Big Walnut Local Schools, a vibrant school district in central Ohio, was in need of a new High School. Designed with extra capacity to accommodate the growing student population, this new facility includes state-of-the-art educational, gathering and athletic facilities.

The Core of the building is the skylit Dining Commons which serves as the lobby to the Gymnasium and has direct access to the internal courtyard. The bird's nest floor pattern and the circular light fixture reinforce the centrality of this space to the overall building.

Directly behind the Dining Commons is the 3-story Academic Commons containing a Learning Staircase, video wall, vivid graphics, and courtyard access. A variety of furniture options facilitate individual, small group, and communal gathering.

Each Academic Wing has classrooms and labs grouped around an Extended Learning Area (ELA) with glass-front small group rooms, assorted seating, and direct access to restrooms.

The Performing Arts Center is a first-rate auditorium with a seating capacity exceeding 800. Concealed above the acoustic clouds is a catwalk system serving the theatrical lighting system. Additional catwalks above the stage access motorized line sets for scenery and theatrical effects.

The Main Gymnasium with its wood floor and large-scale graphics is designed to accommodate a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. A raised jogging track encircles the space, enabling multiple concurrent uses. The Auxiliary Gym (directly adjacent) has a synthetic sports floor and an indoor batting cage, allowing even more athletic functions to occur at the same time.

Throughout the building, bold school colors (red, black, and gold) are juxtaposed against nature-based textures and tones. Sloping ceilings and colorful graphics bring visual interest to inhabited spaces. Ample natural light and exterior views create indoor-outdoor experiences. Visual connections between various areas and multiple levels foster a sense of community among occupants. The result is an exciting, functional, efficient facility for the educational and gathering needs of the Big Walnut community.