As part of Goals 2000, an ambitious program to upgrade the District of Troy’s schools with new technology, School #12 doubled its computer lab capacity, going from one technology room to two with all new wiring and top of the line computer equipment including digital cameras and CD writers. The whole building has been wired, and the school is tied into the other schools in the district via a WAN.
Amy Pressman, the Interior Designer, described the project as “a conversion of typical classrooms into electronic learning environments. The challenge was to find lighting, furniture and equipment with electric and cable that were safe and easy to use.” On the other hand, the computer lab manager noted, “I am particularly happy with the tables because no
mouse pads are required, they are easy to clean and durable. The wiring fits neatly behind a metal shelf where the students cannot see it, but it is still easily accessible with the turn of a knob when I need to get to it. Everything is solid and secured down so we find very few things missing or damaged.”
Other Challenges
Amy Pressman reflected “this was a difficult project because the spaces were not ready when promised, which is typical in school construction. Jim Quinn went to great pains to accommodate the moving schedule, and in the end he got the job done. We only had three months, and it never goes to plan.”
