Perspectives February 6, 2020

Education for the Real World: Dobyns-Bennett High School

When designing the new science and technology addition for Dobyns-Bennett High School, common themes kept recurring throughout the design process: science on display, flexible collaboration spaces, and natural light. And our team delivered.

Located in Kingsport, Tennessee, the new Regional Science and Technology Center at Dobyns-Bennett High School replaced dated science labs and classroom spaces, with state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to creating collaborative work spaces for the students, the design located the Science and Technology Center in front of the existing building—offering the opportunity to redefine the school’s identity. Respecting the geometries of the existing hexagonal structure, the design of the addition plays with a triangular layout wrapped around a grand multi-purpose atrium. In contrast to the existing opaque masonry architecture, glazing was used extensively on the facade to capitalize on the mountain views, as well as throughout the interior to bring daylight even further into the building.