The Shadle Park High School renovation project was inspired by the original architectural design theme: the international style which was very popular in the mid-20th century. This style emphasized simplicity of building massing, lack of ornament, and it was common to see such buildings clad with glass curtainwall in rhythmic window grid patterns. Shadle Park High School is perhaps Spokane’s best example of this style, after the Avista corporate headquarters building. (Interestingly this style reemerged in the late 20th century, somewhat reinterpreted, but true to its roots.)This original signature style is carefully preserved and modestly reinterpreted in the Shadle Park High School renovation. New massing elements in the form of the new library, the cross-connection mass to the gyms, and the new gyms themselves somewhat redefine the overall balance of masses without changing its original character. In addition, the energy-inefficient glass skin of the original building was completely removed and replaced with a new thermal-insulated glass and curtainwall skin—but again faithful to the original window modules and grid patterns. Thus Shadle Park High School has been restored to its original grandeur, affectionately known as the “glass palace.”However, the major dilemma of the design was redefining Shadle’s front entrance. Traditionally the main entry locations stretched along Ash Street, and invited much dangerous comingling of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on this busy street. To avoid this, the entry was deliberately repositioned along the west side of the building, now inviting entry from the north along a new promenade down the west side of the building. This is a much more gracious entry experience where visitors can take in a grand view of the building juxtaposed to the adjacent park. In addition, it leads those visitors to the cultural heart of the school—its new student Commons area, that also serves as an entry lobby for gymnasium events. Altogether this is a huge improvement over what used to be the utilitarian service/delivery side of Shadle Park High School—and a very poor interface with a beautiful park.The interior core spaces were significantly renovated. While the main instructional areas were all redone, they remained mostly in their original locations. The corridor circulation system, remains mostly intact but cosmetically upgraded. However the student Commons, office, food service, gyms and fitness/athletic support spaces were completely reorganized and redefined in terms of interior design. The auditorium was also scaled down, but much improved for sight lines, acoustics, and stage outfitting. Altogether the core of the school relates much better to student core needs (i.e. library, food service, student gathering, performing arts, athletics, etc.) and accommodates public events much more space and convenience.
View Original