Designing for the Future of STEM Education
Detroit Catholic Central High School is preparing its students for the future with a state-of-the-art facility for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The Hall of Science features cutting-edge technology and versatile spaces designed to enable innovation, exploration and hands-on learning. NBS helped to bring their vision to life with durable floorcoverings and forward-thinking furnishings that support their learning mission.
The George and Mary Turek Hall of Science was funded through a $35 million private donation. The new wing adds 57,000 square feet of STEM learning space, including eight dedicated science labs, a FIRST Robotics competition area, an observatory, a greenhouse, a 130-seat immersive lecture hall, an esports facility and specialized spaces for engineering, fabrication and 3D printing.
NBS worked alongside the architecture firm, IDS and J.S. Vig Construction to provide furnishings and floorcoverings for the project. The environment needed to be both highly functional and visually appealing. It was important to school leaders that the new wing fit aesthetically with their existing facility and maintain the same high standards in both architectural design and interiors. At the same time, flooring and furnishings needed to be durable, practical and versatile to support a range of activities.
Furniture choices were informed by the need for flexibility. Steelcase Verb tables and rolling Shortcut chairs in the labs can be easily reconfigured for different activities. A large computer lab features comfortable high-performance seating and ample workspace for computer-based projects. One corner of the room is designed specifically for esports, with futuristic gaming chairs. In the faculty lounge, a conversation nook with soft seating and large island create a welcoming and collegial space.
Over 23,000 square feet of Nora rubber flooring was selected in computer and STEM labs due to ease of maintenance, resistance to wear, long-lasting and quiet underfoot. Carpet was installed in administration areas and collaboration spaces. A standout is the Italian imported bluestone stairwell that adds beauty and character to the building. Colors are soft neutrals throughout, with browns, greys and the occasional pop of blue. NBS Floorcovering Solutions provided guidance on finishes and material choices and was able to help expedite shipping to stay on schedule.
NBS was chosen in large part due to our extensive experience in designing educational spaces. Partnering with IDS, we helped school officials navigate the options and make the best selections for each learning space. The result is an environment that is not only comfortable, but also made to support a wide range of STEM learning activities and stand up to the rigors of messy experimentation and creation.
The Hall of Science fulfills a dream for the donor and school leaders: to create a world-class STEM learning facility that will attract top students and prepare them for some of the fastest-growing career paths in the 21st century, from aviation to 3D manufacturing. Ed Turek, the current president of Catholic Central High School, says, “It’s going to be the state-of-the-art facility that everyone will talk about.”
Learn more about Detroit Catholic Central High School: catholiccentral.net/
