Case Study
Forney ISD
The Keith Bell Opportunity Central
The Client
Forney Independent School District outside of Dallas, Texas is as diverse as its curriculum. The district is home to nearly 20,000 students and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members operating out of 20 different schools. The district prides itself on inspiring students through innovative education and strives to create an environment that aims to maximize every student’s potential.
The Need
Forney ISD sought to build a first-of-its-kind educational center that brought the district and community together. Known as The Keith Bell Opportunity Central, the 350,000 square foot project stemmed from Forney’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of its students. From career and college classrooms to a multi-purpose complex and fine arts space, Opportunity Central represented a visionary concept that promised to revolutionize the educational landscape in Texas and beyond.
Forney wanted Opportunity Central to be a multifaceted facility serving all learners, from the district’s youngest to oldest, as well as members of the community. Featuring everything from an early childhood learning center to local retailers, Opportunity Central was truly meant to be a one-stop shop for the Forney community.
At its core, Opportunity Central goes beyond traditional education. Administrators wanted a dynamic space where students could run businesses, foster an entrepreneurial spirit, and teach essential real-world skills. It was to be a hub for the arts, nurturing creativity and self-expression, and a multipurpose complex adapted to the evolving needs of the community it serves.
Within the revolutionary space, administrators at Forney ISD included Opportunity Central Junior, designed for early childhood education and development. OC Junior is a scaled-down replica of the larger Opportunity Central. OC Junior includes a play-based learning environment and a large indoor playground designed to engage young learners in an immersive space.
In an era where education must adapt to the rapid pace of change, Opportunity Central was to represent a beacon of innovation and become a testament to Forney ISD’s dedication to inspiring and empowering future generations.
The Solution
Exploration Zones by Exhibit Concepts® was tasked with helping design and create Opportunity Central Junior in collaboration with Huckabee, the architectural firm responsible for the overall project. Exhibit Concepts had worked with Huckabee on several school projects prior to OC Junior. Building upon this past relationship, Exhibit Concepts and Huckabee drew inspiration from the Forney, Texas community and portions of Opportunity Central designed for its secondary education students. The final OC Junior plan included several play-based learning spaces focusing on a variety of vocations. Designs were modeled after a health clinic, retail business, construction site, grocery store, automotive mechanic, produce stand, and coffee shop. The thoughtful space was laid out to replicate a town square. At the center of this hub was a large area for additional play-based education activities and a transitional space to the nearby large indoor playground.
Elements of the design were inspired by the local community and the Opportunity Central project. The town water tower was added to graphic murals as well as various scenery from across the Texas landscape. The immersive environment acted as an extension of the children’s local environment and invited them to explore the various opportunities available.
Exploration Zones by Exhibit Concepts® fabricated the space to withstand the rigors of young children. From sturdy construction elements that engage students to safe spaces that foster a love for learning, safety, and quality were top of mind.
With Exploration Zones’ thorough management and purposeful design, the collaborative partnership transcended beyond a conventional school build. It provided Forney ISD with a space that genuinely amplifies the potential of every early learner.
The Takeaway
Exploration Zones by Exhibit Concepts® listens and understands what clients want in their educational spaces. Whether it’s an immersive classroom or a one-of-a-kind concept that will transform the way schools and communities educate future generations, the Exploration Zones by Exhibit Concepts® team achieves and exceeds expectations. With trusted partnerships and years of experience, Exploration Zones is proud to be at the forefront of educational innovation for generations to come.
