Boys Town Education Center

Since opening in 1948, Boys Town High School has provided safe and inspiring learning experiences for its students – a dream that began when Father Flanagan founded this town over 100 years ago. The goal of their new 110,000 SF Education Center is to create stimulating learning environments for at risk youth, serving 450 students in grades 4-12. The student body at Boys Town is unique. Nationally, approximately 25% of students have experienced some kind of trauma in their life. At Boys Town, nearly every student has experienced trauma in their life. We knew that the design needed to reflect the needs of these students to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for all. The space is also designed with educators in mind so they can support their students effectively and safely. Trauma-Informed Design recognizes the emotional power the built environment has to positively impact an individual’s life experiences. Boys Town is a treatment center for youth placed through the Juvenile Justice System, State Family Services Departments, or families seeking help from across the United States. Creating a space that truly encompasses the principles of Trauma-Informed Design was at the forefront of this facility, fostering safety and belonging for each student, teacher, and caregiver. Users are guided through the space by protected views into nature providing a connection to the outdoors. These powerful moments offer stress reduction and daylight access necessary for healing, while ensuring safety. Building on those primary principles, calming finishes in natural soft colors and textures were applied throughout, creating collaboration areas and classrooms that are true sanctuaries. At an education center where students are more prone to harm themselves or others, student movement - particularly in stairwells - was a unique design challenge. Six-foot-high glass railings were designed throughout with the addition of floor-to-ceiling glass walls on the top floor providing safety and security while maintaining critical site lines for staff supervision of student movement. To enhance a sense of ownership of their space, students were engaged in designing the tile patterns that playfully adorn the walls at pivotal connection points, reminding them of the agency they have in their choices. A monumental art installation designed by a local artist in collaboration with students gracefully embellishes the focal wall of the Media Center – bestowing an uplifting affirmation that their faith-based journey in life has no boundaries. This truly transformative environment where youth can not only learn with dignity but thrive and are given new purpose, agency, and a strong sense of belonging requires extra considerations that Trauma Informed Design actualizes for each unique occupant. Allowing these youth an opportunity to heal and grow in body, mind, and spirit is the embodiment of Boys Town’s founding father, Father Flanagan, and is represented today in their built environment.