Architects revealed their ambitious plans for the new high school at the Bold Center last week, showcasing a building that incorporates Lac La Biche’s bountiful natural beauty and sunlight.
Funding has been secured thanks to a $550 million investment package given to 35 Alberta schools by the provincial government. Stantec Architecture designed the new school, along with a similar school in Grand Prairie; both buildings are unique in both the amount of light and modern designs they provide. Construction is set to begin late summer after a tendering process in July or early August, and all plans are on track for a September 2014 opening, said architect Bill Saul from Stantec Architecture. The construction of the building itself will use similar exterior materials to the ones used in building the Bold Center.
“We really wanted to make this school look and feel like a natural extension of the multiplex,” Saul said.
An emphasis on light and the impact of windows was also a major priority for the architect and his design team. Upon the initial view of the site, Saul noticed a beautiful view of the lake to the north – that view became the guiding premise of the design, and Saul made sure to include a large two-floor glass enclosed “flux” space in his final designs so that all the students and faculty could gaze at Lac La Biche Lake.
“Sunlight is very important to this project we wanted to give the school lots of windows. We know all about the scientific data and research studies that show the benefits of sunlight in a learning environment,” he said.
The school will also be connected to the existing public library, but will include its own second floor library with more books. Along with the library, the school will feature state-of-the-art computer systems, wireless Internet, a performance stage and breakout pods in most of the classrooms.
“The breakout pods are a way to have three or four students work on a project in a smaller enclosed space attached to the larger classroom,” Saul said. “We really see this as the way of the future, giving kids the space they need to create and learn.”
Lac La Biche County will also receive designated municipal office space built into the new school location, allowing the County use of the new school facility.
At the unveiling of the designs, residents, parents and students were told to be ready for a spectacular facility.
“This will truly be one of the most modern and sophisticated schools in Alberta,” Saul said.
