Warren Tech South is a high school CTE program open to all Jeffco Public School students. This project is a part of the Jeffco Public Schools 2018 Bond Program. The one-story 28,000 sf school specializes in audio and video production, hospitality, physical therapy, and aviation programs. The center of the school holds a 200-seat theatre for students to perform and learn lighting, rigging, sound and video design. An airplane hangar houses the aviation program, where students are able to work on full scale airplanes and simulators. The design for the school is inspired by the idea of craftmanship on display, where the building is a teaching tool for the students.
The design approach for Warren Tech South aspired to create a school that is open and inviting for all, has its own identity (due to close proximity to Dakota Ridge High School), and displays the great work of the students and faculty within the building. The school is a home away from home, as the majority of students are traveling here from other communities. The open main commons acts as a living room space that connects to the outdoors where students can gather, collaborate, and have larger functions.
Exterior and interior design showcases a theme of craft and pride in workmanship through masonry and metal detailing. The community, faculty, and students have a lot of pride in the great career and tech education/work that goes on within the building, so the building is a showcase of that work. A large mural within the commons is a first impression piece that showcases the students applying the skill they have learned. Interior windows give students and visitors a glimpse into the programs and what is going on inside the learning spaces. A modern industrial theme was chosen to inspire students and affirm that the skills they are learning are appreciated and needed within the community.