The new Turlock High School Science building is the most prominent building on campus and the first new construction project at the school in more than 50 years. It will serve as a face for the high school. The District’s goal was to develop a new science building that would usher the high school into the future of education yet still pay homage to the longstanding history of the campus and community it has served. The new 35,712 SF Science building includes teaching spaces for Agriculture Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The design developed by Darden Architects strengthens the appearance of horizontality through clever use of a long and detailed louver installation along the west elevation. The louver is baked painted aluminum panels placed in a pattern of the DNA code of a bulldog, which is the school’s mascot. There are several unique and thoughtful design elements on the interior of the building as well. The building includes 12 teaching stations, department offices, and a shared collaboration space for the teaching staff and students. Glazing and transparency is a large element in the design. Darden Architects wanted to put the educational program on display and create an active environment that would serve as a catalyst for school community and advanced learning.