The Kankakee High School District determined that a complete renovation of the high school was necessary to develop a more modern approach to education.
This more modern approach embraces technology and collaboration through classroom clusters consisting of large and small meeting spaces, teacher meeting spaces and labs. Plans for building a "virtually new" high school included remodeling the front entrance, administration offices, band room, auditorium, choir room, cafeteria and classrooms. It also included filling in the old courtyard, as well as adding a culinary arts lab, science prep room and air conditioning in renovated spaces.
DLA Architects brought Soundscape Engineering to the design team to focus on the theatre and music suite and to advise the team with respect to floor-ceiling assemblies, wall partitions, and other interior constructions that determine the sound isolation between interior spaces; to provide recommendations for achieving appropriate noise levels from the HVAC systems; and to assist with selection and location of acoustical room finishes.
The theatre ceiling was opened to increase the physical volume and to allow for catwalks and theatrical lighting; converting the lecture hall style auditorium into a multi-purpose performance space. At the music suite, sound isolation was improved and low ceilings were opened to help control sound levels.
Kankakee School District 111
High School Theatre and Music Suite Renovations
Kankakee, Illinois