Case Study/Exemplar

Kennedy High School Modernization Project Education Specifications


West Contra Costa Unified School District,

The educational specifications for the modernization of Kennedy High School provide an example of connecting educational programs and learning objectives into physical architectural forms that support school activities.

Key takeaways include three interconnecting themes for 21st-century learning: flexibility, movement, and technology. The document advocates for building shells that can adapt over time, spaces that allow for easy daily transitions between activities, and a focus on portable, simple technology. It uses a space checklist to define the number and size of various facilities, including general classrooms, science labs, and specialized career technical education pathways such as construction trades, welding, IT, and health.

The specifications cover essential campus components, including the campus core, which comprises administration, a health center, the library, and a multipurpose room. It also details requirements for a safe and secure campus, health and wellness features like natural light and ventilation, and the district’s graduate profile goals. The document ensures that facilities support equity across the district while meeting California Department of Education standards. It provides actionable guidance on finishes, acoustics, and site-wide safety measures to create supportive learning environments.

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