STEAM Learning Center

Full STEAM ahead for what was a former high school basement space.

The District stakeholders’ vision was to remake a dingy high school basement space into a high-tech science, technology and math lab. Our common goal was to improve Groton students’ sagging attendance and academic performance. The resulting Groton STEAM Learning Center has been transformative for the district’s students and staff but also enticing to the region’s citizens, local businesses and colleges.

The multi-purpose space—complete with a photo, video, and music-editing studio—will be used for a variety of educational programs that are industry-aligned, including: building trades, computer science, engineering & electronics, agriculture technology, and communications & media arts. A former dreary lower level is now a colorful, sun-lit, biophilia-influenced lounge fitted with high-tech accoutrements of learning: enhanced video screens, work stations, adaptable furniture, and flexible spaces

Nearly every surface is a writing surface, including the glass walls that surround enclose the space, to encourage spontaneous creativity and ideation. The STEAM Learning Center’s floor plan features transparent and flexible spaces of varying sizes. This mirrors the design of contemporary higher-education and corporate office environments which encourage independent work as well as spontaneous collaboration, skills that students need to develop to be successful in the 21st-century.