The “Natural Flow” concept draws inspiration from the spirit, culture, and setting of the dynamic community of Show Low, bringing the beauty of the natural surroundings into the site. Mountains, streams, lakes, and pine forests are metaphorically and aesthetically celebrated on site, connecting to the regional identity.

The campus is designed for an integrated, multidisciplinary curriculum and to allow for maximum flexibility of spaces. Within the interior of the buildings, most walls are moveable, allowing easy reconfiguration of spaces to address various learning needs. The use of glass and exterior wood screens on building facades blur the lines between spaces and create a free-flowing, open environment.

The primary circulation path is a raised boardwalk running along a riparian corridor, metaphorically representing Show Low Creek corridor and named “Aspen Creek.” The sinuous path leads users through the campus among lush vegetation, with woodsy bridge crossings, overlooks, seating areas, and natural exploratory areas. To minimize impact on the pristine setting, buildings are designed to function within the existing landscape, creating a lighter footprint on the land. The topography change of the “rim” creates a connection to the area’s geologic history, as well as opportunities for gathering areas and an increased awareness of the region’s natural amenities.

The Nueva School in California served as a major inspiration for the design of this campus concept.

Environmental sustainability principles are taken into account and allow the buildings and land to serve as teaching tools. Solar energy, building orientation, natural light and ventilation, use of recycled and locally harvested building materials, greenroofs for insulation and habitat, rainwater harvesting, and grey water systems will provide long-term cost benefits and promote environmental stewardship.

The limited building footprint allows the public to be educated about environmental sensitivity and takes advantage of the different functions needing to be met on-site.  Greywater harvesting can be enhanced by using water sources such as the fire station run-off and on-site housing water capture. Aspen Creek incorporates bioremidiation techniques to ensure the quality of the water which would eventually empty into Whipple Wash. The maple “ribbon” connects the site with the intermediate school and northern expansion, creating an aesthetically pleasing natural stone path for users to circulate through the site.