This photograph is from the first workshop, where we dug deeply into the roots and needs of the project- but also the hopes, dreams, aspirations, and the potential for the outcomes to create positive evolution over the school’s the next 20 years.

The first workshop utilizes exercises for discussions to bring out a wide range of information from the IDP group, which forms the basis for design- but also for the relationships we create between everyone participating.

With all the available information, it is important to keep everything visible, accessible, and relevant for further discussion.

We invent novel ways of looking at the information. In this case, we looked at the top project requirements (also called “touchstones”) and used physical diagramming that helped us discover groupings of needs that can synergistically strengthen each other.

We attempt to hold the IDP workshops at (or near) the project site in order to stay connected to the environment and to be aware of its aesthetic situation.

The IDP produced a great design for the client, largely with their input. See more of this project by clicking here.

Ultimately this project did not get to construction due to variability of construction costs during the covid-19 pandemic. But the process was wonderful and everyone that participated have been friends who “hang out” with each other since.