Springfield High School, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, dated back to 1953, was well passed its expiration date. To replace that aging building, Springfield’s school board called upon architect Perkins & Will to design a new, 230,000-sf facility that is separated into three zones—academic, physical education, and visual and performing arts—within somewhat smaller footprint.
Construction of this three-story project—which sits on a former baseball field and had been in the works since 2009—began in 2018, at an estimated cost of $130 million, and opened for 1,500 students in 2021. The project’s Building Team included E.R. Stuebner (GC), Boro Construction (ME and EE), and Stan-Roch Plumbing (PE).
The exterior design of the new school is distinguished by an outer shell of curving beige brick and glass. Daylight fills the school’s wood-paneled hallways and ceilings, as well as its open learning commons that are placed strategically throughout the academic zone to allow for informal student interactions.
The school highlights a popular recent design trend by allowing its library to “spill” into its cafeteria, thereby creating another informal learning area. (The cafeteria and auditorium can be used for public events, too.
![The library on the second floor connects with the cafeteria on the first.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/SpringfieldHS_tm_in_14_A%2A.jpg)
Common spaces open directly onto the large courtyard, whose inner periphery is made up of glass and metal panels that separate it from the outer space. This flexibility accommodates a range of activities, and connects the facility to the surrounding community.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACES
![The school's playing fields are positioned as extensions of nearby parks.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/SpringfieldHS_tm_ae_32_A-1%2A.jpg)
Because of its smaller footprint, the school’s most heavily used spaces—such as its lobby, cafeteria, and courtyard—are set up for greater efficiency. For example, the cafeteria can serve as “pre-function” space for the gym and for community space during evening hours. The school’s gyms open to each other, and therefore can handle overflow seating during events.
The smaller building is also more energy efficient, and allows for easier sharing of amenities. And by focusing density closer to the town’s urban core, the school’s playfields are positioned as virtual extensions of nearby Whiskey Run Creek and Spring Valley Park.
![Classrooms are designed to encourage collaboration.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/SpringfieldHS_tm_in_111_A%2A.jpg)
![One of the school's collaborative areas.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/SpringfieldHS_tm_in_106_A.jpg)
The new school is within walking distance of the town, and adjacent to public transportation. Indeed, the school is organized to provide access to the public: the auditorium, for example, is located off the main entrance so it can be used by the community for non-school events. Practice fields are open to the public. And in phase two of this redevelopment, the site of the old school will become a green space in the heart of the town’s residential area.
![The school wraps around a large courtyard](/sites/default/files/inline-images/SpringfieldHS_tm_ex_36_A%2A.jpg)
![The interior walls and ceilings are wood paneled.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/SpringfieldHS_tm_in_06_A%2A.jpg)
Related Stories
K-12 Schools | Sep 8, 2017
The economic case for engaged classrooms in K-12 schools
Flexible, modern classrooms should be viewed as a key element of a sound financial strategy, producing a solid return-on-investment.
K-12 Schools | Aug 31, 2017
Environmental studies building highlights sustainability in every design element
The LEED Platinum and Zero Net Energy Verified building minimizes energy use via its site orientation.
K-12 Schools | Aug 18, 2017
How to create healthy learning environments with active design
Active design can be incorporated into any facility or campus with a few simple steps.
K-12 Schools | Aug 9, 2017
A school in Denmark is clad in 12,000 solar panels
C.F. Møller designed the building to create a connection between the school premises and the surrounding public urban space.
K-12 Schools | Aug 1, 2017
This new high school is the first to be built on a tech company’s campus
Design Tech High School, located on Oracle Corporation’s Headquarters campus, will span 64,000 sf across two stories and have a capacity of 550 students.
Education Facilities | Jul 14, 2017
Youth education center in Baltimore gets first students
Students learn environmental skills, natural resource management, urban agriculture, and water quality monitoring.
Great Solutions | Jul 12, 2017
The writing on the wall: Maker spaces encourage students to take an active role
Maker spaces, dry-erase walls, and flexible furniture highlight Kinkaid’s new Learning Center.
Building Team Awards | Jun 7, 2017
Rebuilding to heal: Sandy Hook Elementary School
Gold Award: Community involvement was paramount as Newtown, Conn., replaced the school where a mass shooting occurred.
K-12 Schools | Jun 5, 2017
PK-8 school will be Denver’s first CHPS-certified building
A “learning stair” will connect the cafeteria to the main level.
K-12 Schools | May 31, 2017
NAC Architecture rolls out ‘Hack Your Classroom’ campaign
In collaboration with room2learn, NAC launched a campaign aimed at crowd-sourcing information on what teachers are doing in their classroom to improve the learning experience.