Upper Arlington High School
Nestled in a compact site surrounded by a historic residential neighborhood, the new Upper Arlington High School honors tradition while looking boldly toward the future. In collaboration with Moody Nolan, our design thoughtfully balances the demands of a compact site with the need for dynamic learning environments, ensuring that the district’s robust arts and athletics programs remain intact.
At the core of the school’s design is Golden Bear Boulevard—a vibrant, light-filled spine that guides students, staff, and visitors. More than a circulation route, it’s a place where community and learning environments meet, a space where ideas are shared, and school spirit is felt. Every detail, from the UA-shaped door handles to the Alma Mater embedded in the terrazzo, speaks to Upper Arlington’s deep-rooted pride and vision for the future, making the school a true reflection of its community.
Golden Bear Boulevard’s (GBB) design is a physical manifestation of the district’s commitment to fostering community and school spirit and acts as a hub where students and community members can converge. GBB divides public, community-facing spaces—like the theaters, gyms, and natatorium—from the more private academic areas, ensuring intuitive wayfinding while enhancing safety and security.
The academic wing is designed for flexibility and interdisciplinary collaboration. Learning communities, organized horizontally and vertically, create open spaces for project-based learning, including a dedicated STEM hub. Small group spaces and motorized glass garage doors allow for adaptability, with rooms reconfiguring to support both individual study and large-scale collaboration. Support offices are distributed throughout the learning communities, placing educators in close proximity to students to enhance both safety and personalized learning.
Project Team
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