south delta secondary school seismic upgrade

South Delta Secondary School underwent significant seismic upgrade work. Much of the work was centered in the two storey portion of the school with a complete renovation to the science labs on the upper floor. The end result allowed for higher ceilings, new finishes throughout and an efficient new ‘super lab’ instructional space layout with adjacent collaboration areas configured in a coffee shop style seating arrangement.

As part of an ongoing seismic improvement, the South Delta School District tasked Station One Architects with the transformation of the South entry into a featured entry and gathering area for the Theatre program.

The proposal introduces two self supporting curved metal entry roofs and a radial site layout with stepped seating focused on the plaza center. The canopies provide an easily identifiable theatre entrance in a playful manner when performances are held. The landscaped plaza provides a gathering place before and after shows while the radial focus on the centre plaza provides a casual outdoor performance area with seating in the landscape. The plaza is adjacent to the school cafeteria and doubles in function as an outdoor eating and gathering area for the students during school hours.

An infrequently used interior breezeway that provided access to the gymnasium and rear of the school became the object of this design exercise. A new stair through the existing wall linking the adjacent corridor will allow students better access to a lounge area provided with grouped seating, work counters and collaboration spaces. Finishing materials include stained and natural MDF panels, plank flooring, punched glazing through to adjacent corridor and sliding whiteboards.