Planning & Design Meetings World Languages, Schematic Design Meeting 9/30/2009 - MinutesWorld Language Department
Gunn High School
30 September 2009
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GUNN HIGH SCHOOL
Palo Alto Unified School District
MEETING NOTES
DATE: 30 September 2009
SUBJECT: World Language Dept: Schematic Design Meeting No. 1
ATTENDEES: Anne Jensen, Gunn Aimee Lopez, OCMI
Christopher Ades, DLM Erwin Lee, DLM
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the schematic design needs of the World
Language Department. The following are the highlights of the meeting:
1. Chris Ades (CA) presented the new enlarged floor plan with interior elevations,
describing the design parameters and features of the classrooms and office area.
2. The primary focus of the discussion was the interior layout of the rooms. The major
points discussed:
A 24ft. long marker board at the front of the classroom and a 16ft. long at the
back of the classroom is desirable.
There should be tackable wall surfaces where there is no marker board.
The room layout typically has the teaching wall at the opposite end of the entry
door and Anne Jensen (AJ) would like to see all the rooms designed this way.
At Room #2 where there are two walls with windows, AJ wants the south wall to
feature high windows in order to fit a marker board below.
AJ would like to see an AV input box by the teaching wall for convenient plug-in
and interface of all the apparatus used. She noted that the “smart” classrooms
at San Jose State University have this feature.
AJ would like a minimum 8-foot wide projection screen at each classroom and
would prefer them to be electronically operated.
AJ wants lock-down hardware at the entry doors. Classrooms should also have
phones for security. The existing classrooms do not have phones.
3. EL explained that the windows would be operable and that there are different types of
window operation each with positives and negatives.
Due to walking areas adjacent to the windows, project-in or project-out
windows are limited in the distance they can open unless they are above 7’-0”.
Hopper windows (project-in) that are hinged on the bottom and pull-in from the
top are the most common for schools. High windows will require a pole to pull
open and push close.
Hopper windows allow for fixed insect screens.
An inconvenience of hopper windows is that they must be closed in order to
operate window covering such as blinds or shades.
EL suggested that roller shades be used because they can block out light and
views from outside while still maintaining views to from the inside. They
typically can dim the room sufficiently for LCD projectors.
AJ does not currently use shades but could see them as useful.
World Language Department
Gunn High School
30 September 2009
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4. CA indicated that the casework or cabinets in the room would consist of base cabinets
some with open shelves for books and others with doors, and a tall wardrobe cabinet.
The final design, how many of each type, what order, drawers, can be determined at a
later date. AJ preferred to locate cabinets along the hallway wall and two units should
have drawers.
5. AJ said she would review the layouts with departmental staff and ask for their input.
6. The desired finish floor material is linoleum or vinyl tile. AJ noted that carpet is not
desirable due required maintenance and pest infestation.
7. The office wing was discussed and the following issues were addressed:
The Resource Room will need a full-size refrigerator/freezer and a microwave
above the range.
AJ wants more tackable surfaces in the Resource Room.
The Work Room should have lots of cabinets for storage. The copier will be
located at the window wall.
IT will need space, preferable in the Storage Room. Size and location will be
discussed in an upcoming IT meeting.
In the Office Area, AJ would like the IS office along the Conference Room
partitioned off for privacy but a door is not necessary.
AJ like the idea of a landscaped patio with a screen wall.
8. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled to review the modifications discussed today and
to address other areas.
END
Prepared by Christopher Ades of Deems Lewis McKinley. Please advise in writing if you feel that any of the
above items are inaccurate.
cc: Attendees
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