Neumann Monson Architects

Career Academy of Pella

Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio

CAREER ACADEMY OF PELLA

Neumann Monson Architects

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Dennis Reynolds Urban Design

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Raker Rhodes Engineering

CIVIL ENGINEER
Raker Rhodes Engineering

CONTRACTOR
Larson And Larson Construction

MANUFACTURERS
Efco, Insulite, Kingspan Light + Air

MEP ENGINEER
Modus

AREA
23000 M²

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Pella, United States

CATEGORY
Institute

Text description provided by architect.

The 23,000-sf Career Academy of Pella, which provides flexible vocational shops and classrooms, is the product of a unique collaboration among the local school district, community college, private schools, and area industry.

Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio

Students of all ages gain skills vital to the local economy through STEM instruction, an applied pedagogy integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The building, northwest of the existing high school, tucks into the hillside with topographic alignment that minimizes earthwork. Careful detailing of common building materials elevates the rural public school’s design.

Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio

Materials and massing assume a Midwestern, pragmatic sensibility, deriving character from simple forms, monolithic planes, and spanning glass.

The rigor of the Career Academy’s detailing and execution embodies the technically focused curriculum contained within and affirms the value of vocational career paths.

Its confident formal language aligns with the Academy’s mission to progressively re-shape the future. Here, students learn skills upon which they can build careers and communities.

Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio

Central to the building’s sustainable mission is its durable flexibility. The structure can calibrate to a range of uses, with a ‘loose-fit’ that allows for easy future adaptation.

General classrooms deliver diverse curricula, maximizing potential use and ensuring long-term value.

Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio

A double height circulation spine organizes program, gathers daylight, and provides views, and gives access to the various classroom and shop spaces. Each shop has direct access to the exterior.


Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio
Career Academy of Pella
© Integrated Studio


Career Academy of Pella
Site Plan
Career Academy of Pella
Site Plan
Career Academy of Pella
Floor Plans
Career Academy of Pella
Diagrams

Neumann Monson Architects
T +1 319 3387878
Neumann Monson Architects
221 E College St # 303, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States