Explorations in Suburban High School Design: Unconventional Siting

Abstract

This thesis proposes a design strategy and solution for a suburban high school prototype sited along commercial highway MD40 in Baltimore County, MD. The goal of the thesis is the design of a comprehensive high school that promotes unconventional site selection; mitigates the highway's urban role as community divider; is endowed with civic dignity; and becomes a fulcrum for strong design in the community.\nThe MD40 site offers unique opportunities. It bears the stigma of being a socio-cultural dividing line as well as a physical barrier. The surrounding region is also a target for large-scale development related to expansion at a nearby military research base. The program is focused on the workforce education needs of the military research base. Science and technology courses appropriate for this focus have been added to the curriculum along side the traditional trade and liberal arts.