Small Town, Big Changes

A community in rural Eminence, Kentucky raised $6 million to give their old school a complete makeover.

With only about 20% of their graduating students continuing to post-secondary, Superintendent Buddy Berry knew a change had to be made.

“At Eminence schools we were doing 21st century learning in a 19th century building," Berry reflected. “Our school was rundown; enrollment was declining; test scores had dropped. We needed to do something drastic in order to transform the school.”

---

Simply put, the space is absolutely phenomenal. It is innovative, open, unique, and an overall incredible architecture project.

The Experimental Davinci Hybrid Ultra Biblotheca (EDhub) was intentionally designed to be core of the building. The Core showcases high ceilings, an abundance of natural light and endless windows which creates a sense of community.

“Kids flourish in an environment where there aren’t any barriers”.

- Kerri Holder, Robotics and Engineering teacher

Eminence schools and their transformation of traditional learning spaces impressed me immensely because its physical features are so different from traditional schools. The buildings unique innovative components include:

• A circular hallway design allowed for natural flow around the Core.

• Writable and movable walls which encourage collaboration

• At the library students are able to check out power tools and laser cutters in addition to traditional books

• Huge windows that allow for maximum natural light to infiltrate the space

Photographs source

"It’s transforming learning because of the collaboration skills that they learn. They’re building, creating, designing, constructing. All the skills that you would use in the workplace.”

- Sherry Curtsinger, Assistant Principal on how the EDhub space influences students' education

The above quote reflects one of today's educational goals of creating students who harbour an entrepreneurial spirit.

Photographs source