January 26, 2012
WHEATON HIGH SCHOOL MODERNIZATION
SCHEMATIC DESIGN MEETING NO. 1
21202.10/075
ATTENDEES:
See attached sign in sheet.
Meeting Notes:
NEW BUSINESS:
1.1
Grimm + Parker provided a Powerpoint presentation which gave a quick overview of the
schematic design process, a brief review of the Feasibility Study process that was conducted
last year, and a review of the selected design concept. Following is a list of summary points:
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1.2
The role of the architect during the schematic design process is to align the values of
the program with the facts of the program.
The feasibility study process included many meetings over 3 months and included
students, community, parents, educators, staff and MCPS and Facilities.
Input from these stakeholders was summarized in a draft of Design Guiding Principles
as follows:
o A student centered facility that celebrates learning while providing a
sustainable contemporary learning environment with future flexibility.
o Must have a “WOW” factor – the building and educational programs are so
exciting that they attract students from all over the County.
o A state of the art facility that provides students, educators, and community
stakeholders with cutting edge programs and technology
o A beautiful, inspiring, sustainable facility that everyone can be proud of and
bring out of town visitors to see.
o Two Schools, Two Identities, both of which are a source of Community and
School Pride.
Numerous schemes were studied and evaluated and ultimately presented to the
Board for selection.
Grimm + Parker presented the scheme that was selected by the Board. It was noted that
the site plan indicates the general location of the buildings, fields, parking, and other site
elements, but that the building plans will be subject to study and development during the
Schematic Design Phase. Schematic phasing plans were also presented.
CALVERTON / MCLEAN
11720 Beltsville Drive Suite 600 / Calverton MD 20705 / Tel 301.595.1000 / Fax 301.595.0089/ grimmandparker.com
Wheaton High School Modernization
Schematic Design Meeting No. 1
Page No. 2
1.3
The remainder of the schematic design work session meeting dates are as follows:
1.
February 9, 2012, 2:30 pm at Thomas Edison High School of Technology.
2.
February 23, 2012, 6:30 pm at Thomas Edison High School of Technology.
3.
March 8, 2012, 2:30 pm at Thomas Edison High School of Technology.
4.
March 22, 2012, 6:30 pm at Wheaton High School.
5.
April 12, 2012, 2:30 pm at Thomas Edison High School of Technology.
6.
May 15, 2012, 7:00 pm at Thomas Edison High School of Technology. This meeting will
be a presentation to the community of the final schematic design solution.
1.4
The overall project schedule was discussed. This project will take a minimum of six years.
Two years will be required for design. The design phase will consist of schematic design,
design development, construction documents and bidding. Four to five years can be
anticipated for construction.
1.5
The Architect asked for input from the meeting attendees regarding the feasibility study.
Following is a synopsis of the comments:
• A concern was expressed regarding the amount of available parking for staff during
construction. This will need to be addressed as the design and phasing plans are
developed.
• The layout of the student drop0off /pick0up (within the parking area) creates a
potential conflict with staff arriving and/or departing from the parking lot. This will be
studied as the design is developed.
• Concern was expressed over the unavailability of athletic fields during construction.
MCPS noted that similar circumstances have occurred on other high school
construction projects and a plan will be implemented to handle this issue. Dennis
Cross also noted that the school should talk to some of the other schools that have
recently gone through this to get their feedback.
• It is desirable to be able to separate the public spaces from the academic areas for
after0hours events.
• The view of the building from Randolph Rd. is important. Sound from traffic on
Randolph should be addressed for classrooms and spaces along this road.
• There should be a similarity of materials in the two schools occupying the site, but
each should be different and have its own identity.
• Dennis Cross noted that the building and site elements are currently located to allow
the existing cell tower to remain at its current location. If the tower needs to be
relocated, this needs to be determined early as it will take time and also be costly.
