New FHS concept: fayar.netArchitects to present FHS design ideas this week
Last week, the Fayetteville School Board got its first look at the design ideas for the Fayetteville High School renovation project. Beginning tonight, the public will also have a chance to see what the architectural team of Hight Jackson, DLR Group and Marlon Blackwell have in mind for the $45 million project.
Over the next three days, architects will present their design ideas during a series of public meetings and will then be available for comments and questions following the presentations.
The meetings are tonight (Tuesday) at Ramay Junior High, Wednesday at Fayetteville High and Thursday at Woodland Junior High. All of the meetings are in the school cafeterias and begin at 6 p.m.
FHS full vision concept
Expect to see two different options for a “10-year master plan” that will require at least two phases of construction before the entire vision is complete.
The master plan represents what Superintendent Vicki Thomas calls, “a compliation of ideas and input received as well as a concerted effort to hold true to those compelling issues outlined from previous community forums.”
Those include:
- A new, identifiable face to the campus that fronts Martin Luther King Blvd.
- Flexible, 300-student learning spaces to accommodate up to a total of 3,000 students, including 9th graders at some point in the future that is yet to be determined.
- Enhanced security that limits multiple, unsecured access points of entrance to the campus.
- A 1,200-seat performing arts center that will be large enough to house school programs as well as enable teachers and students to hold productions on campus and have adequate instructional space.
- A 3,000-seat, walk-down gymnasium which allows patrons to enter through the top level down while athletes enter and stay separated on the bottom level.
- An expanded cafeteria space capable of serving all students.
- Built-in green spaces that can be used as outdoor learning spaces.
Since the final vision will cost more than the $45 million budget allows, only part of the concept can be built now. But the architects believe that what they have come up with will solve all of the problems being voiced about the current facilities.
FHS street view concept
“We have listened very intently to the desires of the faculty and school and in our proposals have included everything,” said Marlon Blackwell during a special board meeting last week. “However, we know that there will probably have to be some adjustments made as we go on in the process,” he added, pointing out that they are still in the pre-design process at the moment.
The purpose of this week’s meetings are to gain public input of the overall vision before either of the two options for realizing that vision are decided upon. In other words, now is the chance to voice your opinion.
Public FHS design meetings
Tuesday, Jan. 19 – Ramay Junior High cafeteria, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 20 – Fayetteville High cafeteria, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 21 – Woodland Junior High cafeteria, 6 p.m.
Comments
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By burgerboy on January 19th, 2010
There’s something really beautiful about Marlon Blackwell’s work.
I think most of his buildings are better viewed at night.
Check out: http://www.marlonblackwell.com for some of his work.
By mpetty on January 19th, 2010
I don’t understand why there are three firms. Doesn’t that cost more money?
By Me on January 19th, 2010
Matt, it probably doesn’t cost more because all three are likely willing to do preliminary work for free or cheap hoping to get the job. The same principle holds for when the architects hire an engineer, when the engineer picks suppliers to base their design on, and when contractors work up their bids. Using one construction team that negotiates the job is a viable method, but these kinds of things typically follow this flow since it will be a bid job.
By baribeau on January 19th, 2010
Architect’s fees are based off of percentage of cost of construction, so expect the same fee regardless of how many people are stacked on the team…the team takes only a certain percentage…
It is a great design proposal…a new face with a front porch unifying multiple buildings and creating real spaces between.
By Vicki New on January 20th, 2010
We don’t need another Wal-Mart Supercenter on 6th Street.
By Offcamber on January 20th, 2010
Sorry it’s not a tacky red brick monster First Baptist Springdale, the WAC, or half the schools in America. Maybe some roman columns or a black shingle roof would help? I guess our area still isn’t used to contemporary modern.
I love all the bright and airy South-facing glass and green common areas. A school that’s almost…hip? Halving the $115 million asked in the loopy millage proposal doesn’t hurt, either.
Credit to Wal*Mart for having ample parking, though. Unless there’s a parking garage underneath, the FHS rendering doesn’t show any relief to the problem of upgrading a very cramped, hilly site. A large share of students already have to buy a U of A parking pass and hike it to school every day. I did in the 1990s!
By Donkeylips on January 20th, 2010
There’s contemporary modern, then there’s big box retailer; this is somewhere between. Not a total Betty, but a vast improvement
By David Franks on January 20th, 2010
Meaning it’s somewhat Wilma?
By burgerboy on January 20th, 2010
Taste is subjective.
I used to not care for Marlon Blackwell’s work, circa Kennan Tower, but now I’m a big fan.
Any dislike I have for Modern structures is about their inability to age well. Mid Century Modern buildings all looked best the day they were built, but since then they’ve faded in appeal.
Marlon Blackwell specifically accounts for and plans for weathering, and incorporates it into his design. His buildings actually look better over time, IMO.
If this design looks like a Supercenter to you, then I suppose this:
http://marlonblackwell.com/#/work/residential/7
reminds you of a McDonald’s.
The guy does fabulous, unique architecture. I’m all for Fayetteville having more of that.
He’s become a nationally recognized architect.
By Michael on January 20th, 2010
Taste certainly is subjective and Blackwell’s work is unique.
Wouldn’t say the designs for the FHS renovations are Walmart like, but look like boring metal boxes in the sketches shown. Nothing interesting or compelling about the design. It looks like so many other bland multi-story boxes, just missing a corporate logo.
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