Submitted by DLR Group

This contemporary campus for 1,000 students unites the Kingman area’s unique Route 66 history with the need for modern technology and collaborative learning. Two buildings – an administration and classroom wing on the west side and an arts, physical education and food service building on the east side – surround a central student commons courtyard.

The exterior of the media center takes cues from classic automobile design using slick curves, two-tone paint and shiny-metal accents. Signage also reflects Route 66 style; hallways come to life as a canvas for super-graphics that inspire pride in the students. Sustainable elements include sun screens, recycled materials and native landscaping. Every classroom receives natural daylighting.

The judges were impressed that this fun-looking school came in nearly $1 million under budget.

Owner: Kingman Unified School District
General Contractor: CORE Construction Services of Arizona
Architect/Landscape: DLR Group
Associate Architect: Michael Taylor Architects
Engineers: DLR Group; Mohave Engineering Associates
Subcontractors: Desert Construction; L.R. Cowan Concrete; Sun Valley Masonry; Amber Steel; Pete King Construction; Big Red Construction; Demers Glass; Arizona Verde Fire Protection; Craig Plumbing; Swisher Heating & A/C; C.R. Wright; Stockbridge Northwest