Grand Prairie High School’s iconic four-story classroom addition elevates the campus identity and cultivates collaboration and innovation. Key to its success was the removal of hierarchical barriers and the creation of shared spaces that foster the social and creative skills required for success in today’s professions.

The addition allows for increased student capacity through the renovation of existing undersized classrooms, as well as a new student union and media center. Natural stone and a new landscaped plaza provide warmth to the campus and outdoor classroom and community common space. This classroom addition consists of four stories and 46 classrooms and has a capacity of 700 students.

The existing building failed to operate efficiently and did not meet the needs of the evolving programs. Isolating the basic structural and organizational systems during design created flexible, collaborative spaces while meeting strict budget requirements and required life safety updates.