DoDEA, Kaiserslautern High School

Kaiserslautern, Germany

• 220,000 sq. ft.
• Associated Architect: Schenkel Shultz Architecture
• 2014 Honorable Mention Winner, Education Design Showcase
• 2013 Citation of Excellence Award, Learning by Design

Kaiserslautern High School, Department of Defense Education Activity

Local German architectural firm Dorsch Gruppe, Schenkel Shultz Architecture and Ramski & Company provided the design continuum for a fantastic new high school replacing its 55+ year old predecessor. DoDEA Europe (Department of Defense Education Activities) encouraged our team to use the latest 21st Century innovations in the learning hubs. True teaching flexibility and active learning environments are accomplished through the specification of FF&E in concert with interior architecture.

Each learning hub features a center light well and a live plant wall engineered to be sustainable. The learning hubs, along with the information center, dining/food service, the gymnasium and outdoor learning spaces, surround a dynamic commons area. By day the commons serve as preschool, dining, total school and breakout space. After hours it makes a wonderful performance venue for the surrounding community.