Design Concept: A Bridge to the Community

Central High Needs:  A design that reflects their character as a Community School in an Urban environment versus just an Urban location. 

Because:  There are urban schools that simply exist as an island within the bounds of an urban footprint.  And there are schools that are full fledged community schools in an urban environment. A community school is one that shares its facilities with the neighbors.  It is a school that fosters community activities and brings people together.  In the earliest design workshops, Central’s visioning team described the school as a bridge to the community.  They recently confirmed that vision in a February 28th design workshop.  When presented with a description and diagram of Community School versus Urban School, the participants embraced the definition of a Community School in an Urban environment. 

The City of Springfield encourages public facilities to work with neighboring communities to foster shared use of public facilities.  The City of Springfield’s Vision 20/20 calls for public and private collaboration especially in the use of public buildings for community projects.  Central High is a public facility and has the potential to host a variety of community based programs.  Doing so would build a bridge to the Community.

In order to:  By designing a bridge to the community, Central will fulfill their vision.  They will also fulfill the vision of Springfield City leadership for public / private collaborations.