Linberg Simmons will design Bermuda High School’s new Innovation Centre and also its Arts Wing.

BHS announced today that the selection of the architectural firm was part of its $10 million “Leading the Way” campaign, designed to optimise teaching of subjects regarded as especially important in the modern world — namely science, technology, engineering, art and design, and mathematics.

Linberg Simmons will work in collaboration with experts on the design of Steam facilities in designing the Innovation Centre, BHS said. The same team will design the Arts Wing, to be created from renovated space in an existing building on the BHS Campus.

The BHS Innovation Centre will be a 14,000 square-foot facility with five science labs, including robotics, two computer science labs, a design and creation space or Fab Lab, an Entrepreneurship Centre and a Digital Media Library and Resource Centre.

“In addition, a Leadership Centre for Girls will be housed in the Innovation Centre with a leadership initiative to be piloted at BHS, and then opened up to girls across Bermuda, so that they can hone those skills that great leaders possess,” BHS said in a statement.

The Arts Wing at BHS will combine music, drama and visual arts into one building, allowing for better collaboration. This renovated space will include three new visual arts studios, including ceramics and digital art, improved music classrooms and practice rooms, a drama studio and a black box theatre.

“The new buildings and programmes will further enhance the School’s already excellent reputation and strengthen our ability to attract students and faculty well into the future,” said Linda Parker, head of school. “The combination of Linberg Simmons and their Steam design consultants is the perfect team to execute the transformation of the BHS campus by designing the Innovation Centre and Arts Wing.

“They are recognised for their design excellence and ability to create facilities that are also functional. We look forward to starting the design process.”

Linberg Simmons is pleased to be part of a project for a school that has a history of excellence and being forward-thinking.

“The Bermuda High School is almost 125 years old, and steeped in tradition, but it is clear that the leadership at the school is committed to ensuring their students are well prepared for the future.” said Gary Simmons of Linberg Simmons. “The right learning environment is key in this process and we look forward to delivering just that.”

The school says its Steam facilities will “broaden the potential for a wider educational experience, not only for current and future BHS students, but also for others in the community.”

BHS points out that more girls are needed in the fields of science and engineering in particular and that “the skills gained from a Steam-infused education are the skills that employers consider essential”.

“These are the ability to think both critically and creatively, to be collaborative and communicate effectively, to analyse problems and to come up with innovative solutions.”

BHS said fundraising efforts had already generated $7.5 million towards the overall $10 million goal, with companies, foundations and individual donors still being approached.

Anyone wishing to learn more should visit www.leadingtheway.bm or call BHS at 295-6153