Inspiring Master Plan for Upper School Campus

Topa’s Conceptual Design Master Plan for Harker’s Upper School focuses on updating the campus by removing obsolete buildings from the 1950s and replacing them with modern classrooms and student facilities to increase the functionality of the school.

A new student quad anchors the center of the campus. Inspired by dropped flower petals, the organic design is crafted through hardscaped and landscaped areas around circulation paths and seating. The student gathering space is framed on the south by the existing campus and on the north by a new classroom building with a layered roof for ventilation and light. The western side is accessed via a stepped amphitheater that leads traffic directly into the classroom building.

The eastern side of the quad funnels foot traffic from the school to the new student union building. The atrium-style L-shaped building features an abundance of windows and balconies, exterior stairs, and a roof-top garden with roof lines that curve into walls. The vibrant building will house the student government and newspaper and includes a cafeteria with outdoor dining and strategic sun shading to make the space usable year-round.

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