LOCATION
Antwerp, Ohio
COMPLETION
2022
SCOPE
Renovation
• A fabrication lab for 16-20 students with an overhead door to the exterior and lockable storage. This space houses the main technological equipment such as TVs, 3D printers, CNC lathes and a vinyl maker.
• A discovery lab for 20-25 students working on smaller, short-term projects. This room has mobile furniture and flexible workstations, and uses storage within furniture.
• A multimedia studio with vision glass into the sound booth and dedicated computers for the control room. It includes a green wall for filming and curtain track for photography use.
• Each room contains multiple teaching walls, flexible furnishings, writable wall panels, overhead electric outlets and ample countertop with sinks and lockable storage.
• The glass entrance area contains cable-suspended displays and cubed display cases for historical and school related items.
• A new prefabricated greenhouse adjacent to the center will be used for horticulture, aquaponics and hydroponics.
According to a statement by Antwerp Local Schools Superintendent Martin Miller in the Aug. 24, 2021, edition of The Crescent-News, “The Antwerp Board of Education, administration and staff are committed to being responsive to the changing landscape of education and finding ways to prepare our students most appropriately. Teaching and learning have changed significantly in recent years. The need for memorization of facts, figures and details, while very important, is secondary to the need for deep understanding, connection of ideas, problem-solving, and the ability to apply and transfer ideas to other areas. Learning expectations now involve higher levels of thinking, research, problem-solving, real-world application of learning and critical thinking.”
The flooring throughout the workroom and lab areas is polished concrete, which was chosen for its durability, ease of maintenance and diverse use of the space, while the lounge/entrance is carpeted to provide acoustic qualities. The ceiling structure throughout is exposed to provide a more industrial feel and has several acoustic treatments applied.
The site was designed with a randomized pattern of precast concrete pavers that created an organic access walk; the pattern has a variety of colors to create a mosaic look. There are flexible seating areas for outdoor learning spaces such as boulder seating, a grass amphitheater and gravel areas with loose seating. These natural learning spaces allow small or large groups to gather outside.
According to Miller, “The Center will likewise serve as a hub for our STEM and STEAM initiatives preparing our young adults with the skills necessary to meet the employment needs of area businesses and to play a part in the growth of new business and jobs for our community and county.”
