TVT Upper School

Established in 1991, TVT is an existing 21.5-acre K-12 community day school in Irvine, California. This project expands on the original site, bringing the facilities and exterior spaces in-line with today’s 21st century educational and instructional needs. The newly re-imagined campus is a place that inspires, allows for reflection, provides opportunities for exploration, and shares the culture of Israeli people to new generations. Divided into three topographic levels, the school is broken down by grade levels K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

With a curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), the new two-story, 20,000-square-foot STEAM building provides a home for upper grade students. The upper campus STEAM building houses hands-on learning labs, black box, and specialized engineering programs. The upper school quad adjacent to the new building provided: small group pods, an amphitheater and stage, evening performance lighting, lunch terrace, 18-foot-long concrete work bench table and a roof top huddle deck. The quad complements the building programs with diverse spaces for students to meet and explore new ideas.

The integration of arts to the hands-on engineering and maker spaces is a direct response to research that shows these programs increase deeper understanding and promote innovative thinking. The think tank acts as the hub of these lab spaces, allowing for small group discussions and presentations in a focused setting. Flexible learning environments allow for hands-on, project based learning indoors and out, with expansive views of its scenic Southern California community.

Consultants:
Acoustics: Acentech
Irrigation: Sweeney
Fire: Mudry & Associates

Contractor:
DPR Construction