Shaped by People and Place
Evergreen High School sits within a landscape defined by glacial movement, erosion, and ongoing human influence. The site’s natural character—its undulating terrain, mature evergreen trees, structured playfields, and adjacency to Lakewood Park—provides the foundation for a holistic reimagining of the campus. The design acknowledges this deep geological and ecological history while responding to the needs and aspirations of today’s school community.
The redevelopment began with an intensive engagement process involving school and community stakeholders. Through tours of exemplar high schools and conversations about learning priorities, the design team gained a clear understanding of how Evergreen could more powerfully support student and community life. The result is a set of guiding goals focused on strengthening the relationship between the campus and its surrounding landscape, creating learning environments that are flexible and future-forward, and fostering a sense of belonging for every student.
Design Rooted in Landscape
The site’s natural features became active drivers of the design concept. The team explored how to express the regeneration of the land, the glaciation that shaped the broader region, and the historic watercourse flowing through the site. These layers of time and movement influence both the site plan and the building forms, creating a campus that feels woven into its terrain.
A renewed connection to Lakewood Park is central to the design strategy, ensuring that the school’s outdoor spaces complement the park’s ecological richness. Mature evergreen trees are celebrated and incorporated into gathering areas and circulation routes, while portions of the site are restored to a more natural state. These moves support ecological health and provide shaded, welcoming outdoor environments for students and community members.
Design Rooted in People
The design responds equally to the lived experiences and aspirations of Evergreen’s students, educators, and families. The school is envisioned as a safe, inclusive, and uplifting environment—one that supports well-being, community connection, and a variety of teaching and learning styles. Welcoming entries provide a sense of shelter and security, while public spaces encourage gathering, collaboration, and engagement. Learning neighborhoods are organized to foster both rigorous instruction and personalized connections between students and adults.
Within the building, light-filled commons areas serve as social and academic anchors with strong indoor–outdoor connections. Quieter pockets offer opportunities for focused work and small-group collaboration. Flexible layouts accommodate evolving curriculum models, ensuring that the school remains adaptable as pedagogies and student needs change. Throughout the campus, visible learning—whether through open classrooms, transparent labs, or dynamic displays—promotes curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking.