Science Lab, Walter Payton College Prep, Chicago, IL

Posted on: 11/4/2008

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Located on Chicago's North Side, Walter Payton College Preparatory High School is an internationally recognized math, science and world language academy founded in 2000. One of the school’s science labs was given new life through new Sagus furniture and casework. In partnership with Legat Architects, Sagus transformed the science lab into a more flexible environment. Educational outcomes were improved by providing a more responsive classroom space.

Sagus believes enhancing the physical space of the learning environment will improve educational outcomes. The renovation of this science lab shows how a more flexible, dynamic classroom experience can be attainable quickly and affordably. The result is a student-focused environment that can easily change with the teaching style.

“The biggest thing it opens up is just workable space,” said Walt Kinderman, Payton Prep Chemistry Teacher, on the newly renovated science lab. “Before, we had the kids somewhat isolated where they are working straight on the benches. Communication has certainly opened up by moving the tables and it just gives more surface area to perform the experience.”

A more collaborative and adaptable environment was created for science education. Using mobile desks with Discover™ stools, a mobile teaching wall and projector, plus new tables and laboratory built-in casework by LSI, a new science lab was developed which offers a more collaborative, interactive learning environment.

Legat Architects’ Dennis Kluge and Daniel Jiménez created floor plans to integrate the new casework, desks, chairs and projection technology. They then designed a palette of invigorating finishes and colors of blues and greens that produce a calming environment and yellow hues, which studies show aid in retention.

Arne Duncan, now Secretary of Education, commended the project as a model for public/private collaboration while CEO, Chicago Public Schools. “As the head of the third largest school district in the nation, this collaboration is exactly the type of out of the box approach to improving education we want. No one has the magic formula for success, but getting educators, administrators and companies to come to the table with a shared common goal is a way to get closer to unlocking the potential of our next generation.”

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Tags: Education Architecture Design Educational Environment Laboratory Innovation

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