1.6
The Architect asked the meeting attendees to respond to three questions in writing on index
cards that were handed out. Responses to each question were discussed, and the Architect
collected the index cards at the end of the meeting. The responses have been transcribed
and are included in these minutes. The questions were as follows:
1. What 3 things would make your new school/teaching experience more
successful?
2. What are 3 new & exciting ways your new school can embrace technology
effectively?
3. Please list 3 key design features that you believe could contribute to the “WOW”
factor of the new Wheaton HS.
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Schematic Design Meeting No. 1
Page No. 3
1.7
Following are the responses to the questions above:
QUESTION #1
Note: Answers are grouped by card
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A school that is welcoming to the community (not just a wellness center, but a computer
center & other resources – Laslinks)
Lots of natural lighting with a way to shade the windows to various levels
Academically centered spaces outside of classrooms (places for students to study and
eat, and be happy to be here!)
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Common space for students
Common large conference room
Wireless access to technology/network
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Build to anticipate the technology of the future, looking over the horizon as much as
possible
Common areas that students will actually want to use – perhaps with the flexibility for the
students can decide how to use them (within guidelines of course)
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Destination places for students
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A computer lab dedicated to world languages
All classroom wired for wireless connection and computers in class
A classroom per teacher (no floating teachers)
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Successful school/teaching experience – minimize distractions in final product, functional
& aesthetic security at entrance, building and rooms match program, versatile and
reliable, energy efficient HVAC
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More flexibility in classroom orientation – it’s tied to the board now
Ability to use computers with my students –accessible labs
Way to accommodate traveling teachers
Security/entrance
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Building the students can take pride in that doesn’t make them physically ill
Lab facilities that are up to date and able to be upgraded as technological advances
dictate
Functional and flexible facilities with adequate infrastructure
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Athletics – ample space for all athletic programs, including indoor (2 gyms, wrestling
room, weight room, dance studio, and outdoor (stadium field – turf – softball, baseball,
tennis quad, track spaces)
Classrooms – lots of light, comfortable climate
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Clean, airy, ventilated, green
To sustain departmental identity
Enough computer labs to serve the needs of ALL subjects
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More efficient learning space for collaborative work for both teachers and students
Flexible seating and furniture
Wheaton High School Modernization
Schematic Design Meeting No. 1
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Gathering areas for small groups
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Functional space for all departments and courses
Common space for students which shows off student work with plenty of light
Able to divide the school into teaching areas and public areas
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Clearly visible and welcoming entrance way
Shared admin/counseling space to allow for an increase in student assistance and
commitment
Outside teaching space
Natural lighting and beautiful landscape to promote an environmentally successful
school
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Large green spaces in a variety of areas in the building for classes to relocate for special
projects
Gallery spaces to display student work
Very few obstructions in hallways
Well lit classrooms/windows
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Staff lounge
Guidance office next to main office
Admin secretary office next to main office
QUESTION #2
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School needs to be easily upgradable to the newest networking/wireless capability.
Classrooms built for the future which will likely be more computer0based (or iPad) and less
textbook based
Lots of places to plug0in/charge0up; not just iPads, but cars!
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Instructional technology throughout
Rooms that lend themselves to being reconfigured in their purpose
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Embrace technology – create a showpiece utility plant that can demonstrate
sustainable energy
Ensure all rooms are “wired” and use materials allowing campus WiFi
Incorporate security (cameras, etc.) that are both easy to service and incorporated into
the interior architecture
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High0tech classrooms – instead of Prometheans the white boards are electronically
integrated w/AV projections (ViderWalls) – control station/podium etc. in front of
classrooms
Solar panels and green roofs
Positive ventilation
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Adequate electricity to operate equipment with room for upgrades
Flexible to meet needs of courses and teachers’ needs
Have facilities that work – HVAC/plumbing, etc. Building that doesn’t make people sick.
