High-density planning allows abundant open space

Gilroy Unified School District's new Christopher High School in California opened its first phase this fall. The 1,800-student, 231,000-sf facility was designed with a high-density site plan that allows for both on-site sports fields and undeveloped open space. BCA Architects of Fremont, Calif., with Gilbane Building Companies as CM, collaborated with numerous user groups to plan the two-story, $94.7 million facility with a fan-shaped layout around a large central quad—destined to become the school's social center. The school's gymnasiums are joint-use facilities available for community use; an aquatic center to be built in phase two will also be open to the community.