| Prospect High
School was built in 1968. It occupies the most constrained
site in the District. As a result, the basic design of
the school varied from the finger plan seen at other
sites. This resulted in development of a pod system with
closely spaced buildings and severe limitations on available
light and natural ventilation.
Prospect was also built at a time when the concept
of reduced windows was seen as a potential enhancement
to education. Since that time, we have learned that
the connection to the outdoors via light and air,
as well as the visual connection afforded by windows,
is a critical component of the day to day environment
for both students and teachers.
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Many
of the plans for the LTFIP at Prospect focus on making
the existing classrooms better learning environments
by enhancing the light and ventilation components
of the systems. Some of this will be accomplished
by natural means, but most will be accomplished by
providing new and improved systems. It should be
noted that the corridors at Prospect are considered
fire exits thereby limiting the amount of glass that
can occur in them.
The design of Prospect did retain the quad and related
planning amenities shared by the other schools. The
compact design of the buildings did allow for the
basic exterior and athletic amenities. The site has
little opportunity for reconfiguration or for the
inclusion of additional interior space.
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