Cardinal Gibbons High School is a private college preparatory school with an enrollment of 1,236 students. The school was built in 1998, and in 2009 RATIO was commissioned to significantly expand the school, with a focus on the arts, athletics, and both traditional and non-traditional learning spaces.
A master planning effort focused on creating stronger connectivity between learning spaces and outdoor gathering, and establishing an academic quadrangle that strengthens the campus identity.
With the notion that all circulation spaces should enhance collaboration and community, social and study spaces were developed for the entrance commons. The expansion allowed for the addition of a black box theater, a new gym, support spaces and learning commons in multiple locations throughout the school. The new classroom addition is organized around a commons area, both indoors and outdoors, providing access to fresh air and natural light.