Facility Planning PrinciplesBetty H. Fairfax High School Principles for site and building organizationThe Betty H. Fairfax High School, constructed by Adolfson and Peterson Construction followed the organizational model laid down by the DLR Group and the Phoenix Union High School District.  Plan schools as neighborhood scaled community learning centersThe entire school is designed like to function and communicate in the same way a neighborhood does. The Learning By Design review of the school addresses this

Like a neighborhood street, each school has its own address and storefront style presenceCreate smaller schoolsThe entire school complex is divided into a number of small school or small learning communitiesRespect contextual compatibility while providing design diversityThe unique design of Fairfax High School creates an interactive environment for the students by creating functional academic as well as entertainment spaces but does not compromise of design diversity.  Consider home as a template for schoolThe idea behind the small learning community was the creation a home-style, intimate environment to facilitate more comfort while learning. Meander circulation while ensuring supervisionThe layout of the campus allows for meander circulation as well as supervision. The Learning By Design review confirms this

A meandering path connects the entire campus and serves as the primary circulation route.Design for safe schoolsThe school provides adequate safety for the students through its isolation of parking areas, overhead bridges and open design to allow for easy access and exit in case of an event requiring evacuation. Cluster learning areasThe Fairfax High School floor plans provided on a Government Design Award presentation shows that three small learning community buildings are spread across the campus. Provide space for sharing instructional resourcesEach school location is completed by a cafeteria and a library thus providing space for sharing instructional resources. Design for a variety of learning groups and spacesThe plug in curriculum at Fairfax High School ensures the availability of a variety of learning groups and spaces such as dance, aerobics, studio arts and computer technology. Keep class size smallOne of the central concepts of the Fairfax High School is the creation of small learning communities and spaces.Provide resource rich well defined activity pocketsAs the Learning By Design source confirms,

Each School plan is focused around a central, multiuse gathering area that can accommodate a variety of activities, including food service, cafeteria, librarycomputer access and large group projects.Integrate early childhood education into the schoolAlthough this doesnt apply to a high school, The Fairfax High School promotes interaction by creating social spaces and a comfortable home style environment. Provide a home base for every learner The teaching methods center of individual attention and thus provides a home base for every learnerRegard teachers as professionals A site map provided by The Phoenix High School shows that the teachers have a separate parking lot and staff rooms thus maintaining a level of professionalism. Provide studio to support project based learningThe various facilities available to the students and staff allows for project based learning.  Encourage educational leadership by decentralizing administrative spaceThe administrative space in the campus is departmentalized and dispersed. Establish a community forumThe availability of space and technology allows for the creation of a community forum. Allow for community conferencing spaceFairfax High School allows for community conferencing in the interactive spaces created in every school plan.

Create privacy nichesThe Learning By Design Review mentions that each school plan provides students with, contemplative spaces to support individual learning and reflection.Weave together virtual and physical learning spacesAs each learning space is complete with a library and computer access thus overlapping physical and virtual learning spaces. Provide opportunities for job trainingThe Principal of the High School, Zachary Munoz claims that the school provides, outstanding academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular programs but does not mention anything about job training. Provide a parents information centerThere is no Parents Information CenterProvide health care service centersThe school only provides basic healthcare facilities.

Design places with respect for scale and developmental needThe Fairfax High School project was designed by the Phoenix Union High School District and DLR based on the scale and developmental need of the area. The space provided has been utilized well. Maximize natural and full spectrum lightingThe Learning By Design Review mentions, Daylight in all core classroom areas is enhanced through the buildings orientation and shapeDesign healthy buildingsThe building design is energy efficient and includes a highly performing building envelope and a central plant chiller.Design for appropriate acousticsThe indoor layout of the buildings is appropriately designed to ensure appropriate acoustics. The quality of the indoor spaces is realized through the use of low maintenance materials and native landscaping materials.

Allow for transitional spaces between indoor and outdoor spacesTransparent passageways and bridge connectors provide transitional spaces. Establish a variety of outdoor learning environments The school has a healthy mix of indoor and outdoor learning environments such as the performing arts auditoriums, the commons and the outdoor lawns and courts. Separate children and pedestrians from vehicles and services Children and pedestrians are provided with bridges and walkways to ensure their safety and distance from vehicles.