Dynamic Materials and Dynamic Environments

VCBO Architecture was selected in September 2017 as the architect for the replacement for Union Middle, with the goal of producing a modified version of the recently completed, successful Midvale Middle School, to be located on the east side of the site. In January of 2020, VCBO began regular meetings with the CSD facilities staff and Union Middle School leadership. Following these initial meetings, individual departments were engaged to develop a program and discover Union-specific needs. After a number of meetings with these groups, a list of goals/priorities was formed for the project, as follows:

1 THE SITE WILL BE OCCUPIED BY THE SCHOOL DURING CONSTRUCTION

The current school sits in the middle of the site, facing south, straddling a steep slope. With the intention to keep the school open during construction of the replacement school, the decision was made to design the new building facing west on the far east side of the site along 700 East. This will give the new building a strong presence along the 700 East while embracing good solar orientation for classroom wings and a protected west-facing entry. A clear separation between construction and the existing school, creating little disruption, is to be maintained through completion. A small section of classrooms on the east side of the school, (a previous addition), is to be demolished to accommodate this separation.

2 REPEATING MIDVALE MS IS NOT WHAT IS BEST FOR UNION

After meeting multiple times with CSD, Union Administration, and UMS departments, it became clear that it would be better to use the Midvale plan as a "kit of parts" to design a new layout specific to the needs of the Union community.

3 SITE LAYOUT AND ACCESS

A conversation with UDOT regarding the creation of an access route for staff parking from and onto 700 East is still in negotiation. The majority of parking and student dropoff will occur in the front (west) parking lot, with access from 80000 South. The CSD successfully purchased the old, disused LDS seminary building located to the north and a property on 78000 South. This will be configured into access for buses, deliveries, and staff. The deliveries and bus drop will be located on the north side of the building.

4 MASSING AND LAYOUT

The building is a configuration of eight massed building blocks:

• Four academic grade-specific "houses"
• Administration
• Performing Arts
• Athletics
• Commons/Dining

The blocks are separated by 60' courtyards enclosed on three sides to provide outdoor learning environments while allowing maximum natural lighting to flood into all interior spaces. The main entrance is designed to be easily identifiable, creating an iconic canopy that acts as a branding moment for the school and a shelter from the elements. Inside the main entry, a high-volume space acts as a Welcome Hall which provides access to Administration, a large multi-purpose room (The Bobcat Den), and as an axis leading patrons to the 650-seat auditorium. Each classroom block has a central collaboration space designed for project-based learning activities, tutoring, and small group activities, lined with classroom spaces. The 2D and 3D art suites will be accessed through an art gallery proudly showcasing student art. The Athletic block will have two full courts with a dividing curtain. A running track hangs above the gymnasium, creating a three-lane circuit on all four sides. Exercise and dance studios will be located above the locker rooms. Provision has been made for separate locker rooms that will accommodate all genders. The commons is a double-height space accessed from the main hallway on both levels. A learning stair will anchor the space, acting as a magnet for students to sit, eat, learn, recharge devices, and just hang out. Large window walls face into a student courtyard, with doors allowing students to pour out into the courtyard, where they will find a number of attractions; ball walls, climbing walls, basketball, a large grassy area, and a health-promoting obstacle course.

5 MATERIALS

Hard-wearing, robust, dynamic (yet economical) construction materials will be used throughout the project. The main blocks will act as a solid anchor composed of load-bearing 16x4 and 16x2 Atlas Brick in a mix of warm gray tones. The larger masses at the gym, auditorium, and Bobcat Den will be clad with vertical profile metal panels, multi-toned in a blue/gray color pallet, and installed in a random, dynamic pattern. Solid blue metal panels will be used at key moments such as the front entry, glass block central window extrusions, and courtyard end walls. Gold will be used sparingly as a trim accent color at window reveals and sun shades. Perforated metal panels around the building will create signage and branding opportunities along with shading the windows. A large digital display marque will be installed high on the back of the auditorium. This will give a strong presence for the school on the busy corner of 700 East and 80000 South Tilt-up concrete panels will be used as an economic structural element in main large blocks. All interior exposed tilt-up panels will be finished with a textured "form liner" giving a dynamic look with shadows and reveals. Interior materials used will be economical and easily maintained yet bold and bright, with hard-wearing finishes appropriate for the heavy-duty wear required to withstand the high activity of young teenage users. A strong focus on school branding, wayfinding, and natural light in interior spaces are all major drivers in the design.