High School Family and Consumer Sciences Lab Renovation
Innovative Facility Design Redefines What Learning Can Be
The renovation of Amery High School’s Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program is a prime example of how a space can be transformed to enhance student learning and engagement. After decades without updates, two outdated spaces were reimagined into four dynamic, multi-functional areas — all within the same footprint.
Through an extensive study and design process, the new layout for FCS improves functionality and supports hands-on learning in food science and careers in the food service industry. The renovated space also serves community organizations and groups, creating opportunities for collaboration and projects that showcase student entrepreneurship, such as a school-based catering business and an online store. With areas dedicated to fabric-related experiences and career exploration, the new learning environment promotes active participation, empowering students to engage with real-world scenarios and deepen their learning. The space also better allows the FCS Leadership Academy to help students earn certifications in leadership, health, food, and childcare.
Empowering Entrepreneurship
Designed with a commercial kitchen, the FCS program enables students to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit through a school-based catering business and online store, where they sell their own creations such as roasted coffee beans and freeze-dried fruits and candies. The kitchen even features a ventilated stone oven, adding to the hands-on learning experience. A commercial dishwashing area
Elevated Learning Spaces
The renovated space provides the infrastucture to allow students to engage with industry-specific equipment, gaining hands-on experience and preparing for careers in textiles, fabric-related fields, and beyond. A merchandising lab was also created to allow FACS students to produce Amery-branded school gear as well as merchandise for other groups.
Client Collaboration
LHB engaged in a collaborative process with key stakeholders to assess user needs and design a functional space that includes ample counter space, tables for lectures, and generous storage, creating an effective and adaptable learning environment.
