Students in this high school enjoy views of the nearby Catalina Mountains. Arizona’s climate and geography posed important site design guidelines. To temper the desert heat, buildings are positioned east to west with shaded windows and openings to the north and south. Students travel throughout three sectors via a ramada, or outdoor main street. The central Learning Resource Center is surrounded by classrooms. Adjacent to it are indoor and outdoor dining and student commons areas. The nearby auditorium and gymnasium are also utilized by the community. The school’s multi-textured masonry exterior accented in cool colors complements the region’s Aztec heritage. In all, thoughtful design resulted in a facility that works for the students, the community, and the environment. Associated firm: GLHN Architects & Engineers