Through a bond issue that was passed with wide community support, major remodeling/additions were initially envisioned to provide innovative spaces for STEAM instruction and collaborative activities at each of East China School District’s two rural high schools—St. Clair and Marine City.

As we began the design process, we explored numerous options to incorporate these instructional spaces within the fabric of the existing schools. One additional option suggested by TMP was to construct a centrally located Innovation Center that both high schools could utilize, as well as other grade levels throughout the district. This would allow a more comprehensive facility by combining budgets from both schools into one, unified facility that would create an iconic image for the district as well as an innovative facility for the benefit of students.

The implemented option includes a series of interactive studio and collaboration spaces that have open visibility from a central circulation spine. This spine organizes the entire Center and includes colorful attributes that enliven the “pathways” to learning. Many opportunities for small-group collaboration are located along this spine that also includes access to a controlled outdoor learning studio.

A series of Collaboration Studios, equipped with flexible mobile furniture, rounds out the spaces included within this new iconic Center for Innovation. At the south end of the circulation spine is a larger studio space used for collaborative activities and also functions as the District Board of Education meeting space.

The new Innovation Center has received wide accolades for its flexible and adaptable design that allows students to explore a wide variety of hands-on and digital instructional opportunities in a truly iconic facility!