Following our work on the Warwick High School master planning process, Saam developed the design of Pilgrim Comprehensive High school based upon 21st-century learning goals. Large common spaces, such as the Dining and Learning Commons, are designed to be multifunctional spaces, and connect various activities both visually and physically, reducing circulation and achieving a low grossing factor. The school is designed to unify students, provide extended learning areas, and display diverse activities occurring in and around the building. As part of the visioning process, the District articulated a desire to organize classroom spaces within small, non-departmentalized learning communities. This resulted in a design that encourages academic diversity and introduces students to multiple models of learning by integrating vocational, health, art, and music with special education and core academic classes.

Administrative spaces are decentralized and located throughout the facility for greater access and improved observation of communal spaces. Circulation space doubles as both gathering and collaboration space, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the building. A direct connection was created between the gymnasium and the exterior athletic program. The standardized approach to design of the Comprehensive Model High School’s new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, accessibility, code compliance, energy efficiency, and high security systems maximizes maintenance and efficiency throughout each building’s life cycle. Pilgrim High School serves 1,150 students and seats 710 in the auditorium and 1,300 in the gymnasium.