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Green energy – geothermal, solar panels, recycling grey water = produce energy and
sell it
Wheaton High School Modernization
Schematic Design Meeting No. 1
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A wireless library open to the public so that the community can benefit from it along with
students
Clear documentation of how it’s built = textbook for students who will embrace
architecture
All classrooms are wireless capable
Multiple servers to increase speed – divided between academy and academic
programs
Lights in classrooms which can be individually manipulated – or by row
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Technology is available for student use
Studios that combine art/music use and computers
Technology that allows for connectivity with university, community & international
partners
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Able to use wireless everywhere
Engineering, bioscience & IT areas use state of the art industry standard set ups /work
space
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Classrooms designed around technology rather than technology added on
Ample access for students to computers and other technology
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Wireless for portable laptop classrooms
Automatic shutoff for plug0in areas
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Paperless school – use of technology to reduce the need for paper, books, etc.
Everyone would have WiFi enabled devices, information could be shared either
synchronously or asynchronously
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Student meeting areas (cafes? Lounges?)
Staff lounges with wireless cubicles – closed areas
Athletic areas/weights, etc. for students and staff
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Wireless computer access to support new technology, i.e. laptops and tablets
Swipe card access instead of keys
Security system accessible by admin computers
QUESTION #3
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Open space common areas/entrance with appeal
Food vendors to provide greater variety to students on a closed campus environment
Randolph Road appeal with sound impact management
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Along Randolph some architectural design that will weather well and is eye0catching
Something “welcoming” that makes people want to come inside and see “what’s on the
other side of that?”
Art/sculpture
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A pair of designs that make a statement – different yet with a them that unites the
campus
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Schematic Design Meeting No. 1
Page No. 6
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Large glass areas and/or skylights to maximize use of daylight
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Auditorium: Stadium seating – not as deep as Watkins Mill HS or Northwest HS – not flat
like Richard Montgomery or Blair. Seating sections for obese individuals. Lecture halls slid
under the ramp of the auditorium floor
Wow landscaping – those pine trees on Dalewood have to be cut and replaced
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Glass windows, lots of natural light
Comfortable area where students can sit for lunch and enjoy seeing nature
Street0like entrance with lamp posts
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Wow factor – design features
Majestic, prominent and visible façade on Randolph Road
Some open space that won’t take too much from needed class space and common
space
A functional and welcoming stadium(s)/gym, with amenities like ticket booth, bathrooms
and snack bar
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New, working, functional building(s)
Clear identities for each school so people clearly see two schools
Building students can have pride in that promotes strong school spirit
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Teleconference studios
Recording/art studios
Facilities that would allow for a greater presence of Montgomery College courses on
campus
Awesome theatre
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An open atrium space in which students can gather to socialize before and after school
and at lunch
Turf and stadium field
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Central meeting areas
State of the art dining facilities
Light on the inside, and not dark and foreboding on the outside – day or not
Athletic “Hall of Fame” – among athletic facilities
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Courtyard area connected to cafeteria which is enclosed
Façade from the old building to preserve historical perspective
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Open common areas with light – plenty of windows
State of the art labs
Plenty of places to showcase student work
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Outside areas for recreation as well as inside areas
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Walking campus with low lighting and beautiful landscape
Randolph Road side should receive a view of the school that enhances the community
Outside teaching space
Open soaring ceilings that allow natural light
Wheaton High School Modernization
Schematic Design Meeting No. 1
Page No. 7
NEXT MEETING:
1.
The next feasibility meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 2:30 p.m.
at Thomas Edison High School of Technology, Room 2206.
THESE NOTES ARE THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE MEETING AND REPRESENT THE UNDERSTANDING OF
THE WRITER OF ITEMS DISCUSSED AND DECISIONS MADE DURING THIS MEETING. WE SHALL ASSUME
OUR UNDERSTANDING TO BE CORRECT UNLESS WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE CONTRARY IS BROUGHT TO
OUR ATTENTION WITHIN SEVEN DAYS.
Author: Karen Burlingame
KMB/kmb
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