A New Vision for Education: Inside Grande Prairie's Modern High School
In the heart of Alberta, Grande Prairie Composite High School stands as a model of progressive education and innovation. This evidence-based Professional Learning Community is dedicated to fostering student growth and success by recognizing and celebrating each learner's unique qualities, skills, and talents.
In 2022, Grande Prairie Composite High School relocated to a brand-new, purpose-built facility, marking a new era for the school. This modern building supports a diverse and dynamic student body with its spacious shops for senior trades, a theatre, state-of-the-art technology, and an oversized gymnasium. These features, along with enhanced student accessibility, ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
CDI played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. Their expertise in educational spaces ensured that the new facility was not just functional but also inspiring and unique. "They wanted it to stand out and be unique, not just your typical high school,” said Craig Ward, Education Projects Director at CDI.
A New Space, A New Vision
Working closely with Grande Prairie Composite High School, CDI began collaboration well before the project was ready. Initial meetings were brief and focused, with the school’s leadership outlining their needs and vision for the new facility. Over time, these interactions evolved into in-depth discussions, allowing CDI to truly understand and contribute to the school's aspirations.
Craig Ward recalls, "They had a vision, but we continually brought new designs and products to show what was possible. They'd say, 'I love that, but I wish it had this.' So, it was very much about us sharing ideas and collaborating to create the space they wanted."
The design process was iterative, involving numerous revisions to ensure every detail met the school's high standards. The principal's dedication to creating an ideal learning environment was evident in every decision. "The principal was extremely passionate about every detail. It wasn't just, 'Yeah, that'll do.' It was always, 'How's that going to work? How's it going to look? Is it going to be functional?' His level of involvement was exceptional," said Ward.
Rising to the Occasion: Designing Spaces Inspired by the Phoenix
Central to Grande Prairie Composite High School is their phoenix logo, symbolizing forward-looking innovation and rising to the occasion. This theme significantly influenced the design choices, reflecting the school's colors—orange, green, and blue—and embodying the spirit of renewal and progress. The design of the new facility, from the unique gathering areas to the vibrant, flexible furniture, captures the essence of the phoenix, creating an environment that inspires and supports students.
A highlight of the school is its natural lighting and spacious gathering areas, designed to encourage both collaboration and individual study. The third-floor lounge area, with its expansive view of the city of Grande Prairie, features modular seating that can be easily moved and reconfigured. This flexibility allows students to adapt the space to their needs, whether they are working together on projects or seeking a quiet spot to study alone. "The colors in these areas are incredible. On the third floor, there’s a beautiful view overlooking the city. They wanted that to be a comfortable hangout area for students to relax, study, or just chill," Ward explained.
In addition to the gathering spaces, the school wanted to create individual working spaces for students. They incorporated modern study carrels in bright orange, green, and blue, which provide students with their own work surfaces and chairs. These areas are not just visually appealing but also functional, with acoustic panels surrounding the spaces to help manage sound. "They didn't want to go back to the old-fashioned style of study carrels. So, they went with modern, individual cubicles. The panels are acoustic, which has a huge impact on the room's acoustics, creating quiet atmospheres for students who need to work alone," Ward noted.
Beyond furnishing all the indoor spaces, CDI also redesigned an outdoor courtyard. This courtyard is primarily intended for outdoor education classes but is also used during breaks. CDI added picnic tables, recycled rubber rocks and logs for seating, and a totem pole in the school's colors, creating a unique meeting and gathering space for both staff and students.
From Vision to Reality: A State-of-the-Art Facility
CDI ensured that the delivery process was smooth and precise, with no surprises. The detailed planning and attention to every detail were critical in achieving the school's vision. "Our team delivers, unpacks, builds the furniture, and places it in the rooms exactly as planned. We set everything up, clean down, and remove all the garbage. We ensure everything is perfectly in place. That's why we spend so much time creating detailed plans," explained Ward.
The result is a state-of-the-art educational facility that meets the needs of the school and sets a benchmark for school design in the region. "They created a showpiece for Alberta with this high school. People have visited it from all over," said Ward.
The collaboration between CDI and Grande Prairie Composite High School produced a functional, inspiring space that reflects the school's commitment to fostering student growth and celebrating individuality. The innovative furniture, dynamic spaces, and careful attention to detail have created an environment where students can thrive and look forward to a bright future.
