Nixon, Nevada

This 43,000 s.f Jr/Sr high school, completed in 2000, was designed to respect and honor both the traditions and culture of the Pyramid Lake Tribe and the geography where they live. The design incorporates a 40 foot pyramidal skylight over the main gathering space which divides the academic wing from the sports and industrial arts wing.

The pyramid skylight covers the commons area and is the heart of the building. It is intended to invoke an image of the essence of Pyramid Lake. The building axis through the main entry, pyramid skylight, and amphitheater aligns with the pyramid rock and the "Earth Mother" in Pyramid Lake. The emphasis of the overall design is to assist the students and the Pyramid Lake Tribe in the quest to be reminded of who they are and where they live. The hope is that the school will provide an environment which will encourage stories about the history of the Tribe and this beautiful Pyramid Lake natural setting.

The circular access road around the school is to symbolize the circle of unity. The cardinal points of the compass (north, east, southand west) are reflected by markers in the amphitheater. The sacred direction of East is marked within the traffic circle at the main building entry with a place for the east direction marker.