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photos: stantec architecture Steinbach Regional Secondary by Angela Altass S teinbach Regional Secondary School in Steinbach, Manitoba has under- gone some exciting changes, includ- ing the addition of a new wing. "This project has gone remarkably well considering it involves an addition to the existing building," says Randy Dueck, superintendent/ CEO, Hanover School Division. "Over 1,300 students have been going to school for the last two years right beside the construction zone and we've had zero issues with school and construction happening at the same time. We've been absolutely delighted with the design. We've been delighted with the construction crews that have been working on it and we just feel great about what we have here." The expansion of the school enables Grade 9 students to be included as part of the high school. "In Manitoba, high school is Grades 9 to 12 but some of our Grade 9 students were in our middle year schools and so now we're able to move them right where they belong, into high school so their Grade 9 to 12 experience is all in the same build- ing, and that's very significant for us," says Dueck. As a result of the $40-million proj- ect, vocational learning opportunities have been expanded for the Steinbach students. "We've had an expansion in building construction, auto body and welding," says Dueck. "We've been able to expand the floor space and provide new, better facilities for these voca- tional learning areas." The project enables the creation of some new areas in the school, including a 70-seat daycare. "We have a great new gym so we actually have two full-size gyms in this school now," says Dueck. "We've got a fantastic new cosmetology department with its own salon where people come from outside into our cos- metology area." There will also be a coffee space that will be run by culinary students. "When clients come in to the cosmetology department, they can get coffee at the coffee space and just gather around and relax right within the school setting," says Dueck. "We've got a new multi- purpose area too that allows students to either eat there or have some classes in there." There is an outdoor learning centre that has been designed as a gather- ing space for up to 200 students. "The learning centre displays a number of mathematical ordering systems in the physical geometry of the plaza and in the plant selection of the garden," says Robyn Gibson, HTFC Planning & Design. "These mathematical systems can be found in art, music, architecture and in nature," says Gibson. The vision for the school site was to provide functional and comfortable spaces for a variety of experiences. "During the design process we consid- ered the different ways in which stu- dents would want to gather and meet, different needs for different age groups, spaces for formal assembly and spaces for quiet learning opportunities," says Gibson. "Due to the need for toughness and durabilit y, t ypical institutional materials, such as concrete, asphalt and 62/ october 2014 Steinbach regional Secondary School Canada Millwork.indd 1 14-09-18 2:43 PM

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