Richland Two Institute of Innovation aims to inspire and engage
December 23, 2016
LS3P congratulates Richland School District Two, who celebrated the grand opening of the Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2I2) on November 17. The R2i2, an educational center supporting multigenerational learning, and was built as a design/build partnership between LS3P and MB Kahn Construction Co.
Envisioned as a “fishbowl of learning,” R2i2 is a multi-use learning environment where students, parents, teachers, academic support personnel, community members, and businesses can engage in collaborative educational activities. The program weaves together community resources such as a public library, a lobby with engaging seating areas, a dining area, Richland Two’s District Office, conference spaces with catering kitchen, a shared auditorium, and other educational spaces for both school and community use. A unique two-story learning lab accommodates a variety of programs targeting juniors and seniors from Richland Two’s five high schools, and will offer opportunities for college-level and dual-credit courses as well as certifications in areas such as Apple App Development, Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing, Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Managerial Accounting and Finance, Next Energy and Fuel Cell Engineering, and Entrepreneurship through Mobile and Non-Traditional Food and Service.
Dr. Debbie Hamm, superintendent of Richland Two, said, “Throughout the planning of R2i2, we had great hopes that this new facility would be a spark for innovation, learning and growth in the Northeast Community. Innovative learning is already taking place in the student learning and innovation center at R2i2. Students have created their first prosthetic hand in partnership with a company called Enable in the Computer Aided Design Class. Students in the Next Energy Engineering class are collaborating with students from Senegal to develop solar energy technology for their school in Africa. If that and more can happen in the only first four months after opening, we have a lot to look forward to at R2i2.”
The building’s façade reflects the state-of-the art technology and programs inside, utilizing a combination of vertical metal panel veneers and pre-cast construction to create an high-tech industrial aesthetic. The interior is light-filled and expansive, and the layout is organized around a 36’ high “dividing wall” punctuated by openings which frame views into learning spaces. In the early stages of design, this facility received an AIASC “Unbuilt Award” due to the innovative nature of the project “To be involved with the design of this unique facility has been a real privilege for our LS3P Design Team,” said Mary Beth Sims Branham, LS3P Principal and Columbia Office Leader. “The District’s vision for an inspiring community center has truly been realized.”
R2i2 was also recently awarded Two Globes by the Green Building Institute for environmental sustainability. Sustainable design strategies include high performance HVAC systems, water-conserving fixtures, recycled and local materials where possible, natural lighting and views, LED light sources, and low-e glass. The facility also makes sustainability visible to students with a classroom which demonstrates renewable energy technologies such as fuel cells, and which is powered by its own photovoltaic array.
About Richland School District Two:
Richland School District Two is the largest school district in the Midlands area of South Carolina and one of the fastest-growing in the state. We serve more than 27,000 pre-K through 12th grade students in 40 schools and centers: 19 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools, four magnet centers, one child development center and one alternative school. A district of choice, where every school is a great choice, Richland Two offers 37 magnet programs catering to the individual interests and needs of our learners. The district also has an adult, continuing and technology education center and a charter high school. Our 20th elementary school Jackson Creek Elementary is scheduled to open in August 2017.
About LS3P: Founded in 1963, LS3P was named Southeast Design Firm of the Year for 2014 by Engineering News Record (ENR). A design firm with regional roots and national reach, LS3P operates from its eight offices in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Savannah, providing architecture, interiors, and planning services. LS3P is deeply committed to the communities in which it serves, and has been honored with over 490 design awards in diverse practice areas. For more information on LS3P, visit www.ls3p.com.
