ratcliff has designed the $21 million 'Center for the Arts and Sciences and Aquatics Facility' at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California.
The Center for the Arts and Sciences and Aquatics Facility located at the heart of the campus contains 24,000 square feet classroom building and 38 meter by 25 yard pool. Ratcliff has designed the facility at the Junipero Serra School in a way to establish new student circulation patterns that will create an innovative synergy between the arts, sciences, and athletics at the historic Catholic high school for boys.
The center will be equipped with the latest instructional technology such as, Smart Board and digital camera technology, student laptops and wireless computer connectivity, to enhance student learning process.
Five new science lecture laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, and classrooms that integrate current advanced technology are included in the facility. New facilities for yearbook, newspaper and films; a new broadcasting studio; expanded opportunities for engaging students in real world communication are some other features.
A large art room dedicated to painting, drawing and 3-D art; a new ceramics room; increased display and work space are located in the adjacent arts plaza. The facility also houses state-of-the-art band rehearsal and choral space; recording facilities; a Green Room for the Theater Arts Program; and a work room for instrument repair.
The Academic Resource Center features expanded classroom space; a meeting room to accommodate family conferences; and a separate small group tutoring and collaborative study classroom.
Part of the new center, the aquatic facility includes a 38 meter by 25 yard pool for water polo and swimming; spectator bleachers; and expansion of summer programs including the Serra Swim School.
The entire project will be designed and built by incorporating sustainable design features in accordance with the City of San Mateo's building code, which is equivalent to achieving LEED- Silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The facility is expected to be opened by August 2011.
