Created through a partnership between local industry and the Charleston County School District, the West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies serves as a key driver in addressing the community’s workforce development needs, providing dynamic instruction within the career and technology curriculum. This secondary school offers a range of specialized programs to educate and train students in key industries, including mechatronics, digital and traditional welding, automotive technology, allied health sciences, audio-visual production, cybersecurity, engineering, and industrial design. These programs are enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities, including multimedia digital spaces, maker labs, and 21st-century learning environments, which support diverse teaching methods and provide flexibility throughout the learning process. The Center also integrates industry spaces within an educational setting and ensures flexibility for evolving educational methods. With sustainable materials and advanced mechanical systems, the school provides an efficient and adaptable learning environment. While the building’s architecture is simple and efficient in planning, its design re-interprets the typology of the traditional Southern side porches by creating a canopy over a public green plaza, creating a hub for students, community and industry events. The facility exemplifies a modern approach to vocational education, fostering essential skills for the future workforce while serving as a community landmark.

Design: Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
Photography: Keith Isaacs