The design team’s challenge was to create a facility that supports curriculums, activities and learning spaces that are vastly disparate in nature, yet achieves unity and encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary study. The facility’s design also needed to compliment the traditional-style architectural fabric of Frisco while presenting a future-minded appearance for the unique environment. With mature trees and 27 feet of fall across the terrain, the building site itself presented challenges.

Stepping down in several places to conform to the site’s natural descent and oriented to be visually prominent, the building presents a sleek exterior of transparency and clean lines with a dramatic primary entry façade of metal panels and extensive glazing, With a palette of metal, glass and terrazzo made from recycled glass and porcelain, the interior features a two-story entry atrium with a back-lit glass elevator at its heart. A large panel system of flat screens instantly provides entrants with pertinent information and direction while color-coded fins and backlights are also used for wayfinding and allow each suite its own identity.

Other unique spaces include: a mock courtroom, forensics center, nursing facility, full-sized television studio, a kennel for small animals and a corral for large animals, full-service credit union, Apple and PC computer testing centers, a working greenhouse and a fully operational and student-run restaurant. Outdoor features include a dining area and jogging trail, as well as the native plants surrounding this innovative facility now garnering nationwide attention for its progressive model.