DESIGNWORKS 2023

CMS West Charlotte Replacement High School

Charlotte, NC

LS3P

The beloved 1954 West Charlotte High School will serve as a community anchor, consolidating programing into a welcoming 21st-century learning environment. The design concept draws from a “Modern Quilt”, honoring tradition while embracing innovation.

This onsite replacement project for a beloved 1954 high school will serve as a community anchor and point of pride as it serves a new generation of students. The new design consolidates programs that were previously scattered across 15 aging campus buildings to provide a welcoming 21st century learning environment. At the start of this project, it was evident that West Charlotte High School was deeply engrained in the fabric of the surrounding community, and it was crucial that this school stay in the original location. The goal was to design a school that could be built on the current campus with minimal disruptions so that classes could continue to take place through construction. The new school will honor the original campus with carefully considered gathering spaces, connection to the outdoors, and monumental elements such as the courtyard, theater, and omni multipurpose space which exhibits a sense of time-honored usage and grandeur. High-impact experiential graphics throughout the building will honor the history and culture of the campus and celebrate diversity among the students and faculty.

Our design solution for the West Charlotte High School onsite replacement project draws inspiration from the concept of the “Modern Quilt”, bridging tradition and innovation. The interiors team has ingeniously incorporated quilt-like shapes and forms throughout the space, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the school community. Just as a quilt’s heart lies in the home, the omni serves as the heart of the school, a focal point that brings everyone together. The design showcases a seamless fusion of the school’s rich heritage and forward-thinking elements. From ceiling to floors, walls, and beyond, these quilt-inspired forms guide students towards the central omni, encouraging a sense of unity and belonging. As we weave together the threads of West Charlotte High School’s history with cutting-edge design principles, the new campus becomes a source of community pride. It offers students a place they can truly call their own, promoting inclusivity and warmth. Through this visionary design, we create a symbol of educational excellence, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to cherish. The new West Charlotte High School will stand as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the boundless possibilities of innovation.

Our design concept for the West Charlotte High School onsite replacement aims to preserve the school’s cherished history while embracing innovation for the 21st-century learning environment. The heart of the school will be the centrally located omni space, fostering community engagement, social gatherings, and cultural celebrations. The design will seamlessly blend traditional elements with modern features, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Experiential graphics will celebrate the school’s diversity, legacy, and pride.