Cascade High School Expansion in Iowa by NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Article source: NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS 

For many rural communities, the school and its activities are the heartbeat of the community. The significance of this relationship is amplified for this high school which is located in the largest geographic school district in Iowa (555 square miles). With the addition of new administrative, recreation, and music spaces, this project strengthens the relationship between the school and its community.

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

• Architects: NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS
• Project: Cascade High School Expansion
• Location: Iowa, USA

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

The new program elements are located adjacent to similar existing functions to support the school’s existing organization. They unify the school’s primary façade and update a building that had seen many additions over the past four decades.

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

A deliberate use of clear and translucent exterior materials creates a visual dialogue between the school’s activities and the surrounding town. Daytime functions in the gymnasium become an extension of the park it faces. Clear glazing in the sunken gym connects students to the exterior at street level.  In other areas the glazing is combined with translucent polycarbonate panels to create a pleasant naturally lit learning environment.  At night, as music and sports activities begin, the glazing becomes a beacon to the town – and those passing on the highway – as the building emits a soft glow announcing the activities within.

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Image Courtesy © NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS

Tags: Iowa, USA

Categories: Music Hall, Recreational facility, School

This entry was posted on Friday, July 6th, 2018 at 7:37 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.