Enhancing Now Envisioning Futures
High Schools

Learning Resource Centers

Libraries are transforming into 21st century learning commons: information centers that enable students to research, test, tinker, collaborate, and present their findings to their peers. STR designs new learning commons and renovates existing 20th century libraries to embody the principles of 21st century education. Features often include large and small group rooms, collaborative project counters, booth tables, story studios, reading nests, tinkering studios, media production rooms with green screens, design labs, stages, and project studios. We equip each learning resource center with state-of-the-art technology to help students and teachers easily and quickly conduct research and share information.

Central Elementary School

  • Wilmette PSD 39
  • Wilmette, IL
  • 5,700-sf learning commons renovation inserted into a traditional classroom wing, allowing for reconversion of spaces back to classrooms, if needed
  • Features include reading nests, media studio with green screen, tinkering studio, project studio, design lab, planning room, small group rooms, collaborative project counter, genius table, community table/circle, theater, and story studio

Harper Elementary School

  • Wilmette PSD 39
  • Wilmette, IL
  • 3,700-sf expansion and renovation of existing library
  • Features include project studio, story studio with green screen, reading nests, reference desk, small group rooms, and STEAM lab and office

Wilmette Junior High School

  • Wilmette PSD 39
  • Wilmette, IL
  • 7,350-sf renovation of existing learning commons for 7th and 8th graders
  • Features include presentation studio, tinkering lab, storage space, planning rooms, and breakout rooms with glass windows to promote educational transparency

Blackhawk Middle School

  • Bensenville ESD 2
  • Bensenville, IL
  • Renovations to existing learning commons, including media room with green screen, breakout rooms, presentation spaces, large and small group spaces, and individual learning spaces

Tioga & W.A. Johnson Elementary Schools

  • Bensenville ESD 2
  • Bensenville, IL
  • New learning center in replacement school (Tioga)
  • Renovation of existing, 20th century library (Johnson)
  • New learning centers include spaces with soft, moveable furniture and bright colors that encourage student collaboration in small or large groups, as well as individualized learning