Waterloo Career Center

INVISION Architecture

Recognitions: K-12 Projects 2022

Project Description

With the goal of expanding career pathways for students in Waterloo and surrounding communities, the Waterloo School Board worked with INVISION to plan an addition and renovation to Waterloo Central Middle School that would support a flexible, hands-on, 21st Century learning environment. The team’s priorities were distilled into seven project drivers, developed collaboratively between INVISION and the planning committee that were incorporated throughout the process to guide design decisions. These project drivers included: engagement, align, adaptability, identity, heart, experience and Waterloo. The existing school, built like a concrete bunker in the 1970s, was underutilized and had very little natural light. Our team was challenged by the Waterloo School District to reimagine 77,000 square feet of underutilized space and to recreate the space into a 21st century learning environment. To overcome spatial and daylighting concerns, INVISION designed a 2,500 square foot, single-story addition, transforming a former uninviting, cold building into a warm and welcoming entryway. Major interior renovation aided in the completion of spaces including high-bay labs and collaborative classrooms for cross-disciplinary education planned for flexibility as programs evolve over time. As a result, 15 new career-related programs are available to students; programs such as manufacturing, culinary, graphic design, digital media, electrical, applied math, early childhood education, finance, health, hospitality, IT, programming, marketing management, plumbing and sustainable construction. Since opening, the career training program has grown exponentially with an increase in students enrolled each year. This new facility allows for students to explore career opportunities, earn college credits and support local business partners along the way. “On a scale of 1 to 10… it’s a 35,” said former Waterloo CSD Superintendent Jane Lindaman.