Trinity Intermediate School earns recognition from AIA
Each year, the American Institute of Architects Pittsburgh chapter celebrates the finest architecture and design in Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond at its Design Pittsburgh Awards.
Trinity Area School District’s new Trinity Intermediate School is among the buildings that earned an award.
DRAW Collective, the architecture firm for the state-of-the-art intermediate school, was selected for the People’s Choice Award in AIA’s Design Pittsburgh competition. The People’s Choice Award is chosen by the public in electronic voting.
The 106,658-square-foot intermediate school, which sits on the middle school campus, contains 30 classrooms, featuring a media center equipped with broadcast, podcast and STEAM rooms that open onto a second-story outdoor learning patio for students.
Other highlights include a 40-foot climbing wall, a performance space, a cafeteria, and an inclusive playground with basketball hoops, ninja warrior course, gaga ball and soft surface play area.
“We are thrilled that our vision and design for Trinity Intermediate School have become a reality, creating a space that truly benefits our students,” said Trinity Area School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Lucas. “Hundreds of school districts and several universities have visited TIS to see and learn about these special learning spaces.”
The AIA noted the school’s incorporation of natural elements – called biophilic design – including an interactive water feature surrounded by flora, abundant natural lighting, and biomorphic patterns.
Lucas said the district’s school directors, teachers, and administrators collaborated extensively with DRAW over several months to develop the blueprint for “a 21st-century learning environment that brings nature indoors and supports collaboration, creativity, and exploration.”
The intermediate school was part of several projects undertaken by the school district at a total cost of $75 million, which included renovation and expansion of Trinity MIddle School.
Glasshouse apartments near Station Square, by Hord Coplan Macht, won the silver award, AIA Pittsburgh’s highest honor.
Honor awards and certificates of merit also were earned by small, medium and large projects ranging from The University of Pittsburgh’s The Eatery, Ronald McDonald House Charities in Dayton, Ohio, and Martini Restaurant at Nashville International Airport.