South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities
Greenville, SC
When South Carolina’s Governor Richard W. Riley issued the Executive Order establishing the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities more than 25 years ago, he planted the seed for innovative and dynamic education and training for South Carolina’s young artists. In 1999, the state’s longtime vision for a world-class, 21st century school became a reality. Britt, Peters and Associates, which provided structural design services for the seven-building campus, was recognized for its role in the $20-million Governor’s School facility program with the prestigious Engineering Excellence Award presented by the Consulting Engineers of South Carolina.
The main challenge for Britt Peters was to design a structural system – for a multifaceted high school with multiple buildings – in keeping with demanding budget and schedule restraints. Britt Peters responded with innovative thinking. The use of hollow-core planking on load-bearing masonry and steel beams brought the project to completion on schedule and under budget. The scope of work included classrooms, faculty offices, dining hall, library, science lab, gymnasium, music practice and performance space, visual arts studios, art gallery, dance hall, black box theater, amphitheater, distance learning classrooms, fitness center and a 5,000-square-foot residence hall.
The school’s architectural design is based on the planning concepts proven successful in European village design. The buildings respect the natural and historic features inherent in the site while creating outdoor pedestrian-oriented spaces to foster social interaction between students and master artists. While building on the lessons of the past, the school focuses on the technology of the future with over 50 interactive distance learning technology sites throughout the campus, which is reminiscent
of a Tuscan village. The grounds feature a courtyard with fountains, gardens and sculptures.
Sited on 8.5 acres along the Reedy River in the historic West End of downtown Greenville, the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is a residential public high school offering a complete academic curriculum and pre-professional training for artistically gifted high school juniors and seniors from throughout South Carolina. Areas of study include creative writing, dance, drama, music and visual arts. In addition, the school serves as a distance learning resource for South Carolina high schools and offers summer arts programs.
