An Award-Winning Space to Put Learning and Gathering at the Center
We are proud to celebrate and share our award-winning cafeteria and commons project as part of a larger modernization effort at Lyons Township High School’s South Campus. The project’s primary purpose was to centralize the gathering area, formerly isolated in a corner of the campus. The scope included new and renovated spaces for students, along with AV systems designed and installed by HAV.Design in collaboration with DLA Architects.
Groundwork for a Brighter Future
As part of its multi-year modernization plan, “Groundwork for a Brighter Future,” Lyons Township High School District 204 began a series of improvements to its South Campus. Phase 1 included a new cafeteria and commons space, along with renovated music rooms designed to better support students and staff.
A Space for Everyone
The project included AV systems throughout the commons, learning stairs, band, choir and orchestra rooms, as well as breakout rooms, the staff lounge and flex rooms. Large-format displays, projectors, wireless presentation tools and integrated sound systems give staff and students flexible ways to share information, present to groups and play audio. Touch panels provide straightforward control in larger shared spaces, while individual rooms have simple local controls for everyday use.
The Challenge of Centralizing
With the commons serving as a central gathering space for students that they would actually use to congregate, the AV systems needed to support more than one type of activity. The space had to accommodate everything from informal collaboration to presentations, study, and larger school functions. HAV.Design integrated large-format displays, a projection system, zoned audio and wireless presentation tools, with touch panels that make it easy for staff to manage the technology. The result is a flexible system that can adapt to the needs of the space throughout the school day.
A Success
The project was a great success. The cafeteria and commons addition has since received national recognition as an Outstanding Project in Learning by Design magazine’s 2026 awards program. HAV.Design is proud to have contributed alongside the talented team at DLA Architects to a project supporting learning, collaboration and connection across the school.
If your school or organization is planning a renovation or looking to improve its AV systems, contact us at tim@hav.design or 616.836.1776 to discuss your project.
Recent Comments