Cardinal Newman High School New Student Life Center

Design Challenge

Despite a commitment to academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum, Cardinal Newman High School has historically been recognized more for athletic achievements. A central design challenge was to create a facility that supports and enhances the academic profile of this college preparatory school. Inspired by student union facilities common on college campuses, this project is known as the Student Life Center and Library and aims to support the school’s mission to educate students in the wholeness of body, mind and soul. This was accomplished by providing spaces that foster learning, innovation and community. Learning - Even though learning spaces are prevalent throughout the building, a library and learning center on the upper level provide targeted opportunities in two ways. First, a group study area accommodates group activities, including public speaking and presentations. Flexible furniture can be arranged for a variety of group sizes, up to a full class. Additionally, a separate quiet area lends itself to individual study and reading. Separate group study rooms equipped with technology accommodate small group activity in a private setting, while faculty offices allow students immediate access to college and career counseling. All spaces are enhanced with audio/visual systems and acoustical treatments tailored to various activities. Innovation - A flexible classroom space, known as the Innovation Lab, was designed in collaboration with students with particular interest in technology careers. The goal was to provide a space accessible to all students to experiment, tinker and build. The space includes flexible workstations, abundant power and data, natural light and project storage spaces. Exposed structural connections and framing elements are used by the engineering classes and Innovation Lab programs. In addition to technology careers, the space is also accessible to students interested in exploring other subjects, such as science, math and accounting. An adjacent Digital Lab allows for exploration in video and music production and broadcasting. Community – The building includes a central lounge area to facilitate a wide variety of student activities, from group projects, presentations, student-teacher collaboration and socialization. Flexible seating allows the students to reconfigure the space to suit the activities taking place. A large conference room further supports simultaneous activities. Offices for faculty that interact most frequently with students are located directly off the lounge. A large structural skylight floods the space with natural light, a main circulation stair connects the two building levels and provides multiple viewing locations, vibrant colors reflect the energy in the space and acoustical treatments temper the noise. The new kitchen provides a variety of fresh-made food options throughout the day. The dining hall is outfitted with flexible seating that can be stored away to allow other uses to take place. Large roll-up doors blur the line between indoor and outdoor dining. Separate food storage rooms and equipment are incorporated to accommodate after-school events by various parent and community groups.

Physical Context

Maximizing integration into its surroundings, the Student Life Center features ample outdoor dining and gathering spaces, as well as large operable garage doors that blur the line between indoor and outdoor. The building’s massing, materials and color palette complement the adjacent neighborhoods that are also in the process of rebuilding. The building incorporates various sustainable features that minimize its environmental footprint while contributing to long-term energy efficiency and resource conservation. These include energy-efficient lighting and mechanical systems, which reduce energy consumption and create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures play a pivotal role in conserving water resources, aligning with responsible water usage within the facility. The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the building itself. Drought-tolerant landscaping requires less water, supports local ecosystems, and reduces ongoing maintenance demands. Bioswales contribute to stormwater management and help mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall, contributing to the project’s overall resilience. Moreover, operable windows provide opportunities for natural ventilation and improved indoor air quality, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.