Alexandria, Minnesota
Alexandria Area High School
Open floor plans, daylighting, and flexibility are the foundations of Alexandria Area High School’s dramatic design. Crafted through an extensive, co-creative visioning process, the school features reconfigurable spaces that replace traditional classrooms and desks. Embodying the principals of NEXT Century Learning, the space is adaptable to the future of education and vocational training. A day-lit, three-story Community Commons serves as the heart of the school and as an informal gathering space that connects students and community. It also serves as the school cafeteria and a pre-function space for the theater.
Cuningham designed this project in collaboration with JLG Architects.
Client: Alexandria School District 206
Studio: Grow
Market: PK-12
Size: 285,000 Square Feet
Scope: New Construction
Services: Architecture, Interior Design
Delivery Method: Construction Manager as Adviser
Key Project Contacts:
"We wanted to build something of the future, we didn’t want to build a building that would be obsolete in 2025. Cuningham Group gave us the best idea of what would be possible with that.”
Terry Quist
Former Superintendent of Alexandria School District
Awards
American Council of Engineering Companies, Engineering Excellence Honor Award, 2016
American School & University, American School & University Portfolio Citation, 2015
Association for Learning Environments (CEFPI), Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture (Project of Distinction/New Construction), 2015
International Interior Design Association Northland Chapter; Fresh, Artistic, and Brilliant Award; 2015
International Interior Design Association Northland Chapter, Member’s Choice Award, 2015
