Kings Local architects unveil interior plans as design development nears completion

Architects working on the new Kings High School presented updated interior renderings and room-level design details to the Kings Local Board of Education on March 18, saying the project is nearing the end of the design development phase.

The presentation, led by Jenny Gallo and Charlie Janigan of SHP, showed color images of major public spaces including the main entry, theater and athletic arena; an innovation hub with a two‑story volume; flexible learning areas adjoining classrooms; and staff workrooms on each floor. SHP told the board the design development documents will be submitted to the district’s construction manager on April 4.

The architects said staff and student engagement has driven many decisions in the interior. SHP reported it has held 27 staff meetings since January to refine room layouts, furniture, storage and technology needs so engineers can produce final systems designs and the construction manager can prepare cost estimates. The team said students asked for stronger brand colors in high‑traffic, active areas and calmer, earth‑tone palettes for upper‑floor academic spaces; the design now uses brighter Columbia blue and red accents in entries and athletics areas with softer tones in classroom corridors.

On security and learning integration, SHP described a compromise for flexible learning areas: some classroom partitions facing common learning spaces will use glazing for day‑to‑day visibility, while adjacent classrooms will have solid security doors so staff can isolate space in a shelter‑in‑place event. The firm said that arrangement is intended to balance instructional flexibility with safety concerns raised in district meetings.

Exterior design choices shown included a branded event entry, theater massing and an academic wing with two internal courtyards to bring daylight into the building’s core. SHP also described input from high school architecture students who suggested practical ideas — among them a revised stadium entry, scaled courtyard use and a possible area for food trucks adjacent to a new ticket booth — that the architects said were low‑cost, feasible enhancements.

SHP said the next interior elements to be developed for presentation include the auditorium and additional specialty teaching spaces. The firm also noted that room‑level decisions are being translated into drawings that will inform the construction manager’s estimate.

Board members thanked SHP for ongoing staff engagement and for incorporating student ideas into the evolving design. The board did not take any formal action during the presentation; the item was informational and will return as the design process advances.