“Safety through Community in High Schools” started out as the result of a long-time

fascination with the educational system in the United States and the contradictions

that exist within it. One such contradiction is the attempted inclusion of the greater

community within the physical realm of the school—through the allowed use of an

auditorium, for example—while simultaneously advocating for physical barriers and

checkpoints which foster an air of distrust. Another contradiction on a smaller scale

relates to a premise that students function best when exposed to natural sunlight.

However, the need for security—elevated by the increase of mass shootings—has

influenced many public schools to build with small windows, which restrict natural

light and often make for an oppressive environment. This thesis aims to bring forth a

design which arises out of thoughtful explorations of such contradictions between

community, security, and stimulating learning environment.